Retired K-9 officer dies of cancer

WARSAW, Ind. (WANE) The Warsaw Police Department said retired K-9 officer Buddy died Thursday after battling bone cancer.

Buddy, a Belgian Malinoi was born on April 11, 2004 in Europe.

Buddy joined the department on June 5, 2006 after he completed is training in Europe.

During his time with the department he responded to over 1,000 calls and performed demonstration for thousands of people. He was also responsible for saving the lives of two people due to his superior tracking skills.

Buddy was diagnosed with cancer just before retiring in September of 2014. He continued to live with his handler, Captain Joel Beam, after retirement.