GALLOWAY TWP. -
It was emotional day for a retired Atlantic City Police officer who had to put his K-9 partner down after 14 years of partnership.
He took his final steps with honor: walking past several of the dogs he trained and worked with.
"This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life," retired Atlantic City Police officer Billy Logan said.
Billy Logan and his best companion rolled in the grass one last time in front of the retired officers house as dozens of officers and friends from around the state looked on.
As they shared their final moments together, Deuce enjoyed his favorite treat.
"Every time Deuce did well on the street or he made an apprehension or rescued a child or located someone he was always rewarded with a McDonalds happy meal. His favorite was the cheeseburger but he didn't like the pickles and of course I got to keep the toy but we played with it together," Billy explained.
Billy and Deuce did just about everything together for the last 14 years. He was part of the family and most days he and Billy spent 16 hours a day together. Billy remembers the first time they met.
"When he opened the gate I was new to the K-9 thing. I had no idea what was going to happen. This dog comes charging up, jumps up on my shoulders and licks my face and from then on I knew we were going to be a great team," Billy said.
They were a great working team; for 10 years Deuce patrolled the streets of Atlantic City and was honored with so many awards he made it into the K-9 hall of fame.
Before it was all over, Billy and Deuce went back to where Deuce became a warrior at the former K9 training facility. He wasn't his regular self, but he got an escort back home fit for a king.
As Deuce was put to rest he gave Billy a kiss just like he did the first time they met.
"I held his face and he peacefully went down and he gave me a kiss before he left and he licked my face and he looked at me slowly as his head went down on to the bed onto my hands," Billy said with tears in his eyes.
Deuce was a veteran in every sense of the word; he was a warrior that went into battle and now a legend that never dies.
Deuce was put down because of several health issues and old age.
