Community members shared condolences and memories Friday after an announcement that a well-loved retired Clare police dog died this week.
“It’s with great sorrow and sadness we announce the passing of retired Police K-9 Swiper. Swiper served alongside Chief (Brian) Gregory from 2009 to 2013. He served with honor and distinction. Swiper you will be missed but not forgotten. RIP K9 Swiper,” the Clare City Police Department posted on its Facebook page Friday.
Swiper served as a police dog in Clare from 2009 until his retirement in January of 2014 at the age of 11, when Gregory went from Swiper’s handler to a pampering pet owner.
In his time, Swiper was responsible for countless captures, hundreds of narcotics finds and more, Gregory told the Morning Sun at the time of the dog’s retirement.
As news of the police dog’s death reached community members on social media, many expressed condolences.
“So sorry to hear of the passing of such a fine officer. Officer Swiper, god speed to rainbow bridge,” wrote Laurie Shively.
Many thanked the K9 for his years of service.
“RIP Swiper!!! I loved that dog!!! He was amazing. Thank you for your service,” wrote Tina Fitzgerald.
The Clare Police Chief has been a police dog trainer for decades, and while helping to teach Swiper’s K9 replacement in 2014, shared that Swiper had been diagnosed with cancer.
When the CPD announced the addition of Swiper to the police force in 2009, Gregory told the Morning Sun that out of thousands of dogs he had trained, the friendly, energetic Belgian Malinois was among the top five.