Oro Valley police mourn K9 officer's passing - Tucson News Now

The Oro Valley Police Department is reporting the passing of explosive detection K9 Lara, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois.  

According to an OVPD news release, she was receiving treatment for an illness. Lara passed away on Wednesday morning, Aug. 31, with her handler by her side.  

Lara began her service with OVPD in 2011 as an explosive detection K9, and her outstanding work earned her and her handler the title of Lead EOD K9 Team for the Pima Regional Bomb Squad. Lara and her handler conducted thousands of bomb sweeps for special events, dignitary protection and special law enforcement operations.  

Of special note, in 2014 Lara conducted an exterior "sniff" on a suspicious vehicle outside the Oro Valley Hospital, she alerted to the presence of explosive material. A search of the vehicle turned up one pound of black powder, pyrodex, and ironite (high explosive material), weapons, and fireworks. The explosive items were removed from the area and the individuals possessing it were arrested. 

Her last five years of service will not be forgotten by the OVPD and she will be missed greatly. 

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