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Handler – Officer Zach Maxwell
Retired Florence police K-9 Rex dies at 13
It is with a heavy heart that the Florence Police Department announces the passing of Retired Police K9 Rex. K9 Rex served the Florence Community alongside his partner Officer Zach Maxwell from September 2010 to December 2016. During his more than six years of service, K9 Rex was instrumental in recovering hundreds of pounds of narcotics, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in asset forfeitures stemming from drug related crimes. K9 Rex was a loyal partner who enjoyed his time at work and protected Officer Maxwell and the citizens of Florence with pride. K9 Rex put his life on the line to save Officer Maxwell during a deployment in 2014. Officer Maxwell was assaulted to the point of near unconsciousness during a traffic stop. During the confrontation, K9 Rex was deployed from Officer Maxwell’s vehicle. K9 Rex apprehended and held the offender until other officers could arrive to assist. This and many other examples show what a great asset and loyal officer K9 Rex was for the Florence Police Department. K9 Rex was a member of the United States Police Canine Association. He certified and competed annually earning above average accolades during his service. In addition to his excellent work on the street, K9 Rex was recognized as the USPCA Region 22 “Top Dog” in back to back years of 2011 and 2012. Upon his retirement in 2016, K9 Rex spent the remainder of his time on earth with Officer Maxwell and family. K9 Rex crossed over the Rainbow Bridge at the age of thirteen, on the morning of March 28, 2022. K9 Rex, thank you for your service.
