Mirror staff reports:

The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) lost one of its K-9 officers.

The dog known to friends, family and fellow officers as “Fax” died on Sept. 3 after battling cancer.

According to a biography put together by Fax’s handler, Officer Matt Novak: “Fax, born Fax von den Herbstzeitlosen in Frankenburg, Germany, and was imported to the United States for police work at the age of one. Initially destined for a career with a Canadian police department, FWPD’s K-9 unit was the first to evaluate him.”

According to Novak, Fax immediately stood out because of his exceptional drive and work ethic. Fax became a member of FWPD shortly after coming to the U.S.

Novak and Fax underwent the required rigorous training, and were certified as a generalist K-9 team.

Novak and Fax were tasked with the protection of his fellow officers and the community, and were most often deployed to track down and apprehend felons on the loose in the community. According to Novak’s bio, Fax assisted in the apprehension of 95 criminals in his lifetime/career, most of whom were wanted for serious, violent crimes.

The German shepherd was also responsible for locating 30 pieces of evidence instrumental in criminal prosecutions, and was called out for assistance on 425 different occasions during his career.

One of Fax’s most important apprehensions came when Fax was called to track a homicide suspect in freezing temperatures and snow. Fax was able to locate the suspect, and the suspect’s murder weapon was also recovered, which resulted in a guilty sentence and a 31.5-year prison sentence for the suspect.

The loyal K-9 officer was also a mainstay in the community, joining Novak as a goodwill ambassador for the police department by attending dozens of safety fairs and similar events throughout his career and lifetime.

“Fax was a loyal partner, friend, family member and protector of the community. His loss leaves a hole within the department and he will be missed by all,” Novak concluded in his bio of Fax.