A St. Tammany Parish K-9 officer had passed away at the age of 6 years old. K-9 Rex, and his handler Deputy Henry Moore, have been partners for over five years. K-9 Rex was known for his “excellent” tracking skills and apprehended a countless number of criminals over his career. In addition to tracking criminals, K-9 Rex was also used for narcotics detection. Due to K-9 Rex passing away at such a young age, he was sent to the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine for a necropsy, which is a term used for an autopsy of an animal. It was discovered that K-9 Rex had a rare heart condition and passed away from an apparent heart attack, while in his kennel. As with all police canines, Deputy Moore and K-9 Rex had a very close relationship.

“I am heartbroken. Rex was a great partner who lived to serve and protect the citizens of St. Tammany Parish. He will be missed,” Deputy Moore said.

Although no longer alive in the flesh, K-9 Rex and Deputy Moore will remain united. A paw impression of K-9 Rex was taken and put into a cast for Deputy Moore, as well as an urn of K-9 Rex’s ashes.