Colorado Springs Police announce passing of beloved K-9

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — A retired Colorado Springs Police K-9 has passed away. The department made the announcement on Facebook Wednesday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of retired CSPD K9 Maverick,” the post said.

According to the post, Maverick died after a months-long fight with cancer.

“Maverick crossed the rainbow bridge, taking his last breath with those who loved him most by his side,” the post said. “Thank you for your service to Colorado Springs, for your infectious smile, and for all the memories you gave us.”

Maverick was affectionately known to those close to him as Mavi, according to the Colorado Springs Police K-9 Unit. He was a Belgian Malinois who recently turned 8 years old.

Maverick was born in Holland in 2012. After coming to the U.S., he started his career as a dual purpose police service dog with CSPD in December of 2015.  

Maverick was the first non-marijuana, narcotic detection K-9 in CSPD's history. 

In April 2019, he suffered a serious leg injury. Maverick's leg was saved, but he was unable to return to full duty and was officially retired in October of 2019, according to a Facebook post by Colorado Springs Police K-9 Unit.

Maverick developed a rare form of cancer in July, 2020. He had a surgical procedure to remove the tumor, but the cancer returned in a short period of time.  

He passed away on Tuesday “taking his last breath with those who loved him most by his side,” according to the Colorado Springs Police K-9 Unit.