TOMS RIVER – Township police are mourning the loss of one of their own with the recent announcement of the unexpected passing of K-9 Officer Gunnar Badge #9020.
The K-9 officer passed away peacefully at his home on September 25 and was given an honorable send-off by ambulance from his township residence to the veterinarian.
During his final patrol, he was surrounded by family and escorted by members of the department’s K-9 patrol unit. Upon his arrival at the veterinarian’s office, Gunnar was embraced by numerous K-9 handlers and their partners from surrounding jurisdictions to show their love and support for the K-9 officer.
Gunnar’s handler Officer Richard Buhowski and his family as well as other officers of the department were present.
Gunnar began his career in law enforcement on January 28, 2013 in the Toms River Canine Academy, class number 7 where he was certified as a patrol canine. On September 9, 2013 he attended the Toms River Canine Academy where he became a certified narcotics canine.
While in training, Gunnar was one of the top dogs of the class and easily excelled at any duty he was given. He will be remembered for his numerous narcotics finds and his assistance in keeping officers safe while on the road. K-9 Gunnar retired in January of this this year.
“K-9 officers form an inseparable bond with their partners and this unexpected passing has been difficult for Officer Buhowski and his family,” Police Chief Mitchell A. Little said.
On January 27 the department welcomed two new K-9 officers Kylo, whose handler is Officer Buhowski and K-9 Officer Riggs whose handler is Officer Christopher Inglis. Both dogs have shown their great discipline through their training process and have been carrying out their duties as part of the K-9 United to the township police department.
