West Side police department mourns loss of canine

The Green Township Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. Police canine Dino died just before midnight on Sept. 25 while tracking a suspect.

According to the department, Dino and his handler Cpl. Tony Leidenbor were providing assistance in locating a suspect involved in a possible abduction in Forest Park.

Just after starting to track the suspect, Dino collapsed and stopped breathing.

Dino was taken to Grady Veterinary Hospital but was unable to be revived. The cause of death has not been determined but according to the police was related to a "medical event."

Dino was a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois/shepherd mix. He had served with the Green Township Police Department since 2011.

"Dino was part of our family," said Chief James Vetter with the Green Township Police Department. "He was a tremendous dog and well respected throughout  the county."

Vetter said Dino was "dual purpose" meaning he could perform narcotics searches as well as track.

"He was very protective of his handler (Leidenbor)," Vetter said. "(Dino) was all business. He came to work to do a job."

Vetter said a ceremony for Dino to remember him and honor his service is being planned. The date is to be determined.