Colorado Springs, CO – Colorado Springs Police K9 Remme died from a spinal injury sustained while he was on duty.

K9 Remme was playing with his partner, Officer A. Genta, during his nightly break at about 2 a.m. on July 13 when he suddenly collapsed in pain.

He was rushed to the emergency veterinary hospital where the doctors determined that the police dog had a tear in his spinal column that had paralyzed him.

The injury was so extensive that K9 Remme had to be euthanized, KRDO reported.

K9 Remme was born on April 20, 2013 in Holland, and the moved to the United States.

The Belgian Malinois served the Colorado Springs Police Department with distinction for three-and-a-half years, according to a tweet by the agency.

During his career in law enforcement, K9 Remme responded to 478 calls for service with his handler.

K9 Remme, who was certified in both patrol work and narcotics detection, was part of 42 tactical operations with the Colorado Springs PD’s Tactical Enforcement Unit.

He made 43 arrests/finds, and was credited with having taken more than $1.7 million in narcotic drugs off the street.

K9 Remme had also participated in 33 police K9 demonstrations for the public.

The police dog was the first Colorado Springs PD K9 recipient of a special bullet- and stab-proof vest from the organization Vested Interest in K-9s in 2015, KRDO reported. His vest was sponsored by a citizen from Falcon.

K9 Remme and his handler had been featured in the police department’s K9 calendar.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Colorado Springs Police Department and Officer Genta in the loss of K9 Remme.