BELLEFONTAINE — The Bellefontaine Police Department is mourning the loss of a retired K-9.
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Retired K-9 Boodik passed away on Monday in the arms of his handler, Officer Hostetler, following a short battle with cancer, the department announced on Tuesday.
K-9 Boodik served from 2019 to 2024, during which time he was deployed hundreds of times and utilized by surrounding agencies on mutual aid requests.
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“Although Boodik was not known for being friendly, he was known for being a great patrol dog,” the department wrote.
During his service, he was responsible for hundreds of misdemeanor and felony drug arrests, illegal firearm seizures, and 49 suspect apprehensions. He was also a member of the department’s Special Response Team.
In 2021, K-9 Boodik was awarded a Medal of Merit for an incident where an officer was assaulted and knocked unconscious. The suspect was running from the scene, and K-9 Boodik was deployed and apprehended them.
“K9 Boodik ensured Officer Hostetler made it home after every shift and saved his handler’s life multiple times. K9 Boodik was a special dog and will be greatly missed,” the department said.
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