Rocko, a Gautier police dog who helped catch fugitives and seized nearly $1 million in drug money, has died.
Rocko was euthanized Monday after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, according to the Gautier Police Department.
At 10 a.m. Friday, a memorial brick will be laid at the Veterans Tribute tower in honor of Rocko's service to the city.
"This is a sad day for our officers and for the citizens of Gautier. Not only have we lost a co-worker, but also a family member," Police Chief Dante Elbin said. "Rocko was a tremendous asset to the department and we will miss him immensely."
Rocko joined the department in October 2007, after the community made donations to buy him for $12,500.
Rocko was trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking, suspect search, evidence search, obedience, agility, criminal apprehension and handler protection.
Rocko and handler Lt. Derrick Welton are credited with the apprehension of a federal fugitive, residential burglars, home-invasion suspects and drug offenders and the recovery of evidence. Rocko and Welton have seized nearly $1 million in drug money.
Rocko also made annual appearances for the children at area schools during Red Ribbon Week.
"The visits he paid to them gave that personal connection between the children and police that is so hard to establish," Welton said. "The children adored him. They couldn't remember a thing about me, but they remembered Rocko."
Rocko was euthanized Monday after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, according to the Gautier Police Department.
At 10 a.m. Friday, a memorial brick will be laid at the Veterans Tribute tower in honor of Rocko's service to the city.
"This is a sad day for our officers and for the citizens of Gautier. Not only have we lost a co-worker, but also a family member," Police Chief Dante Elbin said. "Rocko was a tremendous asset to the department and we will miss him immensely."
Rocko joined the department in October 2007, after the community made donations to buy him for $12,500.
Rocko was trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking, suspect search, evidence search, obedience, agility, criminal apprehension and handler protection.
Rocko and handler Lt. Derrick Welton are credited with the apprehension of a federal fugitive, residential burglars, home-invasion suspects and drug offenders and the recovery of evidence. Rocko and Welton have seized nearly $1 million in drug money.
Rocko also made annual appearances for the children at area schools during Red Ribbon Week.
"The visits he paid to them gave that personal connection between the children and police that is so hard to establish," Welton said. "The children adored him. They couldn't remember a thing about me, but they remembered Rocko."
Rocko, a Gautier police dog who helped catch fugitives and seized nearly $1 million in drug money, has died.
Rocko was euthanized Monday after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, according to the Gautier Police Department.
At 10 a.m. Friday, a memorial brick will be laid at the Veterans Tribute tower in honor of Rocko's service to the city.
"This is a sad day for our officers and for the citizens of Gautier. Not only have we lost a co-worker, but also a family member," Police Chief Dante Elbin said. "Rocko was a tremendous asset to the department and we will miss him immensely."
Rocko joined the department in October 2007, after the community made donations to buy him for $12,500.
Rocko was trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking, suspect search, evidence search, obedience, agility, criminal apprehension and handler protection.
Rocko and handler Lt. Derrick Welton are credited with the apprehension of a federal fugitive, residential burglars, home-invasion suspects and drug offenders and the recovery of evidence. Rocko and Welton have seized nearly $1 million in drug money.
Rocko also made annual appearances for the children at area schools during Red Ribbon Week.
"The visits he paid to them gave that personal connection between the children and police that is so hard to establish," Welton said. "The children adored him. They couldn't remember a thing about me, but they remembered Rocko."
Rocko was euthanized Monday after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, according to the Gautier Police Department.
At 10 a.m. Friday, a memorial brick will be laid at the Veterans Tribute tower in honor of Rocko's service to the city.
"This is a sad day for our officers and for the citizens of Gautier. Not only have we lost a co-worker, but also a family member," Police Chief Dante Elbin said. "Rocko was a tremendous asset to the department and we will miss him immensely."
Rocko joined the department in October 2007, after the community made donations to buy him for $12,500.
Rocko was trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking, suspect search, evidence search, obedience, agility, criminal apprehension and handler protection.
Rocko and handler Lt. Derrick Welton are credited with the apprehension of a federal fugitive, residential burglars, home-invasion suspects and drug offenders and the recovery of evidence. Rocko and Welton have seized nearly $1 million in drug money.
Rocko also made annual appearances for the children at area schools during Red Ribbon Week.
"The visits he paid to them gave that personal connection between the children and police that is so hard to establish," Welton said. "The children adored him. They couldn't remember a thing about me, but they remembered Rocko."
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