Friday, April 19, 2024
Ben, the popular, kid-friendly narcotics dog that had served in the Granbury ISD for seven years until his retirement in 2019, has died at age 10, according to the Granbury Police Department.
Granbury ISD Chief of Safety and Security Jeff Hastings, who had been Ben’s handler for seven years starting in 2012, said, “Ben was my good and faithful friend – and, most importantly, my partner who I trusted. I will never forget his ability to build bridges between the students, teachers, officers, and parents. I love you, buddy. Rest in peace, and I will continue the fight that you started.”
A GPD Facebook post states:
“It is with a heavy heart that the Granbury Police Department announces the passing of Narcotics K9 Ben. Ben served our community along with his handler, Officer Hastings, from 2012-2019. During that time Ben was assigned to the Granbury Independent School District.
“Ben quickly became the unofficial school mascot and could always be found among crowds of kids who loved petting him and throwing his Kong for a game of fetch. Ben retired from law enforcement in 2019 and has spent the last two years being a regular dog, with plenty of time spent playing in the swimming pool.
“Ben, the Granbury Police Department thanks you for your service to our community. Rest easy buddy, we will take it from here.”
