Miami, FL – Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) K9 Gideon died on June 4 after a valiant battle against a medical issue.

The eight-and-one-half-year-old Labrador Retriever began suffering unspecified health problems in March, the MDCR said in a press release on June 9.

K9 Gideon passed away on June 4 “after waging a valiant battle” against his illness, according to his department.

His exact cause of death was not immediately released.

The Columbian-born K9 joined the MDCR in 2016 and was paired with MDCR Officer Karlos Ramos.

“Together, they worked the afternoon shift, protecting our facilities and the community,” the agency noted. “K-9 Officer Gideon assisted in contraband and perimeter searches throughout our facilities, helping to maintain institutional safety and security.”

Officer Ramos spoke fondly about his four-legged partner in the department’s press release.

“I would sometimes leave the center hatch door open for him, to let him be by my side while I drove,” he said. “Every time I stepped out to take care of something, he would sneak into the driver’s seat and wait for me. He would immediately jump back as soon as he would see me [but] I knew he was in the front seat… because my steering wheel would be all wet from his drool.”

Officer Ramos described K9 Gidon as “a gentle giant” who was “full of love” and deeply enjoyed his work.

K9 Gideon quickly became a “tremendous asset” to his department and was known as one of the agency’s most effective K9s, according to the MDCR.

“Gideon is remembered for his intelligence, commitment to the job, and personality,” MDCR Director James Reyes said. “He is also remembered for his numerous contributions to public safety made while performing his duties.”

In addition to conducting nearly 120,000 sniffs during the course of his career, K9 Gideon especially enjoyed interacting with children during various school demonstrations and community events.

“Though K-9 Officer Gideon was with us for only eight years, he leaves behind a legacy that will always be remembered,” the MDCR said. “On behalf of #MDCR, we would like to thank K9 Officer Gideon for his dedication to public service and the law enforcement community.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department and Officer Ramos in the loss of K9 Gideon.