(Estherville)– Things are pretty somber these days at the Estherville Police Department. It’s K9, Max, passed away on Wednesday of this week after battling an illness. Max became a part of the Estherville Police Department back on April 12th, 2008.
Police Chief Eric Milburn says it was the generosity of residents that made it possible for the department to come up with the $8,500 to purchase Max. He and his handler, Estherville police officer Matt Reineke, underwent training before the dog moved into Reineke’s home and joined the force.
During the three-plus years he was on the Estherville police force, Milburn says Max helped in the confiscation of $59,000 worth of illegal drugs, two vehicles involved in illegal drug activity were seized and $3,500 in cash from apprehended suspects accused of drug dealing.
The K9 was recently diagnosed with Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. He was hospitalized for five days, had numerous IVs and endured two blood transfusions before passing away earlier this week.
Milburn says the department will begin considering whether or not to look for a replacement K9 in the near future.
