Kelowna RCMP mourning loss of beloved police dog

RCMP officers in the Central Okanagan are mourning the loss a four-legged friend today.

Police service dog Fitz died last night, Nov. 25, after a battle with an aggressive cancer, according to an RCMP media release.

Fitz started his RCMP career in Kelowna in 2015 and remained on duty until the time of his death.

At the time of his death, he was seven years old.

The German shepherd and his handlers were tasked with a variety of duties including tracking and finding persons, evidence and drug searches and the apprehension of suspects, RCMP said.

"Fitz was a beloved and valuable member of our police dog services unit and played an important role in making the Central Okanagan a safer place," Kelowna RCMP Supt. Kara Triance said in the release.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.