Rantoul department loses police dog to health problems
RANTOUL – The Rantoul police department has lost one of its valued members.
Chief, one of two canines with the department, has died.
Police Chief Paul Farber said the black and tan German shepherd experienced health-related problems. Veterinarians treated Chief, but it became evident the dog would have to be euthanized.
Chief began working with the department in September 2001. Farber said Chief assisted in hundreds of narcotics finds and several successful tracks, locating persons and lost items.
Said Farber, "Chief's numerous contributions will be missed by the police department, the village and the community as a whole."
His handler, Officer David Sawlaw, was unavailable to comment.
Farber said he and the department extended condolences to Sawlaw, "who trained and partnered with Chief for the last nine years."
The canine lived with Sawlaw in their off-duty time, "making Chief a companion in addition to a work partner," Farber said.
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