09-13-05 Colorado Springs Police Department canine "Frei" died at his home at the age of 12 from natural causes. He was a beautiful German Shepherd. Frei began his assignment with the CSPD in 1996 and worked the street until August 2003 when he was forced to retire after sustaining a injury to his rear leg. Frei retired to my home early because of a job related leg injury. He was retired, but was my partner for 6 years. Because of this injury, I now have another partner named "Bodi" who is a Belgian Malinois. Frei was a part of my family and life and was more than "just a dog." He was my best friend. My family misses him very much and I now have a picture if him along with his badge on the dash of my cruiser.  Guardians of the Night is my favorite. I have his and my picture on the wall with a copy of this poem, its beautiful and very true. Frei was involved in over a 1000 searches during his career, most of which were in pursuit of armed suspects. Frei was certified in suspect apprehension, handler protection, narcotic detection, SWAT movements and tracking. Frei was responsible for the apprehension of 100's of suspects and 1000's of dollars in drug seizures. Frei during 3 separate incidents located and engaged armed suspects while conducting searches and was credited with saving the life of his handler and cover officers.
As Frei's partner, Frei lived with me and my family until his death. Frei not only was my partner but was also my best friend. Frei had a huge heart and loved his job and family very much. It was a privilege to serve with Frei and to have shared a cruiser with him. But most of all it was a privilege to have been loved by him and to have called him my friend.
Frei your family misses you very much and is consoled in the fact that someday we will be reunited once again.