Eastlake K-9 officer dies suddenly

Eastlake police are mourning the loss of one of their own, as K-9 Officer Ekko has passed away suddenly.

According to a post on the department’s Facebook page from Ekko’s partner Patrolman John McCauley:

“Today I lost my partner Ekko unexpectedly. Ekko passed away at home without warning and I was unaware of any issue. Ekko subsequently began his tour of duty in May of 2008.”

Ekko had been with the department for four years. He completed 516 narcotic searches, 53 tracks, 40 area searches, 30 articles searches and 132 building searches.

Based on the evidence he located and the suspects he found or took into custody, Ekko was awarded 2008 Top Honor Rookie from the Bil-Jac Dog Food & the German Shepherd Dog Club of Northern Ohio, 2009 Top Honor for Tracking / Narcotics from the BilJac Dog Food & the German Shepherd Dog Club of Northern Ohio and 2011 Top Honor for Apprehension from the Bil-Jac Dog Food & the German Shepherd Dog Club of Northern Ohio.

“When I left for work today, Ekko was fine and even up until his passing, he seemed fine without any issues. This is that stark reminder to always keep your loved ones close and never leave anything unsaid, because you never know when you will lose them,” McCauley wrote. “I miss you Ekko and thank you for keeping me safe while on patrol and at home. Please watch over us.”