NSW Dog Unit mourns loss of Police Dog Chuck, the canine who brought down Malcolm Naden

THE heroic police dog who brought down Australia’s most wanted fugitive Malcolm Naden died on Sunday, with the NSW Dog Unit mourning the loss of one of their biggest personalities.

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THE NSW Police Force bid farewell to one of its biggest personalities this week.

In the kind of tributes usually reserved for human officers, the heroics of Police Dog Chuck were honoured following his death on Sunday.

It is believed he died of natural causes just a month short of his eighth birthday.

Luke Warburton and Chuck helped bring Malcolm Naden into custody.

Chuck was famously known for his role in capturing one of Australia’s most wanted fugitives, Malcolm Naden, in March 2012 and was front and centre with his human colleagues during the Hyde Park Riots in September the same year.

Chuck’s status as a crime-fighting hero led to him receiving the honour of presenting the game ball at a 2012 State of Origin game in Sydney, where he became very attached to the ball and almost prevented the kick-off.

More than just a member of the canine unit, Chuck has this week been remembered as a loyal companion, partner, and best friend to his handler Acting Sergeant Luke Warburton.

Luke Warburton and hero police dog Chuck meeting the public after a police dog display.

Chuck and Mr Warburton were involved in hundreds of jobs throughout his career, with Chuck’s handler declaring his partner a driving force in his own recovery following a shooting early this year.

“My fondest memory will be of Chuck visiting me in hospital after I was shot in January. Chuck was so excited to see me — and me him,” Mr Warburton said.

“Whenever I went to work and had Chuck out with me I knew he always had my back and we could take on any job.

“PD Chuck was a true police dog. He loved nothing more than seeing me walk to the backyard in my overalls as he knew he was going to work to do his favourite thing and chase bad guys.”

NSW Dog Unit commander Superintendent Dean Smith said everyone was taking Chuck’s death hard.

Senior Constable Luke Warburton with Hero police dog Chuck who recently died.

“Chuck’s death is a loss to the Dog Unit, not only from his contribution to helping fight crime, but the joy he brought to his handler and the officers involved in his training and development throughout the years,” Mr Smith said.

Chuck’s legacy, though, continues through the three litters he fathered for the NSW Police Dog Unit.