Sheriff K-9 Cash passes away.

July 9, 2019

Dep. Baum and K9 Cash.

Sheriff K-9 Cash passes away.

LUDINGTON — Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole announced today that the sheriff’s office’s K-9 dog, Cash, died unexpectedly Monday, July 8.

“Cash had worked this past Fourth of July Weekend with his handler, Deputy Ken Baum during what would be considered a ‘routine’ weekend,” Sheriff Cole stated.”He was found deceased by Ken shortly before 6 p.m. last night in his kennel.”

Cash, an 8-year-old Dutch Shepard, had been a member of the MCSO since 2013 and had plans of retiring in 2020. During his career, Cash had amassed numerous awards, which included international recognition after tracking a 4-year-old boy with autism for over a mile. During that event in the fall of 2016, the boy befriended Cash who led him back to rescuers. Cash received the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers Life Saving Award because of his work that day. In February of 2018, Cash tracked and captured a wanted fugitive into a swamp in Manistee County following a traffic stop and assault of a Manistee County Deputy. In addition, in March of 2018 Cash tracked throughout the night to capture a man wanted in several business break-ins in Amber and Pere Marquette townships. The suspect was found hiding inside the Meijer’s Store and in August of 2018 was sentenced to up to 50 years in prison because of those crimes. 

Cash has been transported to Ludington where a veterinarian will conduct an examination to determine a cause of death however, at this time no foul play is suspected. 

“As one can imagine the hearts of the men and women of the sheriff’s office ache this morning upon hearing the news of Cash’s sudden passing and our heartfelt condolences go out to Ken and his family as they struggle during this time,” Sheriff Cole said.

“I have been in contact with the sheriffs in Manistee, Oceana and Lake counties as well as the Michigan State Police to see that police K-9 services will remain available until K-9 Diego is qualified to assume Cash’s duties.”

Eats