Died 5/15/17
Police Department announces death of service dog Rockne
The Grand Island Police Department announced the death of police service dog Rockne on Tuesday morning. The male Dutch shepherd was 4 years old and had served the Police Department since 2016. Rockne, who had suffered from kidney-related illness, was euthanized on Monday night “to avoid further suffering and in the interest of humane treatment,” according to a press release from the Police Department. The dog had “put up a valiant fight” for several weeks, the press release says, but the disease was determined to be terminal. “Rockne’s condition worsened to the point that he was no longer able to serve as he loved,” the release says. It concludes, “We, the members of the Grand Island Police Department, salute Rockne’s service to the community of Grand Island. Rest in peace, Rockne.”