The Terrell Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own this week, not just in human form but also in the canine division. K-9 Max, the police dog assigned to the department, passed away after a fight with a brief yet terminal illness. My Texas Daily reported that the Department made this sorrowful announcement on Sunday, noting that Max was evaluated at the Texas A&M Veterinary Center before the decision was made to let him go peacefully, ending his service to the community.

In a separate and equally tragic development, the Terrell Police Department suffered another profound loss as Officer Jacob Candanoza was shot and killed during a traffic stop last Sunday. Candanoza had only recently begun to formally serve and protect the community, having been sworn in on July 15, according to the department's statement. It appears the losses were both felt deeply by the police force and the surrounding community alike, as they are now called to sadly come together and say goodbye to both a devoted human and canine member of their law enforcement family.

A public memorial for K-9 Max is being arranged, though details were not immediately available. The department shared via social media, "Considering the diagnosis and current condition, the very difficult decision was made to let Max go peacefully," a sentiment that reflects the gravity of their decision. Officer Anders, Max's handler, along with the rest of the department, was specifically mentioned in a piece published by KEN5, where the department expressed its gratitude for the community's support and requested continued thoughts for their team during this challenging period.

The deaths of Officer Candanoza and K-9 Max are major losses for the Terrell community, as both played vital roles in ensuring public safety. In the coming days, the department will share details about memorials, as locals prepare to honor their fallen protectors.