Famous New South Wales police dog Chuck has died aged seven, and is being remembered fondly as a “crime-fighting hero” who completed hundreds of jobs, including helping to arrest one of Australia’s most wanted men.
PD Chuck died of what is believed to be natural causes on Sunday night, the NSW Police Force said in a statement.
He had been the loyal companion and partner of Acting Sergeant Luke Warburton, who has remembered him as a “true police dog”
“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,” Act. Sgt Warburton said.
“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.”
One of PD Chuck’s greatest achievements was assisting in the capture of one of Australia’s most wanted fugitives, Malcolm Naden, in 2012.
Naden had been in hiding for almost seven years, and was wanted on murder and indecent assault offences.
PD Chuck was also at the front line of the Hyde Park Riots in September 2012, police said.
His colleagues have also reminisced about his non-crime related antics, including when he received the honour of presenting the game ball at a 2012 State of Origin match.
“He became very attached to the ball and almost prevented the kick-off,” police said.
Recently, PD Chuck had been assisting in his partner’s recovery from a shooting in January.
“My fondest memory will be of Chuck visiting me in hospital after I was shot… Chuck was so excited to see me – and me him,” Act. Sgt Warburton said.
Commander of the NSW Dog Unit, Superintendent Dean Smith, said today was a sad day for the unit.
“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, Acting Sergeant Warburton, and the officers involved in his training and development throughout the years,” he said.
PD Chuck was born on August 10, 2008, and had fathered three litters of pups.
