THE Cairns community has farewelled one of its best officers and “goodest” boys after retired police dog Axel passed away after a short battle with cancer.
Axel began his policing career in Cairns after graduating from the academy in 2015 and was partnered with Officer in Charge and 25-year veteran of the Cairns Dog Squad, Sergeant Dave Raymond.
Axel was well known within the Far North community during his career and after his retirement in 2022 due to his habit of dressing up for occasions which included Halloween costumes, he also had a starring role in the series ‘Wanted’.
Sgt Raymond said Axel was his fourth police dog partner he had, and the loss of your best mate never gets easier.
I will terribly miss having him at home, he was especially close to my children and was always sneaking into the house to steal the cat food
Axel’s partner Sergeant Dave Raymond
“I will especially miss his distinctive howl – he would belt that out whenever he heard a siren, even if it was on the television.”
When asked to recall memorable jobs with Axel, Sgt Raymond said the list was long.
“We tracked into a cane paddock where we came face to face with an armed man, it only took one bark from Axel and he instantly dropped the knife,” he said.
“On another occasion we went to a job where a lady had her passport, cash and car stolen just hours before she was due to catch a plane to the United Kingdom.
“Axel and I were quick on the job, and he managed to track and locate the offenders – the best part was being able to return the property to the lady so she could continue with her trip.”
Officers have thanked Axel for being a loyal and hard-working member of the Far Northern police and have expressed their deepest sympathies to Sgt Raymond and his family, and the wider Far North community who grew to know and love Axel.
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