Police Officer Says an Emotional Farewell to K-9 Before He Is Put Down: We 'Lost a Trusted Partner'

The Chula Vista Police Department said a hard goodbye to one of their finest: K9 Griffen

The Chula Vista Police Department said a hard goodbye to one of their finest.

The department announced that K-9 Griffen, a Belgian Malinois just one month shy of his 7th birthday, was put down on Friday due to an undisclosed medical condition. The police department shared a heartbreaking photo on Twitter of an officer with his head lowered to hug the dog and “trusted partner” at what appears to be a veterinary clinic.

“It was a hard day for all of us, especially Griffen’s handler and best friend, Officer Chancellor,” the California police department captioned the photo on Twitter. “May you #RIP, Griffen. Thank you for your service to our Department and the city of #ChulaVista.”

On Instagram, they shared a happy photo of the pooch.

“Thank you for your service to the City of Chula Vista,” reads the post. “Rest easy, boy.”

Chula Vista Police/Twitter

Griffen spent his career often working through the night to aid the patrol division, Lt. Eric Thunberg said in a news release, according to the San Diego Union-Tribute. The beloved dog also made many appearances at community events.

“Griffen will be remembered as a valued member of the Chula Vista Police Department and a loyal and loving partner,” Thunberg said, according to the outlet. “It is hard to overstate the bond that a K-9 and his handler have when working long hours in dangerous situations.”