City of Laredo Reports Loss of Airport K-9 Officer
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Sep 1, 2020, 0 Comments
Courtesy Jose E Baeza,
LAREDO, TX– It is with heavy hearts that the City of Laredo and the Laredo International Airport report the tragic loss of one of their beloved K-9 Officers Chester on Sunday August 30, 2020. The Laredo Police Department, in conjunction with Airport Police, is investigating the circumstances behind the death of the K-9 Officer. Upon completion of the investigation, the findings will be turned over to the Webb County District Attorney’s Office for final review to determine if there are any elements of a crime in the case. Administratively, management took immediate action and terminated the employee, effective immediately.
Chester was a key part of the Airport’s Police team since 2016 and was the lone explosive detection canine assigned there, along with two other canines focused on currency detection. During his tenure, Chester was partnered with only one other officer.
“The airport’s entire team is saddened by the loss of one of their own,” said Airport Director Jeffrey Miller. “While our airport has been lucky to have not had issues with explosives or other items of the sort, Chester was always on the lookout, and served as an added sense of safety for us and all travelers who pass through our airport.”
On Sunday, August 30, Chester was left unattended in a locked vehicle. When the officer returned to the vehicle, the dog was found unresponsive and ultimately expired. The officer immediately reported the situation to his superiors who took the necessary actions and relayed it to the Laredo Police Department. Prior to this, Chester had a record of good health and was comfortable with his handler.
“A life is a life. We do not tolerate nor accept this type of action by our employees, no matter the situation,” said City Manager Robert A. Eads. “We took quick action to rectify and learn from the situation as fast as possible. We will make whatever changes necessary to stop this from happening again.”
Once Chester’s remains are returned to the airport, he will be honored with a special ceremony and will be buried near the airport’s upcoming pet-relief station. Details on the ceremony honoring Chester’s life will be released to the public once available.
