Clue, a law enforcement bloodhound from Palm Beach, Fla., who helped find missing children, died at the age of 10 on January 31, 2014.
The veteran hero was essential in solving more than 2,000 cases many of which included locating missing children.
“Clue, you will be missed,” said a statement on the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. “Rest In Peace.”
The canine officer worked in Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit along his human partner, Deputy Luis Ledbetter.
Clue became a member of the force in 2003 when he was just 9 weeks old. The dog came from The Jimmy Ryce Center for Victims of Predatory Abduction, a Vero Beach-based agency that donates bloodhounds to law enforcement agencies. The organization has donated 400 bloodhounds across the United States.
“We are saddened to hear that one of the most beloved bloodhounds in the Jimmy Ryce Center’s war on sexual predators, Clue, passed away,” said a statement from center spokeswoman Terri Lynn.
According to a news report published by Sun Sentinel, Clue was an outstanding K-9 officer. At just 9-months-old, he finished the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Trailing Academy and was certified by the National Police Canine Association.
The average life span for a bloodhound is 9-13 years. Clue suffered from nerve damage and spent his last days in intensive care.
“We lost a warrior, and we lost a bloodhound that had a remarkable track record,” said Lynn.
If you would like to honor Clue, consider making a donation to The Jimmy Ryce Center for Victims of Predatory Abduction.
