Winnipeg police honour memory of K-9 unit dog Judge

Members of the Winnipeg Police Service are honouring one of their owna dog from the K-9 unit who passed away recently.

Judge, who became the face of the K-9 Unit for the Winnipeg police, passed away in January, nine months after retirement.

• Winnipeg star K-9 officer Judge dies months after retiring

Sgt.David Bessason saidJudge's memorial service was held on Wednesday, but his legacy will live on.

Father to 41

Judge fathered 41 puppies. Twenty-three of them are working in the police service across Canada and the U.S, along with ninegrand-puppies.

Bessason said Judge's DNA has also been saved.

"We made sure when Judge was in good health that we took samples from him," he said. "We have a good 10-15-year supply so we can make sure that again those lines are passed on."

The police service is also collecting donations to create a proper burial site for their service dogs. It will alsoallow the public a space to pay their respects.

Donations can be made on the Winnipeg Police Service Canine Unit page.