North Texas Police Department mourns the loss of K-9 officer Lieutenant Dan

FORT WORTH, TX – The Sunsom Park Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its favorite and first K-9 officers.

The SPPD announced Tuesday that Lieutenant Deng has passed away following a recent cancer diagnosis. His last night on the job was on March 1, when he performed an outdoor sniffing session on three different cars as part of a drug investigation.

Three were arrested and about $10,000 in drugs were seized.

Officer Hagin, Lieutenant Dan’s handler, took the pup on one last ride in his police car on Monday and then had one last successful (trained) sniff, receiving one of his favorite toys as well as genuine love as a reward.

Hagin told the WFAA on Wednesday night that Lt. Dan was diagnosed with cancer over the weekend, just days after their last drug bust.

“It was a quiet ride here tonight,” Hagin said. “I didn’t hear his tail bouncing and panting, thinking we were going to work. I caught myself talking to him in the back kennel, and I had to look around and realize he wasn’t there.”

“When he made this bust, he was just eaten by cancer and didn’t complain at all,” Hagin said.

The SPPD said Hagin and Lieutenant Dan have been partners for almost 11 years.

The drug lab wore three different badges. In addition to the Sunsom Park Police Department, he worked in the Hood and Parker County Sheriff’s Offices.

Hagin said Lieutenant Dan had been in law enforcement for about eight years. In January of this year, he was released from retirement to run the SPPD K-9 unit.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Hagin said he took Lieutenant Dan for one last walk to his favorite park on Sunday.

On Monday, minutes after he took his last picture in uniform, Lieutenant Dan collapsed in front of Hagin and died at his feet.

“I gave him some CPR in an attempt to bring him back, but to no avail,” Hagin said.

“He looked at me, took his last breath and fell down. Clear Fork veterinary clinic, which has taken care of Dan all his life, said he likely died from a blood clot that broke off and traveled to his heart.”

“I’m not a screamer, but this broke my heart. I spent more time with him than with my real family. It’s not just a dog, it means so much more.”

Hagin would never forget that look or the dog that was always by his side.

The department wants a new K-9, but will always remember the first one.

“Dan crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the arms of his beloved partner,” the department said.

“We will miss you now, but we will love you forever,” they added.

Good boy, Lieutenant Dan! Rest in peace.