Long-serving police K-9 in Monmouth County honored with final send-off

ROBINSVILLE, N.J. (WPVI) -- Falko the German shepherd served over 11 years with the Monmouth County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit.

Surrounded by his family he took a final walk past an honor guard of other canines and officers he's worked with over the years before being euthanized.

"We want to honor Falko for all his years of service with James and all the great jobs he's done. It's his final send off," said Officer Dave Lasko.

"Bomb threats and all kinds of high risk calls and he put his life on the line for all of our officers, so this is the least we can do for him," said Sergeant Pat Hamor, K-9 unit commander.

"This here is Hunter. This was Falco's son who followed in his father's footsteps and also was an explosives detection dog," said Officer Bill Bernard.

Falko was a highly trained, hard-working police dog who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer.

Falko retired just a couple weeks ago and was headed for an easy life out of police work.

However cancer struck, spread quickly and nothing could be done.

"He didn't get to enjoy his retirement but he enjoyed working every day as it was he was a great dog," said Officer Kurt Kroeper.

Falko lived and worked with Officer James Faye and his family.

"He knew when he had to work and when he came home, he knew he had a family," said Kelly Faye, wife.

Officer Faye says he got a text from a friend that hit home for him.

"It said, 'Great dogs never leave, they live in our hearts forever' and I was very grateful for that text and it's true. He was a great dog and he touched a lot of people," said Officer Faye.

"I just woke up this morning and I just thought to myself, 'I'm never gonna see this dog again,' but from the quote my dad said, I will in my heart, said Colin Faye, son.

Rest in peace, Falko, and thank you for your service.