HomeMy WebLinkAboutK-9BladePassesAway
City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 keidsness@EdinaMN.gov EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
K-9 Blade Dies
Edina, Minn., May 16, 2017 – K-9 Blade died Monday, May 15, after being diagnosed with an aggressive
form of cancer.
“It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Blade,” said Officer Jason Behr, when announcing Blade’s
passing to the Edina Police Department. “As Blade’s family, know that there was nothing more he enjoyed
than protecting you and me.”
Behr served alongside Blade for more than seven years, joining Behr in 2010. Blade was born in Slovakia and
partnered with Behr when he was 18 months old. While on duty, the duo located and apprehended more
than 75 suspects and made more than 150 narcotic searches and 100 building searches. They’ve also made
more than 400 assists and had nearly 2,000 hours of training.
Demonstrations were also a large part of Blade’s career. In 2014, when the National Detector Dog Trials
were held in Edina, Behr and Blade placed third overall, along with Officer Mike Seeger and his late K-9
partner, Diesel. It’s estimated that through community demonstrations and visits, Blade made contact with
more than 7,000 people in his career.
“Blade was a great asset to our department and his participation in community events and presence around
Edina will be missed,” said Police Chief Dave Nelson. “As our K-9 memorial nears completion, Blade and his
years of service will be forever remembered.”
“It’s amazing the impact that a four-legged animal can have on you -- especially one that you spend most of
your waking hours with,” said Behr. “Blade was both my partner and my best friend. He was my protector
and my companion. His passing creates a void that will never be filled.”
To honor K-9s that have died, along with all service dogs, a bronze K-9 sculpture is set to be installed this fall
outside the Edina Police Department. The life-size art piece, designed by Edina artist Michelle Recke, was
purchased with donations from the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, Edina Federated Women’s Club, Edina
Community Foundation and the City’s Public Art Edina working group.
While the funding for the sculpture has been fulfilled, the Edina Crime Prevention Fund is still looking for
donations to fund the stone pedestal and landscaping. To make a donation, visit EdinaCrimeFund.org and
specify the donation is for the K-9 sculpture.
For more information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.
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