Luke, the K9 officer, dies of heart problems
LUKE, the famed sniffer dog of the East London K9 search and rescue unit who participated in several rescue missions across the province, died last week of heart problems.
The Belgian shepherd was the sole surviving dog for search and rescue dog handler and Silver Cross for Bravery medal recipient Warrant Officer Pierre Marx.
Luke, who would have turned 10 on June 6, joined the South African Police Service in 2010.
The B2578 service number holder started his police career with the Cape Town K9 search and rescue unit.
He was transferred to East London after his handler in Cape Town retired. He has been described as brave, alert and efficient.
Marx spoke to the Daily Dispatch yesterday while at the scene of missing Port Elizabeth policeman Sergeant Michael van der Watt, 35.
“I met Luke in 2014 and since then we worked on many drownings, murder cases, missing persons cases and motor vehicle accidents,” Marx said.
“If he was still alive he would have been with me here in PE where we are currently looking for Sergeant van der Watt.”
Marx said Luke stopped working when he fell ill after the Easter Weekend. He was transported to a vet in the Nahoon Bird and Animal Clinic where he died three days later.
“He was diagnosed with a heart problem and intestine infection. He also suffered a seizure. He passed away on the night of April 23,” an emotional Marx said.
Among those who sent their condolences were Eastern Cape provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga.
Luke was cremated in a private ceremony in East London last week.
“He had no pension nor insurance policy.
“My heart is broken because a friend I have known for a long time has now left me. To me it feels like the same feeling you get after losing your child or brother,” Marx said.