LANCASTER, Ohio -- A sheriff and his deputies are mourning the loss of fellow K-9 officer Rex.
Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen told NBC 4 Rex, a retired service dog, passed away.
Rex was laid to rest Thursday in a private ceremony attended by members of the office's K-9 unit.
Rex, a 15-year-old Belgian Malinois, began his crime-fighting career at the Fairfield County sheriff's office in late 1996 and retired in 2005.
His service made him one of the longest-serving and most decorated dogs in the unit’s 30-year history.
Rex was credited with holding K-9 records for total felony apprehensions, total misdemeanor apprehensions and total number of usage files reported during his career with the office.
Rex also was responsible for the seizure of hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs, the recovery of several lost children and was recognized as an expert witness by the Ohio Supreme Court.
At more than 100 pounds, Rex was an imposing figure and a criminal’s worst nightmare.
Although a tenacious crime-fighter, Rex also had a very gentle side.
Over the years, Rex made hundreds of public appearances.
Affectionately known as T-Rex, he was loved by children all over the county.
Rex lived out his retirement in the home of his family and longtime handler, Deputy Jeff Dixon.
Sheriff Phalen and the entire office conveyed their most heartfelt sympathies to Dixon and his family.
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