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Died – 7/17/21
Handler – Sgt. Steven McNeela
Oak Lawn Police Service Dog Lucifer Crosses Rainbow Bridge
The Oak Lawn Police Department is mourning the loss of beloved retired police K9, Lucifer, who crossed the rainbow bridge on July 17 after eight years of loyal service to his human police colleagues and the residents of Oak Lawn. Lucifer was 14 years old when he died of cancer last weekend. Police Service Dog Lucifer, a Belgian Malinois, began his training with the Cook County Sheriff’s Police Canine Academy in March 2008 and successfully completed the course with his partner and handler, Sgt. Steven McNeela, in May 2008. Upon his graduation, PSD Lucifer went on to an accomplished career, forming a special bond with McNeela. During their eight-year tour of duty, McNeela and PSD Lucifer were active members of the Illinois Police Work Dog Association and National Police Work Dog Association, maintaining their yearly certifications and high level of readiness as a dual purpose canine team. Lucifer was certified in detecting drug odors, tracking, area searches, article searches and building searches. As a team, McNeela and his canine partner were in high demand to assist other state, local, county and federal agencies. Sgt. McNeela and PSD Lucifer were directly responsible for the seizure of millions of dollars in illicit currency, illegal drugs, the recovery of firearms and evidence, as well as locating offenders for serious and violent crimes, Oak Lawn police said in a statement. Patch also greatly enjoyed covering PSD Lucifer’s exploits in the police blotter, from sniffing out the faintest trace of cocaine residue left on a rolled up twenty-dollar bill during a traffic stop, to finding a criminal hiding in a residential basement window well. Despite his tough police dog name, Lucifer and his partner, McNeela, were fan favorites at block parties, community events and schools.
PSD Lucifer retired in July 2016 during a village board meeting, where he was sold for $1 to his partner. Lucifer enjoyed retirement as the pet of Sgt. McNeela and his family, occasionally being brought to the Oak Lawn police station to sniff the bushes. Last Saturday, like many dog owners, McNeela made the hardest decision a handler makes when his loyal partner falls ill. Stricken with cancer, PSD Lucifer ended his watch in the arms of Sgt. McNeela. The bond between Sgt. McNeela and PSD Lucifer was evident early on, and their success is forever etched in the history of the Oak Lawn Police Department Canine Unit,” police said in a written statement. “Sgt .McNeela was incredibly dedicated and loyal to PSD Lucifer as was PSD Lucifer to Sgt. McNeela. As a team, they continuously trained together and were always ready to deploy at a moment’s notice . Our thoughts and prayers will be with Sgt. McNeela and all who have grown over the years to love PSD Lucifer. As a member of our police family PSD Lucifer will be greatly missed. Godspeed, Lucifer.
