Clear Lake, Iowa – The Clear Lake Police Department is holding a memorial service for Abby, a hard-working German Shepherd who joined the department in 2007, and died this September 21st after undergoing surgery for a cancerous tumor.

Abby apprehended bank robbers, sniffed for drugs and once helped locate a missing person. Her job was also that of a protection dog, defending her partner, Officer Ryan Eskildsen.

Abby came to the United States eight years ago from the Czech Republic. She was trained as a police dog, not as a pet, but was still popular among school children, recounts Police Chief Greg Peterson.

A display was set up at the service with flowers, photos of Abby, her collar and her badge. The service was emotional, attended by both the police force and members of the public, a true testament to her service in the community.