Retired K9 passes

LUDINGTON — Retired Mason County Sheriff K9 dog Rex died Friday, Sheriff Kim Cole reported. Rex was 12-years-old and served 10 years with the MCSO. He was retired two years ago and turned over to his handler, Sgt. John Menham.

“John was with him when he died,” Sheriff Cole said.

His last capture was related to the breaking and entering at the Wishing Well in Pentwater Twp. and he received two national awards. One for a cocaine seizure in Pere Marquette Township, after he found cocaine concealed in the engine compartment of an auto. The other was for the capture of a wanted sex offender following a vehicle chase in the Fountain area. During that arrest the suspect choked and punched Rex. The suspect was charged and convicted of the assault on Rex as well as additional charges.

“Rex was well respected among his K-9 peers and was recognized around the state,” Cole said.