Dog Files would like PC Gary Saunders to know that our thoughts and prayers go out to him and Baz.
— Kenn
For Baz, it should have been just a routine police job, but sadly it ended in tragedy.
Baz, a six-year-old Alsatian police dog from Northumbria, England, fell off the roof of a building as he searched for intruders – the day before he was due to retire.
His handler, PC Gary Saunders, described the dog’s death as a “devastating experience”.
“It has been one of the worst things I’ve encountered in 26 years of policing,” he said.
“Baz was a fearless and faithful partner who has, with me, encountered numerous highly dangerous situations but has died doing what most police dog and handler teams consider to be routine operational work.”
Baz was born in May 2004 and became a police dog in June 2005.
Two years later he started working as a firearms support dog.
He was due to retire from general work, and his last operational day would have been March 18, the day after his fatal accident.
Sergeant John Sim, who is in charge of the dog section at Northumbria Police, said that Baz had “given years of loyal service to the public and Northumbria Police”.
“Police dogs live at home with their handlers and they become part of the family. He had formed a strong and lasting bond with his handler and his handler’s family,” he said.
Story By Elaine Furst For Dog Files
My God bless his family as they grieve the loss of a beloved family member.
Thanks for interesting post.
RIP Baz…. I’m sorry your life ended far too soon, but at least it was lost doing what you love to do…… :'(
Poor Fella…….just before he was due to retire!!!!!! Bless!!! R.I.P.
R.I.P Baz….. thank you for all you have done with your handler when you were here…you will always be remember and always loved, and have touched the hearts of so many people you have helped threw the years as a officer of the law…my heart and prayers go out to Baz family, he will be sadly missed by so many but never forgot…for all the hearts he has touched….God bless you all…..
I am saddened to hear of this unfortunate end to a noble career. God bless the family of Baz. Your grief is being felt by many.
Oh how touching, what a wonderful dog and handler!! My heart goes out to Baz’s family. So glad that when he did go he was doing what he loves and was with his best friend his handler. God bless!
Rest in peace little soul! You did good in your life.
R.I.P BAZ YOU WERE A AWSOME DOG SERVED WELL
I’m so sorry for your loss.
What a terrible death for a fearless, noble dog. How sad that he would have been safe the following day. May God be with your family little one and may God reward you.