Holly MatkinClare, MI – Clare Police Department (CPD) K9 Brewster died on Dec. 11, after he escaped from his handler’s yard and was struck by a vehicle.
K9 Brewster, an eight-year-old dual-purpose K9, had just arrived home from an overtime shift shortly before the fatal collision, WWTV reported.
“For some reason he took off and went across the road,” Clare Police Chief Brian Gregory told the news outlet. “When the officer called him back, we’re not sure but for some reason, he was in the roadway and he was struck and killed by vehicle.”
The Czech Republic-born K9 joined the CPD in April of 2014, following a fundraising effort by the Clare Chamber and the Rotary Brewfest, the Clare County Review reported.
Chief Gregory said he personally trained K9 Brewster.
“It’s hard not to get emotional when you talk about it because not only did the handler have that bond with him but I had to bond with the handler and the dog,” Chief Gregory told WWTV. “They were products of me.”
K9 Brewster was teamed up with CPD Officer Tom Francisco, and the duo remained together for the rest of K9 Brewster’s career, the Clare County Review reported.
“He proudly served the people of Clare, Clare County, Isabella County and other surrounding agencies,” the CPD said in a Facebook post on Dec. 12. “He was responsible for numerous criminal apprehensions and took thousands of dollars of illegal drugs off our streets. He also touched many lives when he visited our schools and senior centers.”
“Keep the Francisco family, and the law enforcement community in your thoughts and prayers,” the department requested. “Rest In Peace Warrior. We have the watch.”
CPD held a procession and memorial service to honor K9 Brewster’s service on Dec. 12, the Clare County Review reported.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Clare Police Department and Officer Francisco in the loss of K9 Brewster.