Holly MatkinJanesville, WI – Janesville Police Department (JPD) K9 Fred died on July 19 after battling melanoma for several years, according to his department.
The beloved K9 was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2019, WMTV reported.
“It’s kind of a gut punch, you know?” his human partner, JPD Sergeant Drew Severson, said at the time. “I’m with this dog like I said 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are always together so getting that (news) was really gut-wrenching.”
K9 Fred continued to assist his fellow officers with drug seizures, apprehensions, and public presentations despite his diagnosis, WMTV reported.
The JPD confirmed K9 Fred’s death in a press release on July 20.
“Last evening, K9 Fred served his last day with the Janesville Police Department,” the agency said. “K9 Fred passed peacefully surrounded by officers, the caring staff of the Janesville Animal Medical Center and K9 Fred’s family, Sergeant Drew Severson and his wife Emily.”
K9 Fred joined the JPD in November of 2015.
“Through his disease, he never gave up his drive to serve the community,” the police department noted.
Hundreds of people offered their condolences in response to the JPD’s Facebook announcement regarding the passing of K9 Fred.
“Thank you to Fred, Sergeant Severson and family for your service to our community!” one message read. “Condolences on the loss of Fred! Much gratitude to all!”
“Rest peacefully K9 Fred,” another person wrote. “Thank you so much for your service and protection of your community and your partner and family. I’m so sorry for your loss.”
The JPD held a memorial service for K9 Fred outside police headquarters on July 21, WMTV reported.
A police procession escorted the fallen K9 from the Janesville Animal Medical Center to the police department.
Thank you to all who attended today's procession for K9 Fred. The City greatly appreciates the community's support for the Janesville Police Department. pic.twitter.com/crLIIN7iXa
— City of Janesville (@City_Janesville) July 21, 2022
Janesville Police K9 dies of cancer
😢RIP, Fred. Thanks for your service.
Diagnosed 3 years ago and never gave up
Condolences to Sgt. Severson and the Janesville PDhttps://t.co/QJmuButPzb#BackTheBlue #ThinBlueLine #dogsoftwitter #K9 #police #WaronDrugs #OPLive #OnPatrolLive pic.twitter.com/7i6xhMVpyO— On Patrol K9 (@OnPatrolK9) July 20, 2022
💙🙏🚔🐕🙏💙#BACKTHEBLUE #LIVEPDNATION #OnPatrolNation
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY, SGT SEVERSON
AND THE JANESVILLE PD
ON THE PASSING OF YOUR
K9 FRED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND COURAGE PROTECTING
YOUR COMMUNITY AND BE SAFE OUT THERE. pic.twitter.com/mPm8ekbpQJ— Momma Walden🇺🇸💯 (@OldSchool1919) July 20, 2022
K9 BATTLES CRIME AND CANCER
Tonight at 10, Janesville's K9 Fred is tackling criminals and melanoma. pic.twitter.com/QcGNRA5ogP— WKOW 27 News (@WKOW) August 17, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Janesville Police Department and Sgt. Severson in the loss of K9 Fred.
Sandy Malone
