JACKSON TWP — Retired K-9 officer Hutch, a German Shepherd who served the police department for nine years, died Tuesday.

Hutch was the department's K-9 officer from 2006 to last June when he retired from active duty.

“It's sad he couldn't enjoy his retirement longer than he did,” township Police Chief Terry Seilhamer said.

Hutch was one month away from being 12-years-old. He had been living with his handler, officer Vaughn Pulgini.

Hutch last year was replaced by Aron, another German Shepherd.

Seilhamer said Pulgini noticed Hutch slowing down in his last few years, which led to his retirement.

“He started to lose his mobility in his last few days,” Seilhamer said.

Hutch's specialty while on the force was sniffing and locating drugs and tracking people.

Seilhamer said the K-9 program is “extremely valuable.”

“We're finding more and more (drugs) during routine traffic stops,” he said. “Sometimes they (criminals) are very creative in how they hide these drugs and the dogs are adept at find these hidden compartments.”

Seilhamer said those who wish to donate can do so to the Jackson Township Police K-9 Fund. The fund helps with veterinary costs and food for K-9 units both in the township's police department and neighboring communities.

Last year, Melisa Pulgini, sister of Hutch's handler, published a 17-page book, “Meet Officer Hutch” meant to teach children about K-9 officers and their handlers and what they do.

The book includes photographs of Hutch on the job, at home and on vacation can be found on Amazon.