Holly MatkinNew Berlin, WI – New Berlin Police Department (NBPD) K9 Condor died on May 17 after a battle against terminal cancer.
The 11-and-one-half-year-old K9 was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma in September of 2022, but he remained on the force and continued to serve his community until his death, the NBPD said in a press release.
“Condor’s love for his work and drive allowed him to continue to work while bravely battling this terminal cancer,” the department said. “A little-known fact about Condor is that he loved his work so much, he never missed a day of work during his 10 years with the NBPD, even throughout his battle with cancer.”
K9 Condor was on duty on May 17 when he suddenly “began bleeding internally during what would be his final deployment,” the police department said.
He was rushed to the Wisconsin Veterinary Referral Center-Waukesha, where he remained while his family, friends, and coworkers came to say goodbye.
K9 Condor “passed peacefully in the arms of his handler, Sergeant JJ Ament, and his wife,” the NBPD said.
The department said Sgt. Ament often referred to the beloved K9 as his best friend and said he “was always thankful for the love and protection that Condor, as a beloved member of the family, gave to his wife.”
The duo began working together in the spring of 2013.
Condor was trained in firearms detection, drug detection, suspect apprehension, and evidence/article searches.
“K9 Condor showed a special skill in his tracking abilities,” the police department noted. “During Condor’s career, he had 1,163 deployments that resulted in the arrest of 385 people and the apprehension of 82 subjects.”
The highly-decorated K9 also assisted nearly every law enforcement agency in and around Waukesha County during his 10 years of service.
“K9 Condor’s service, no doubt, has made an impact and made the world a better place,” the NBPD said. “Please keep Sergeant Ament and his family in your thoughts during this difficult time, as they will miss Condor’s love the most.”
K9 Condor was laid to rest on May 26.
Our recruits were checked up on by a visiting instructor a few weeks ago. K9 Condor from New Berlin PD looks like he approves of the accommodations on campus, including our soon-to-be new home in the W-Building. Watch for K9 classes coming this Spring! @NewBerlinPolice pic.twitter.com/9SzsmrtoXg
— WCTC Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement (@JusticeWCTC) November 19, 2020
:: In October, we introduced you to New Berlin Police K9 Condor and his partner Sgt. JJ Ament.
Condor was fighting terminal cancer — and was determined to keep working.
Two days ago, Condor lost his battle.
Thank you for your service, Condor… and for being a very good dog. pic.twitter.com/HmlXFtb0EC
— Steve Chamraz (@TMJ4Steve) May 20, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the New Berlin Police Department and Sgt. Ament in the loss of K9 Condor.
Sandy Malone
