The Orleans County Sheriff's Office announced Monday that its retired K-9 "Cim" has passed away due to cancer.
Cim was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, according to Undersheriff Christopher Bourke. Surgery to remove the cancerous tumors happened in the summer of 2015, and Cim was retired in December. Another surgery was performed in the spring of this year.
"Cim was an excellent working dog with a great personality," said Undersheriff Bourke. "She was trained in patrol, drug detection, obedience, tracking and article search. Cim was a great liaison for the Sheriff's Office and performed many demonstrations for groups and school."
The Orleans County Sheriff's Office is currently re-establishing the Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit. Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey Cole was recently named the new handler and the Sheriff's Office is evaluating a dog it believes will meet the needs of the team.
Many community members and local businesses have expressed interest in contributing to this cause. Donations will used for purchasing and training the canine and deputy, outfitting a new car, training aides, and other equipment needed for the K-9 Unit.
The Orleans County Sheriff's Office says any contribution is greatly appreciated and accepted; the community's financial help will minimize the impact of this great resource on the Orleans County taxpayer.
Checks should be made payable to the "Orleans County Treasurer" with a notation in the memo portion "For Sheriff K-9 Fund" and mailed to the Orleans County Sheriff's Office at 13925 State Route 31, Suite 400, Albion, N.Y. 14411.
