Dover Police say good-bye to K-9 Rex, welcome K-9 Red
DOVER (WJER) (February 25, 2022) – As the Dover Police welcome a new K-9 officer they have to say good-bye to the previous one.
Chief Paul Bantum says K-9 Officer Rex passed away Monday three months after he retired due to health reasons. Bantum says he had been living with his partner, Officer Bill Nedrow.
“It’s tough for Officer Nedrow when you have a partner for seven years,” Bantum said. “The dog’s with you all the time – work and at home. It’s hard not to get so attached to him. He is a tool for the police department, he’s a working dog, but then again, he has him at home and he’s close to him. It’s sad times for him and his family.”
Dover Police Officers Jordan Doughty and Red
Bantum says Dover’s new K-9 Red recently completed training with his partner, Officer Jordan Doughty. Red is a 2 ½-year-old Belgian Malinois, the same breed as Rex. He will soon be working on drug detection and suspect apprehension.
“They’re excited to get out there,” Bantum said.
Bantum says Dover’s K-9 unit was started by Officer Nedrow and is 100 percent funded by donations from the community.
Bantum says the department is considering having a private service for Rex.