Toms River, NJ – With his paws once planted firmly on the front lines of law enforcement, Ocean County’s most decorated police dog has died, ending a chapter in the department’s history that will not soon be forgotten.
K9 Kane, a 14-year-old German Shepherd with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, passed away earlier this week, marking the end of a remarkable life spent in service. Kane joined the force in 2012 and served with distinction under Sheriff’s Officer Corporal Wielichoski and previously Corporal Kohout. He is the only K9 in agency history to receive the Medal of Valor—an honor that underscores his unique legacy.
Trained in patrol and detection, Kane was involved in countless operations over his years on duty. From locating missing persons to tracking suspects and detecting narcotics, his precision and discipline earned widespread respect among officers and the community alike.
Kane retired after years of service but remained with his handler’s family, where he enjoyed peaceful days far from the pressures of police work. Officials said he passed away surrounded by love and care, closing out a career that spanned more than a decade.
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Key Points
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- K9 Kane, age 14, served with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office since 2012
- He was the only K9 in the agency’s history to receive the Medal of Valor
- Kane passed away peacefully in retirement after a decade of active service