Vacaville K-9 put down after cancer diagnosis

VACAVILLE, Calif. - A retired K-9 officer was put down shortly after his cancer diagnosis, the Vacaville Police Department announced. 

Roscoe "honorably" served the department for over five "fabulous" years. In addition to fighting crime, Roscoe was seen at community events and schools where one could meet and pet him.

The Dutch Shepard joined the department in 2014 and retired in 2018.

He and his partner turned owner, Lt. Frank Piro, competed in the Western States Police Canine Association Trial season where he was awarded as "Top Competitor" and "Top K-9" for the year.

Piro noticed Roscoe was not his usual "rambunctious" self back in August, and a local vet diagnosed him with Stage 5 Lymphoma.

Roscoe spent his retirement playing in pools, chasing his ball, chewing on his favorite purple snake toy, and hanging out with his baby sister-his owner's 10-month-old daughter-Vacaville police said. 

"Thank you K-9 Roscoe, for all you did for Lt. Piro, your family, our department and our community. May you rest easy," the department said in a post.

Roscoe was 12 and was to turn 13 on Oct. 29.