Illinois State Police canine passes away

(WAND) - An Illinois State Police canine has passed away.

ISP Troop 8 posted to Facebook that Canine Hank died Nov. 4 at the age of 11 due to medical conditions related to a brief terminal illness.

Hank's handler was Trooper Zach McNelly.

Hank worked alongside Trooper McNelly for Troop 8 to protect and serve the citizens of Illinois. He graduated with Canine Class 71 in the Spring of 2015 and was an active ISP canine until his death.

Hank also worked at helping to train new dogs and their handlers at the ISP Canine Training Facility in Pawnee.

"Our prayers are with Trooper McNelly, his family, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside Hank during his distinguished career. We pause to honor Hank’s memory and give thanks for the incredible work he did to keep our communities safe over the last decade," ISP posted.