St. Clair Shores Police K9 Officer Chase died this past week following surgical complications, the police department released.

Chase, was a 3-year-old Dutch Shepherd, who joined the force in 2011. He took the place of Ivan, who retired early this in 2011.

Chase was assigned to handler Officer Gerald Chomos, and lived with Chomos.

“Our department cherishes our animals and considers them to be members of our police family,” Deputy Chief of Police Glenn Bowlin wrote in an email announcing the passing of Chase.

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