EVANS CITY — The borough will purchase a commemorative plaque honoring its first police dog that died last month after health problems.

Rex, a German Shepherd, joined the police department in 2002 but retired in 2007 because of a heart condition. As the borough's first police dog, Rex helped crack many cases involving drugs or missing persons during his stint on the force.

He died in August as a result of his heart condition.

Police Chief Joe McCombs said he's already submitted the necessary information for the plaque but said he hasn't bought it yet and doesn't know how much it will cost.

He previously said he'd like the plaque to have a picture of Rex along with etchings that describe his service to the police department.

Once the department gets the plaque, McCombs said, there will be a small service at the police station to unveil the memorial. The plaque then will remain in the department as a permanent memorial to the canine officer.

"I think it's a nice recognition of his service to Evans City, and that's really what it's for," McCombs said.

The borough approved spending no more than $500 on the plaque at its last council meeting, although the idea met with some opposition.

Council President Bill Painter initially said he'd like to see donated funds go to paying for the plaque because "money is pretty tight" in the cash-strapped borough.

The resolution passed, however, on a 3-2 vote despite the absence of two council members.

The department got Rex in 2002 from Castle K-9, a police dog training center in Mechanicsburg. A $10,000 grant from the state paid for the dog and his training.

Under a five-year warranty deal reached with Castle K-9, Evans City got a second police dog free after Rex retired just before his fifth anniversary with the department. According to McCombs, Rex collapsed during training and had to retire after a veterinarian discovered his heart condition.