A Queensland Police dog who passed away this week has been praised for his stellar service

A former Townsville policeman has made a sad farewell to the trusty canine partner that stood by his side no matter what. VIDEO TRIBUTE>>>

A former Townsville policeman has made a sad farewell to the trusty canine partner that stood by his side no matter what.

Police Dog DJ, known affectionately as “Wookie” because of his flowing locks, passed away on June 8 and has been praised by Queensland Police for his dedicated service.

DJ was the first Police Dog of Senior Constable Justyn Mergard, who served in Townsville before transferring to the Sunshine Coast.

Police have been left saddened by the passing of former Police Dog DJ on June 8.

The talented canine excelled in his training course to become a general-purpose police dog with the Sunshine Coast Dog Squad in December 2013 at nearly 2-years-old.

Justyn and DJ quickly established a very close bond, and over the next five years DJ successfully located numerous offenders and missing persons throughout his career, cementing his status as a local hero.

Police have been left saddened by the passing of former Police Dog DJ on June 8.

In 2014 DJ was injured on duty after being attacked by two other dogs during a drug raid, however was able to make a full recovery and return to the job he loved so dearly.

Despite still performing his duties to a high standard, DJ was retired in 2018 due to arthritic condition and a subsequent cancer diagnosis impacted his breathing.

He spent the past couple of years at Justyn’s home living out the remainder of his life in style.

The Queensland Police Service extends its condolences to Justyn and his family at this time.

Police have been left saddened by the passing of former Police Dog DJ on June 8.

Originally published as A Queensland Police dog who passed away this week has been praised for his stellar service