16/06/2025
Rest Easy Retired K-9 Duke 💙🕊️
"With sadness, the Brick Township Police Department shares the passing of our beloved retired K-9 Duke #915, a cherished hero who served our community with unwavering dedication from 2013 to 2022, alongside his partner, Captain Paul Catalina. K-9 Duke passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at 1435 hours, surrounded and held by his loving family.
Though we are deeply saddened by K-9 Duke's departure, we find comfort and gratitude in the privilege of having shared in his extraordinary life. For nine remarkable years, K-9 Duke embodied the essence of service, displaying bold character, unmatched confidence, and a playful spirit that touched everyone he met. His exceptional skills in narcotics detection, tracking suspects and missing persons, and captivating K9 demonstrations earned him numerous awards and accolades, reflecting his remarkable ability and dedication. K-9 Duke's heroic efforts saved the lives of many officers, leaving an enduring legacy within our department. Truly one of a kind, he set the standard for excellence in service, leaving a lasting mark on the Brick Township Police Department
K-9 Duke was a beloved presence at Headquarters, where he loved to be around everyone, especially our dispatchers. In retirement, Duke enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, daily walks, boat rides, camping, playing ball, and spending time with his friends and family.
Captain Catalina had this to say: “We are heartbroken over losing Duke, but I don’t want that to overshadow everything he did for our Township and its people. As a handler, you know this day is coming, but it still hits hard. I owe so much to Duke, my incredible partner, and to everyone who helped us be the best team we could be. He was such a special dog who gave it his all. If you were lucky to meet him, think back to those moments and smile. We miss you so much and we’ll always love you, Duke.”
Please keep K-9 Duke and his family in your thoughts during this time of mourning. Rest in peace, Duke. You will be forever missed, but we are eternally grateful for the time we had with you. "Five."