Holly MatkinRedding, CA – Redding Police Department (RPD) K9 Hank died on July 9, following a brief battle with what was believed to have been an aggressive cancer, according to his department.
The two-and-one-half-year-old German shepherd was born in the Czech Republic on Sep. 16, 2017, the Record Searchlight reported.
“Hank and his handler, Officer Chris Kofford, had only been working together since April, 2019, but together they had a huge impact on the community and members of the department,” the RPD said in a Facebook post on July 13.
K9 Hank had a “good nature and fun personality” that brought joy to everyone around him, the RPD said.
“His hard working attitude made him highly effective in supporting patrol officers in their duties,” the department noted. “Over his brief career, Hank was utilized over 150 times for building or area searches, high risk car stops, article searches, or as a force option. Hank assisted in taking 75 people safely into custody, including six violent criminal apprehensions.”
K9 Hank was honored with a “final ride” police procession to the pet cemetery on July 13, RPD Sergeant Chris Smyrnos told the Record Searchlight.
“For us, he’s part of our law enforcement family,” Sgt. Smyrnos said. “Anytime anyone in law enforcement passes away, we mourn…He served us well for the short time he was here and he was a great dog.”
The RPD thanked Dr. Jennifer Powers Maples and the staff at Above and Beyond Animal Care “for their dedication, care, and compassion in treating Hank.”
Passing of K9 Hank https://t.co/IXtJzIzVjX It is with great sadness we announce the untimely passing of K9 Hank. pic.twitter.com/7qwCFbsvSW
— Redding Police Dept. 🚔 (@ReddingPolice) July 13, 2020
Redding Police arrest violent offender with help from K-9 Hank https://t.co/fDYLyJngRy pic.twitter.com/qS9cciNKIo
— Redding Police Dept. 🚔 (@ReddingPolice) May 25, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Redding Police Department and Officer Kofford in the loss of K9 Hank.
