Retired Concord police K9 dies, remembered for his years of service

CONCORD, Calif. (KTVU) - Concord police are mourning the loss of a trusted and beloved K9 who's being remembered as an "excellent and handsome ambassador" for the community he loyally served.

The 12-year-old dog named Dantest worked with the Concord Police Department for seven years, alongside his handler, Detective Todd Nunn.

On Sunday, the Concord Police K9 Association announced Dantest's passing, noting that the benefits that come from working as a police dog handler means there are not many bad days. 

"Unfortunately today is one of those rare hard days," the association said. "Today we say good bye to K9 Dantest who crossed the rainbow bridge."

In 2008, Concord resident Kathleen Tallman donated the dog to the department in memory of her son William, who died from cancer. 

During Dantest's time with the department, he was credited with a long list of accomplishments including assisting in almost 80 arrests and helping in some 250 building and area searches. 

"An estimated 821 manpower hours were saved by having this guy go out and do his job every day," the Concord Police Department wrote on Facebook.

The department retired the aging dog back in March, saying he helped make the community a safer place. 

On Sunday, as it said its final farewell, Dantest's family remembered the K9 for not only his service, but the companionship he provided, noting how much he loved camping and hiking and enjoyed playing in the water. 

"Our K9's truly are an invaluable asset but more importantly, they become a member of our family," police said. 

Dantest died surrounded by those who loved him and those he loved. The department said that he will be dearly missed. "...we will not forget all that you did for us," Concord police said. "Rest easy on the other side of the rainbow bridge friend. We know you are in good company over there."