Springfield Police mourn the loss of a distinguished and beloved K9 officer | Local

SPRINGFIELD, Oregon – Springfield police announced Friday they are mourning the death of one of their most beloved dog handlers.

SPD officials said in a Facebook post on May 24 that their K9, Gryff, had been diagnosed with a rapidly progressing and untreatable form of cancer. Gryff joined the department in 2017 thanks to donations from the community and amassed an estimated 140 catches during his six-year career as an SPD K9 officer, authorities said. Police said Gryff placed second in SPD’s 2023 K9 competition and just last weekend won two first place medals at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office K9 trials.

Last week, Gryff and his handler, Officer Julio Garcia-Cash, received an award for their actions during a December 2023 incident in which a suspect barricaded himself inside a home and shot at them, Springfield police officials said. Police said Gryff was able to apprehend the suspect and drag him into the yard so officers could safely take him into custody.

SPD officials said that in addition to his dedication to protecting his fellow officers and the community at large, Gryff also participated in many tours, demonstrations and events throughout the Springfield community and left a lasting impression on the department he served in as well as the community members he got to know over the years, police said.