SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – Officers at the Sioux City Police Department said goodbye to one of their dedicated co-workers this past week. Retired Sioux City K-9 officer Cash passed away on Monday, Aug. 4. Officers say he was born in Slovakia in 2013, and the department welcomed him into the family in Spring 2015.

Cash began his training with the department as a law enforcement dog. He was certified as a dual-purpose dog and immediately went to work for Sioux City’s K-9 Unit with his handler, Officer Paul Yaneff. They were both assigned to Uniform Patrol Watch II and SWAT. Cash was certified annually for narcotics detection, article and building searches, tracking and apprehension.

City of Sioux City Police Department Facebook page photo

During his time on the police force, Cash was responsible for dozens of criminal apprehensions and narcotics arrests. He performed K-9 demonstrations at community events and for students at many Sioux City schools. The department says Cash had an exceptional career as a K-9 officer, but he had to retire early in 2020 due to a rare spine disease and arthritis in his hind legs.

After leaving the department, Cash continued to live with Officer Yaneff, enjoying his retirement life, which was filled with eating, swimming, and being loved by everyone until he passed away, according to the Sioux City Police.

The department released a video as a tribute to Cash on social media.