Losing a fellow officer is one of the hardest things people working in law enforcement have to face, even when it comes to the four-legged variety. Two Bay Area police agencies this week mourned the passing of retired K-9s who served the cause of protecting their handlers and the community at large.
On Thursday, Petaluma police bid farewell to Basko, a distinguished retired K-9 who passed away on Nov. 2.
Basko died surrounded by friends and his family, along with the family of his handler Detective Corie Joerger, police said.
Basko served the Petaluma Police Department from 2012 to 2020. Police said Basko, along with Joerger, was responsible for multiple arrests of high-risk suspects. He is also credited for the seizure of more than $3 million in U.S. currency and for the seizure of over $1 million worth of illegal drugs.
Police expressed their gratitude to Joerger and her family “who loved and adored Basko and made his life after police work a life well lived.”
Meanwhile, a few miles to the south in Livermore on Thursday, police were grappling with the loss of their retired K9, Bugsy, who passed away Tuesday.
Bugsy died at home with his family and the family of his handler, police said.
“K9 Bugsy proudly served the citizens of Livermore from 2013 until his retirement in 2019,” Livermore police wrote on social media. “Bugsy was a tremendous asset to our department and performed his job with pride and distinction. He selflessly served the Livermore community with his K9 Handler, Officer Audrey Thompson.
Police said since his retirement, Bugsy enjoyed his time at home with officer Thompson and her family.
“Thank you K9 Bugsy for your years of dedicated service; you will be missed.”