FLORISSANT, Mo. (KMOX) — An award-winning Florrissant Police K9 has passed away months before retirement.

Bach died in the early morning hours of April 14, 2012. He was 11.

Bach was born on May 26, 2001 in the Czech Republic. The Florissant Police Department purchased Bach in September of 2004, and he was assigned to Officer Patrick O’Fallon.

During the almost eight years of service to the Florissant Police Department, Bach received two Certificates of Merit: one in June of 2005 for apprehending a suspect wanted for Tampering and Assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer, and one in September of 2006 for apprehending a suspect wanted for a parole violation, rape, and child molestation.

Bach also received two Letters of Commendation: one in July of 2007 for apprehending a suspect wanted for first degree assault on a law enforcement officer, and one in February of 2011 for apprehending several burglary suspects.

Bach also received the following Outstanding K-9 Service Awards from the German Shepherd Dog Club of St. Louis:
2006 for Tracking
2007 for Controlled Substance Detection
2007 for Evidence Detection
2007 for Tracking
2008 for Suspect Apprehension

Along with Officer O’Fallon, Bach lived with Officer’s O’Fallon’s wife, Pam, and son, Patrick.

“Bach was an officer. He worked just as hard, and he needs to be remembered just as much” said Chief Karabas.