In every precinct and station, there’s always a service dog that’s loved by many.

K9 units are one of the most enduring symbols of how man and beast came together to serve a purpose bigger than their selves. As we hunted together, that symbiotic dynamic evolved into protecting communities, no matter the danger.

From bomb-sniffing, drug detection, and locating missing persons, K9 units continuously prove that they are reliable, loving, and loyal. And so, if one of them crosses the Rainbow Bridge, a community grieves with the station.

A couple of weeks back, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to K9 Bear.

They changed their profile picture to a German shepherd dog with the line “K9 Officer Bear, EOW 11/28/2021” written underneath.

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office announces the sudden passing of K9 Bear,” the sheriff’s office wrote on their Facebook page.

K9 Officer Bear has served his community with distinction.

In their post, they described Bear’s immense contribution to the community saying that he served Ocean County “fearlessly and with a tremendous amount of loyalty.”

K9 Officer Bear was handled by Sheriff’s Officer Christine Casullo. Bear is one of the station’s K9 Officers alongside 10 other dogs.

Their team included 3 bloodhounds, 2 narcotics detection dogs, 3 explosive detection dogs, 1 arson detection dog, 1 patrol unit, and a cadaver dog.

K9 Officer Bear will always be remembered for his service.

“Over his 5 years with the department, Bear was responsible for numerous explosive sweeps in County as well as assisting various State & Federal Task Forces.” Their Facebook obituary said.

Not only that but Bear was also included in the Sheriff’s Office’s community engagement projects. Bear constantly appear in their page to greet people in his bunny costume during Easter Sunday.

He also joins Fiona in public service messages like not leaving your pets in cars. He also wishes people well during Thanksgiving weekends and even on the first day of school.

He also has a recent case where he performed a bomb sweep at a local school. His less dangerous mission also included assisting his handler, Officer Casullo, and a local organization in feeding the community.

The community was heartbroken with their loss.

Commenters flocked on their post to send their condolences together with messages of gratitude for K( Officer Bear’s stellar service.

His impact on the community he served stands as a testament to his five years of service with the department.

We hope that the department finds comfort in the people who loved Bear as much as they did, especially Officer Casullo who worked with him throughout his service.

He might not walk the streets of his community anymore, but he still stays in the hearts of its members.

You did a great job in serving and protecting your people, K9 Officer Bear. The streets of heaven are now a bit more crowded with another angel up there.

Rest well up there, good boy.

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Source: Ocean County Sheriff 911, Lite Rock 96.9