Garfield County Sheriff's Office mourns beloved K9 Officer Rex

The Garfield County Sheriff's Office bid a heartfelt farewell to one of its most cherished members, Officer K9 Rex, who was euthanized Friday due to complications from bone cancer. Rex, a vital part of the force, is believed to be around eight years old and from Slovakia. His exact age remains uncertain after the loss of his import papers.

“It’s something we all have to deal with as managers. We know it’s coming, it happened faster than we thought,” said Sgt. Thomas Moser said. “He’s a big part of this department and we’re going to miss him, but it’s time.”

Moser, Rex's master, was by his side throughout his service and was deeply affected by his decline.

“I thought I'd have another year or two with him,” he says, emphasizing the suddenness of Rex's deterioration.

During his tenure, Rex was a formidable force against crime, participating in approximately 165 narcotics deployments and approximately 35 patrol operations. These efforts led to approximately fifty arrests, demonstrating its effectiveness in law enforcement activities.

A notable incident in Rex's career occurred when he was attacked by an attacker with a knife in a river, which left him with a permanent “cauliflower ear”. Despite his injury, Rex maintained his playful spirit and continued to serve.

“He’s both an idiot and a junkyard dog,” Moser said fondly.

Beyond his law enforcement duties, Rex owned a beloved toy, a pineapple, which he cherished as his “pacifier.” This toy accompanied him on his walks and was a constant source of comfort.

“He likes to carry it everywhere he goes,” Moser said, detailing how Rex would bury it in the snow and happily dig it up several times during the winter months.

Rex's battle with cancer began last October, when it first appeared between his toes. After removing a toe in November, his caregivers hoped for a recovery. However, the cancer returned aggressively, affecting other areas of his paw.

“It seems really aggressive and it's gotten worse over the last three or four days,” Moser explained, noting the rapid progression of the disease and the serious impact on Rex's quality of life.

Cpl. Trisha Worley also shared her emotions regarding Rex's passing.

“It’s heartbreaking. We’re a big family and we spend a lot of time together,” Worley said, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the K9 unit.

Worley described Rex as “full of character” and noted how he balanced his protective instincts with a bubbly personality that endeared him to everyone.

“He knows when it’s time to work and he knows when he can relax a little,” Worley said. “He’s such a character who brightens your day every time you see him.”

At Thursday's farewell meeting at the Garfield County Sheriff's Office in Rifle, Rex displayed that character, consistently finding his way to pulled pork and ribs for his farewell despite his complications.

At home, Rex was more than a police dog; he was a cherished member of the Moser family.

“At home, he’s definitely a different dog. He’s a lot more relaxed,” Moser said. He described how Rex was particularly calm with his wife and enjoyed gentle companionship with other family animals, including a barn cat with whom he shared a special bond during the colder months.

“It won’t be the same without him,” Moser said. “He has been by my side to make sure I come home every night for about five years. They `re my best friend.