Beloved K-9 at Racine Police Department Dies

It was a long fight, but in the end Marco a K-9 with the Racine Police Department couldn't fight lung cancer any more.

On Monday, the Racine Police Department issued a statement announcing his passing and thanking the community for its support during his battle that started last spring.

\"It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of recently retired K-9 Marco,\" wrote Lt.. Dave Wohlgenmuth in a prepared statement.

Marco joined the department in 2005 and quickly not only became a partner, but best friend to Police Officer Tim Waystedt.

The department was overwhelmed by community support, when folks contributed money to pay for emergency surgery on the dog after a diagnosis with an aggressive form of lung cancer.

Marco had been critical to several narcotics investigations and had been credited with several suspect captures.

The fight again his illness proved to be too much and the decision was made Monday morning to put him down.