, Fla. \u2014 A retired Oviedo Police Department K-9 who spent nearly a decade serving the community has died.<\/p>\n
The department announced the death of K-9 Xander, who served alongside Officer Ashley Pierce for nine years before recently retiring because of health issues.<\/p>\n
Xander was a familiar presence at Lawton Chiles Middle School, where police said he became especially popular with students and staff.<\/p>\n
\u2018A very special gentle giant\u2019<\/p>\n
Oviedo police said Xander was known for comforting children who were struggling or having a difficult day.<\/p>\n
\u201cXander\u2019s personality helped children, teachers, and officers during his time and was always there for hugs, kisses and snuggles,\u201d the department said.<\/p>\n
Police said Xander had a distinctive habit when greeting people.<\/p>\n
\u201cXander didn\u2019t just walk up and sit. He walked up and FLOPPED,\u201d the department wrote.<\/p>\n
He was frequently featured in school photos, news coverage and pictures with students, earning a reputation as one of the most recognizable members of the campus community.<\/p>\n
Surrounded by family<\/p>\n
Police said Xander died at home with Officer Pierce and surrounded by family.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was cared for and shown the greatest amount of love in his last moments,\u201d the department said.<\/p>\n
The Oviedo Police Department said its thoughts are with Pierce, her family and Xander\u2019s extended family at Lawton Chiles Middle School.<\/p>\n
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