Following just over a year of retirement, Benoni SAPS K9 Unit member Optimus has been called to ‘higher service’, reports Heidelberg Nigel Heraut.

The canine hero died on June 19.

Warrant Officer Martin Bann of the Ekurhuleni Water Police and Diving Services on the East Rand, who was Optimus’s handler and partner of 10 years, said the death of the Belgian German shepherd-cross leaves a massive void in his home and heart.

The dog had been at his side during more than 1 300 operations, a partnership that began when the dedicated K9 was just six months old.

The pair made international headlines in 2023 when they deployed to Türkiye as part of a global search-and-rescue effort following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake.

Despite chaotic scenes, below-freezing temperatures and a race against the clock, Optimus’s elite training, impeccable hearing and keen sense of smell were instrumental in rescuing a 90-year-old woman trapped under concrete debris for 8 days.

In 2024, Optimus became one of only a few police officers to receive a commendation bravery medal, earned for recovering the body of a murder victim thrown into a river in 2016.

“This is a medal not often bestowed upon SAPS members, let alone a dog,” said Benoni Flying Squad and WPDS spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin. “Optimus left a lasting legacy. With his high level of training and inherent nature to perform well, we were incredibly proud to have had him on our team.”

In April last year, the 12-year-old canine was officially retired into Bann’s permanent care.

“As a dog used to working under extreme pressure, Optimus required intense stimulation after retirement,” Bann said. “We would take him to the park and create fun activities for him, but the comfort of the couch soon beckoned and he eased into his golden years. There is now space to sit on the couch, but our home is empty without him.”

Optimus was taken for emergency veterinary care after showing signs of discomfort and abdominal swelling. The diagnosis was bleak.

“His stomach turned, which is not uncommon among larger breeds. Given his age, surgical intervention was not recommended,” said Bann. “I stayed with my partner until the end.”

During his retirement, Optimus became an adored member of the family, often featuring in social media posts wearing his adventure hat.

“Despite his initial reservations towards our pugs, Batman and Robin, he eventually learnt to tolerate their huffs, puffs, grunts and snorts,” Bann recalled. “They definitely miss their big buddy. They’re sleeping a little closer to us in bed now.”

Optimus was cremated with dignity, and the Bann family plans to erect a memorial for him at their home.

“That way, he will always be near.”

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