Pictured: Winter Haven Police Officer Alex Collazo and K9 Miko. Courtesy: Winter Haven Police Department.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A retired K9, who served the Winter Haven Police Department for seven years, passed away.
What we know:
WHPD said in a social media post that K9 Miko, who worked alongside Officer Alex Collazo, died recently. The German shepherd was a multi-purpose patrol canine certified in narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, tracking and article recovery, officials said.
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Miko began serving the department in 2015 and continued until he retired in 2022, according to authorities.
Pictured: K9 Miko. Courtesy: Winter Haven Police Department.
What they're saying:
"Miko was an invaluable member of the K-9 Unit with drive, determination and loyalty," the department said on social media. "And most of all, he was a beloved companion."
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WHPD urged the community to keep Collazo and his family in your thoughts as they mourn Miko's loss, saying, "The pain we feel is a small price for a lifetime of loyalty and love from these amazing animals."
What we don't know:
It wasn't immediately clear how K9 Miko passed away.
The Source: The information in this story was released by the Winter Haven Police Department.