BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A Kern County Sheriff's Office K9 has passed away from cancer-related issues on March 3. The German Shepherd, Neco, was euthanized after being taken to the veterinarian for health issues.

Neco was cross-trained in patrol and narcotics. He served as a K9 for KCSO with his handler Deputy Weiss for seven years. KCSO says his favorite toy was a rope with a ball.

According to KCSO, with another K9 recently retired, the agency now has three K9 officers. KCSO asks for respect and privacy for Neco's handler Deputy Weiss, and for the K9 unit.