Related Articles
Died – 6/27/19
Handler – Detective Paul Makuc
CT State Police mourn loss of K9 Baxter
Members of the Connecticut State Police are mourning the loss of one of its four-legged officers who worked hundreds of fire scene and found countless essential items of evidence that led to arson convictions. Baxter was born on Sept. 26, 2006. He joined the state police ranks alongside Detective Paul Makuc, of the Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, on July 6, 2008. State police said Baxter died Thursday.“Losing one of our own is never easy and losing a beloved pet, K9 co-worker and faithful friend is by far one of the saddest ordeals our K9 handlers must face during their careers,” state police said. Six months after he joined state police, Baxter received his certification as a state police accelerant detective canine. He serve state police beside Makuc for seven years, retiring in 2015. During that time, state police said, Baxter worked on hundreds of fire scene and found countless items of evidence that led to arson arrests and convictions. “He traveled the state, met hundreds of people, young and old, and developed his own fan club as he demonstrated his amazing scenting abilities,” state police said. “This past March, he was honored by Tails of Hope Foundation during their Sweetest Thank You Party and their observance of K9 Veteran’s Day.” State police said Baxter was a loyal partner and best friend to Makuc and his family.Baxter’s health started to fail over the last several months, state police said. Despite that, he continued to fight. “Thank you to those who cared for him in his final months and supported Detective Makuc through all of it,” state police said. “We don’t all get to spend our days with a wingman like Baxter but for those of us who were lucky enough to know him we will certainly never forget him. Godspeed, buddy. You will be missed.”
