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Died 6/8/21
Handler – Senior Constable Adrian Marek
Retired Police Dog Xander Dies
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say farewell to retired Police Dog (PD) Xander. After a short and unexpected illness, Xander passed away peacefully in the company of his loving family on Tuesday night, June 8. Xander served his entire career in the Greater Cairns area from 2010 to 2017 alongside his handler, Senior Constable Adrian Marek. During his service Xander apprehended hundreds of offenders, located countless missing people and sniffed out plenty of dangerous drugs in vehicles and homes. At 9-years-of-age and ready for a slower pace, Xander handed the tracking harness over to PD Bally. Xander is described by his handler as a relentless tracking dog and the most loyal mate and partner that any officer could ask for. Xander spent his retired years being spoiled and completely loved by Senior Constable Marek’s parents. Always the protector, Xander quickly became a loving friend and companion to his family. On each and every track with Xander there was a story to tell. Senior Constable Marek fondly recalled the time an offender very nearly got bitten on the nose. “I knew Xander was on the right track and that our offender was close when we were searching cane fields in Edmonton late one night in complete darkness,” Senior Constable Marek recalls. “Xander was still and barking and I knew that we had our offender but for the life of me, I couldn’t see him. “It wasn’t until I heard a groan and saw a head come up through the grass that I realised Xander was standing right on top of him. “The movement took us both by surprise and with a quick command I was able to bring Xander back to my side whilst our offender emerged willingly from his hiding place with his hands in the air.” Another offender carries a permanent reminder of Xander. After being apprehended by Xander one night in Portsmith, the offender discovered a new respect for the Police Dog Squad and now bears a tattoo of PD Xander on his shoulder. There is an undeniable bond between a police dog and his handler, a bond of pure respect and adoration for one-another. Despite retiring four years ago, there was never any doubt that Xander would happily emerge from retirement at any given time and jump back in the police vehicle to work alongside his beloved handler. Senior Constable Marek and his family were with Xander in his final moments on Tuesday night. Thank you for your service to the Far Northern Community and your unquestionable love and loyalty to your handler and family, Xander. Rest in peace Xander Boy.
