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Died – 6/30/19
Handler – Officer Thomas Forkum
Dexter Police K-9 dies from infection
The Dexter Police are mourning the loss of one of their own following the death of police canine Bard. Bard underwent surgery on June 27 to remove a piece of metal from his paw. The surgery went well, according to a statement by the department, and Bard was at home recovering with his handler, Officer Thomas Forkum. During the evening hours of June 30, Forkum discovered Bard dead in his kennel. On July 1, the Dexter Veterinary Clinic performed the necropsy and discovered Bard had an infection of his intestines, resulting in vomiting. This led him to aspirate, causing his death. After an investigation, the department said, no foul play was suspected and this was “an unfortunate event.” The 2-year-old German shepherd recently went into service after eight weeks of training with Forkum. It was the first canine unit for the department since 2013. The Dexter Police Department expressed sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Stoddard County Coroner Kenny Pope, Greg Mathis with Rainey Mathis Funeral Homes and the Dexter Veterinary Clinic for “going beyond the scope of their professions to assist the department during this difficult time.”
