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Health Issue Forces Premature Retirement Of Gloucester Township Police K-9 Max

By Steve Beck

CLEMENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- A well-respected and loyal member of the Gloucester Township Police Department has been forced into an early retirement.

Due to medical issues, Maximus, a K-9 who has served with the department for the past four years, is retiring at the age of five.

Max, a German Shepherd, was diagnosed with a medical condition that could potentially jeopardize the safety of himself, the officers or citizens that he protects if he were to remain in service.

Max was assigned with Cpl. Pickard to the Patrol Bureau working as a nationally certified K-9 conducting narcotics scent work, numerous tracks, building clearings and other patrol duties.

"I commend K-9 Max and Cpl. Pickard for their dedication and commitment to the Gloucester Township Police Department and to the community of Gloucester Township. Their contributions to our crime fighting and community policing programs over the years will not be forgotten," said Chief Harry Earle.

In his retirement, Max will now become a full-time member of the Pickard family.

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