McHenry County sheriff's office mourns police dog Sage

The McHenry County sheriff's office is mourning the loss of its police dog Sage, officials said Friday.

Sage was scheduled to retire in June, however, he died on March 8 from medical complications, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

After graduating from training in 2010, Sage went on to have a distinguished career with his partner, Deputy Jeremy Bruketta.

"Sage made me a better person in many areas of my life. Sage was so special and unique," Bruketta said in a statement. "He will

never be replaced. He was one in a million."

Sage was trained in narcotics detection, handler and civilian protection, tracking, article searches, crowd control, area/building searches and advanced cadaver location, and he made his mark as a cadaver-locating dog in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, the release said.

Sage also used his "top-notch skills" to aid in seizures of more than of $650,000 and 11 vehicles, as well as removing more than $8 million worth of dangerous drugs off the streets of McHenry County and was credited with 43 subject finds through tracks, area searches, building searches and at least 7 cadaver finds, according to the release.

Sage was popular with the public, who enjoyed his appearances during demonstrations at the McHenry County Fair, schools and other special events.

The McHenry County Sheriff's office extended thanks to Animal Hospital of Woodstock for Sage's care throughout his career.