CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — The Castle Rock Police Department (CRPD) and a host of other agencies are saying goodbye to a member of the law enforcement community.
According to a CRPD Facebook post, K-9 Officer Ronin died Saturday due to "unforeseen health complications." A spokesperson for the department said he had seemed fine the day before.
Ronin started with the department in Aug. 2014 with his partner, Officer Todd Thompson, according to the post. CRPD said Ronin had a huge impact on both the law enforcement community and the citizens of Castle Rock.
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The post said Ronin passed away Saturday night while surrounded by his family, partners, and friends.
CRPD said officers from at least 10 other law enforcement agencies came to the veterinary clinic where Ronin died to pay their respects.
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CRPD said in the post it was their honor to have served with Ronin for the past five and a half years.
You might remember that K9 Ronin was the subject of a story produced in February 2019. We followed him as he completed therapy in the lap pool at Animal Care Center of Castle Pines. The center has been caring for Castle Rock's police dogs for more than 13 years, free of charge.
During his sessions, he usually swam for about 15 minutes.
"Swimming is beneficial because it is highly cardiovascular while being non-weight bearing," said Kristen Purcell a certified veterinary technician who worked with Ronin. "So, it's protecting his bones and joints while he's really able to engage his muscles."
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