SEQUIM — Titus, a dog rescued from the King County animal shelter who went on to an illustrious career with the Sequim Police Department, died Monday.
The 7-year-old German shepherd suffered from a degenerative muscle disease and immune-system difficulties that caused his death, Sequim Police spokeswoman Maris Turner said in a prepared statement.
Titus’ health problems necessitated his retirement last year. After leaving the force, he continued living with his handler, Sequim Police Officer Mike Hill.
Hill now works with a newer K-9 partner, another German shepherd named Chase.
Titus proved himself right away in Sequim after completing his 240-plus hours of training at the McNeil Island Corrections Center, Turner recalled.
With Hill at his side, the shepherd found methamphetamine and a stolen handgun in a vehicle during his first day back on the street.
More than 100 arrests
Titus went on to conduct more than 100 searches, which resulted in nearly 100 arrests and the taking of more than $135,000 worth of narcotics off of Clallam County’s streets, Turner said.
In addition to their Sequim duty, Hill and Titus worked with the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, the State Patrol, the U.S. Forest Service, the Forks and Port Angeles police departments and the Coast Guard.
And in 2007, Titus assisted the U.S. Border Patrol in an international bust by sniffing out $174,000 in currency used by drug traffickers, Turner said, adding that the cash find was one of the largest in Clallam County history.
Titus’ successor, Chase, has also distinguished himself as a police dog since he arrived in summer 2008.
He receives training, food and health care thanks to donations from the community, Turner noted.
To support the K-9 program, visit the police station at 609 W. Washington St., Suite 16, in Sequim, or phone 360-683-7227.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladaily news.com.