This photo packs an emotional wallop. It shows police officers lined up outside the Saint Francis Veterinary Center in southern New Jersey last Friday to give a ceremonial hero's farewell to a retired K-9 dog. The dog, named Judge, was put down due to unbearable medical complications.
K-9 Judge was an officer with the West Deptford Police Department, where he served for more than seven years. During that time he was deployed over 280 times in situations such as drug detection, tracking, and apprehension of suspects. He is credited with contributing to the arrest of 152 suspects for criminal offenses, as well as for countless numbers of positive interactions with children and adult members of the community.
Corporal Michael Franks, the dog’s partner and handler, was quoted as saying "Though Judge was extremely lethargic and could barely walk the days before the ceremony, he was able to bite onto his favorite protective decoy arm sleeve used in training and carry it into the hospital."
Franks and Judge's vet made the decision to lay Judge to rest because he was suffering so much due to complications stemming from Cushings Disease, which he developed last year.
According to the Saint Francis Veterinary Center, the tribute to K-9 Judge included at least 70 officers from departments across South Jersey, as well as civilian well-wishers and the Veterinary Center staff.
Here at the Badge Company of New Jersey we are animal lovers. Man’s Best Friend is no idle cliche.
