‘Cherished companion’: Tampa Police Department announces the passing of retired K-9

“Sniper served with courage and commitment,” TPD wrote in a statement.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its retired K-9s, who served with the agency for four years.

Police announced the passing of K-9 Sniper on Wednesday, who began his journey with TPD in 2016 alongside Corporal Nicholas Baez. The two formed a dual-certified team in patrol and explosive ordnance detection before his retirement in March 2020.

Sniper was born in the Czech Republic in 2014.

“Sniper served with courage and commitment,” TPD wrote in a statement. “In retirement, he remained a cherished companion to Cpl. Baez. Thank you, K9 Sniper, for your service to our city. Your impact and your loyalty will never be forgotten.”

Tampa police mourns K-9 Sniper