YPD loses faithful friend

The Yuma Police Department lost one of its finest Wednesday morning. According to YPD, Rudy, a working dog for the YPD K-9 Drug Enforcement Unit, was found deceased in his kennel.

YPD said Rudy was taken to a local veterinarian clinic where an examination and other tests will be performed to determine a cause of death. Police do not suspect any foul play or negligence in the death.

YPD said Rudy had been with the Yuma Police Department since Feb. of 2003. He was the third K-9 to join the ranks of the Yuma Police Department K-9 Unit.  

Before his death, Rudy was partnered with Detective Shawn Bledsoe, and had been since Aug. 2005.  

According to YPD, Rudy was an integral part of the K-9 Unit and the Yuma Police Department.  

Police said Rudy served the Yuma Community well and was highly devoted to his handler and partner, Detective Bledsoe.  

YPD said it deeply regrets the loss of Rudy, and added the drug detection K-9 will be greatly missed by all.