North Canaan, CT – Connecticut State Police K9 Erol passed away unexpectedly on Apr. 13.

K9 Erol and his handler, Trooper First Class Lance Carlson, graduated from the Connecticut State Police K9 Academy in May of 2015, the agency said in a Facebook post.

The duo served with North Canaan’s Troop B, where K9 Erol assisted with building searches, evidence recovery, tracking, apprehension, obedience, and obstacles.

On Apr. 20, the Troop B troopers were joined by officers from the Department of Corrections, Bridgeport, East Hampton, Greenwich, Norwich, Old Saybrook, Fairfield, Montville, and Milford, to honor K9 Erol with a memorial service.

During the gathering, Trooper Carlson was presented with a shadow box in commemoration of K9 Erol’s service, the department said.

“Whether tracking a suspect, conducting a search for a lost child, or making children smile during a K9 demonstration we can all be grateful for the service that K9 Erol provided the citizens of Connecticut and he will surely be missed,” the state police said. “Our thoughts are with Tfc. Carlson during this difficult time and we will not forget the great work of K9 Erol.”

Many people extended their condolences online, and hailed K9 Erol’s service to the community.

“My deepest condolences to K9 Erol and to Trooper Lance Carlson and the Carlson family,” Mary Janco said in a Facebook post. “I know Lance and have met Erol, they were more than just a dog and handler doing a job. They had a wonderful love and respect for each other, both on the job and off the clock. Thank you for your outstanding service Erol and Rest In Peace.”

“He will be terribly missed, he truly was an amazing dog/officer,” Sharon Oldenburg wrote. “You and Lance made great partners.”

“Thank you for your service Trooper,” Robert Truken posted. “May you always bark with the best. Condolences to the rest of the CSP family.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Connecticut State Police in the loss of K9 Erol.