ALLENTOWN, Pa - Judge, the former arson K-9 of the Allentown Fire Department died early Friday morning according to an announcement on his Facebook page.
Judge Facebook page
Judge, a yellow Labrador retriever was the arson K-9 for Allentown Fire Department from 2011 until 2018 when both he and his handler, Chief Lee T. Laubach Jr. retired.
Judge - Facebook page
The announcement today read:
It’s with a very heavy heart that I have to break the news that Judge passed away earlier this morning. He was the best K9 partner I could ever had. He was 12 days shy of his 15th birthday. He lived and loved his life right to the very end. Thank you for all your support and prayers.
I want to thank Cummings Veterinary Hospital for all his care through out his whole career and after.
I will miss the big guy and his big personality. He touched a lot of lives.
Thank you Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice for helping his transition over the rainbow bridge.
In early October, Judge's Facebook page posted that he had fluid in his abdomen, making it hard for him to breathe.
The Facebook post read -
Judge has fluid in his abdomen which is making it hard to breathe at times. He will not be with us much longer. Right now, he is a happy dog. He will let us know when it is time to move on. Pls keep him in your prayers. We are so very proud of everything he accomplished in his life. He is incredibly special and incredibly loved not only by us, but by all of you.
Many in the community wrote condolences after hearing of today's news.
Chief Roca of the Allentown Police Department posted the following message on the Allentown Police Facebook page today :
“Our deepest condolences during this difficult time! Thank you for your service to our community and all the wonderful moments we all were able to witness! Rest In Peace K9 Judge”
Judge will always be remembered.
In 2016, Judge was named the American Hero Dog by the American Humane Association. He then became the spokes-pup for a campaign to donate oxygen masks to pets across the Lehigh Valley.
Judge had also served as Grand Marshal at Pocono Raceway and participated in the puck drop at the PPL Center.
The City of Allentown requested to rename Dixon Street Dog Park after Judge.
According to the Director of Allentown Parks, Recreation & Trails, the park on the northeast corner of the Dixon Street-Mack Boulevard intersection will now be known as "Judge Memorial Dog Park."
His Facebook page remains active with many photos and videos of Judge.
PHOTOS - JUDGE - FACEBOOK PAGE