Holly MatkinEugene, OR – Eugene Police Department (EPD) K9 Cwyk died on Feb. 28 after suffering an incurable medical issue, according to his department.
K9 Cwyk fell ill after a recent training, the EPD said in a press release on March 2.
After a battery of medical tests, veterinarians and the EPD K9 team determined it was best to humanely euthanize the beloved eight-year-old police K9.
He passed away peacefully with his family and human partner, EPD Officer Owen Griffith, by his side.
“After a full day of playing with family and visiting the SWAT team, Cwyk spent his last moments with a full-mouth grip on his beloved bite pillow, his handler rubbing his ears,” the EPD said. “We’ll never forget his joyous spirit.”
K9 Cwyk joined the EPD in 2017.
He and Officer Griffith became a certified team in December of 2018.
“Cwyk and Officer Griffith developed a strong bond immediately,” the EPD said “Their trust – along with Cwyk’s excellent tracking ability – led to a number of patrol apprehensions early in their partnership.”
K9 Cwyk was soon chosen to join the EPD SWAT Unit’s Tactical K9 Team.
“His ability to work amongst SWAT officers in dangerous environments made him an invaluable tool,” the EPD said. “He was ever-present at the SWAT office, playing and jumping on tables and causing general, joyful havoc.”
The department said K9 Cwyk was one of the most talented and successful K9s in EDP’s history.
“Cwyk’s remarkable nose and tireless drive led to dozens upon dozens of captures in the ensuing years,” the agency said. “Nothing deterred him – he once tracked a would-be thief through six inches of snow, and another time helped subdue a barricaded subject in a dangerous, SWAT-related CS-gas environment. His tracking ability became the stuff of police dog legend.”
He made three apprehensions in just 90 minutes during his final days on patrol.
“Cwyk’s work ethic was matched only by his joy,” the EPD said. “When he wasn’t on patrol, he loved chasing birds, swimming, and biting his ever-present toy tire. Cwyk often visited briefings, jamming his tire into officer’s legs, demanding they play with him.”
EPD is grieving the loss of K9 Cywk https://t.co/r0EhiNCPwg pic.twitter.com/fpMm3G5s58
— Eugene Police Dept. (@EugenePolice) March 2, 2023
We are proud to introduce our newest #K9, CWYK (Quick), a 2-year-old German Shepherd who recently completed his 4-week training program and is ready to work! pic.twitter.com/qK0MPUtc9U
— Eugene Police Dept. (@EugenePolice) November 30, 2017
K9 Cwyk assisted in capture of intoxicated RV driver early this morning who fled a traffic stop after causing extensive damage to property throughout neighborhood between Oak Patch and Buck near W 18th Avenue https://t.co/iuyYEjPvMX pic.twitter.com/hjmsIkm2Kh
— Eugene Police Dept. (@EugenePolice) December 15, 2021
Feeling a little bit sore this morning… But still glad I got to share all the good that @EugenePolice K9 Cwyk is doing for the community! @KEZI9 pic.twitter.com/Qar2UtiuBr
— Brady Wakayama (@BradyWakayama) February 15, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Eugene Police Department and Officer Griffith in the loss of K9 Cwyk.
