By Sarah Smith
ssmith@parkrapidsenterprise.com
A dedicated service officer passed away Thursday.
Pax, Park Rapids Police Department’s’ first K-9 German Shepherd, died at the age of 13. The dog has been retired for several years and lived with handler Dan Kruchowski and his family after leaving the force.
Kruchowski is now a sergeant with the Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office and has a new dog, a Belgian Malinois named Oakley.
Dan Kruchowski said losing Pax will be hard on Oakley, since the two dogs became inseparable when Oakley was off duty.
Heidi Kruchowski noted Pax’s years of dedication and service to the community.
“This is extremely hard on our family,” she emailed. “Pax kept Dan and his family safe for many years and we will forever miss him.”
