Handler – Lt Chad Smith
PHPD mourns loss of retired police dog, Liv
The Port Huron Police Department is mourning one of its own.Liv, a 13-year-old black Labrador retriever who served the city from 2012 to 2016, was euthanized this week due to deteriorating health conditions, according to a press release from the department.Liv was initially trained by Leader Dogs for the Blind before it was determined she was better suited for police work.Leader Dogs for the Blind donated her to the Port Huron Police Department, where she began a successful career as a K9 officer specializing in narcotics detection.”Liv quickly became a valuable asset to our team and received multiple awards from the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) for her outstanding narcotics detection abilities,” Assistant Chief Jeremy Young wrote in the release.Liv retired from active duty on Oct. 10, 2016, after four years of dedicated service to the Port Huron community.Liv has lived with her former handler, Lt. Chad Smith, and his family since retirement, where she enjoyed a well-deserved rest surrounded by love and affection.”Fondly known as ‘Liv’ers’ during her retirement years, Liv brought joy and comfort to her family, making the most of her final years in a home that adored her,” Young wrote. “Lieutenant Smith and his family, along with the entire Port Huron Police Department, mourn her loss deeply. Liv was more than a police dog — she was a loyal partner, a trusted friend, and a beloved member of the department and her family.”We thank Liv for her years of service and for the positive impact she had on our department and our community. She will be remembered fondly and missed greatly.”