Retired Bedford K-9 died after battling cancer

Bowy, a retired veteran Bedford K-9 who was deployed over 750 times in her career and was directly responsible for hundreds of felony arrests, has died.

Police announced Friday that Bowy, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, had died after being diagnosed with cancer a few weeks ago.

"It is with great sadness that the Bedford Police Department announces the loss of one of its retired officers, K-9 Officer Bowy," according to to statement released by police.

She and officer Andrew Versocki were partners for six years.

"It's always nice when I go out on patrol and I have a dog that always has my back," Versocki told the Star-Telegram in a 2016 interview. "She is trained to protect me and other people."

Bowy helped get millions of dollars worth of drugs off of the streets and helped seized around $500,000 in currency, police said.

"It will be strange not having in the patrol car with me," Versocki said in 2016. "I've always had that extra set of eyes."

Police ended their news release with this statement: "Please keep Officer Bowy and her family, and the men and women of the Bedford Police Department who came to know and love her, in thoughts and prayers."

Domingo Ramirez Jr.: 817-390-7763,@mingoramirezjr.

This story was originally published January 7, 2018 at 8:07 AM with the headline "Retired Bedford K-9 died after battling cancer."