One of Maywood Police Department’s most trusted officers has died.

The Bloodhound K9 named Remi was a vital part of the New Jersey police force. She used her powerful nose to sniff out hundreds of missing people, including children and missing Alzheimer’s patients, and track down violent criminals. She was a staple in the community she served and formed an unbreakable bond with her partner/dad, Detective Christopher Nichols.

Remi was the “missing’s lifeline” and an ambassador for her breed. “Remi is larger than life, not only being an amazing trailing dog that brought so many home and gave closure in the most tragic of circumstances, but also by bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community on nearly a daily basis,” wrote Nichols.

Last week he received devastating news about his faithful partner. Remi was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. She spent her final days being spoiled by her family and died in the arms of Nichols early Sunday morning.

The heartbreaking news was shared on the department’s Facebook page. “With the heaviest of hearts, we share the devastating news that our beloved K9 Remi passed away this morning. We’ll love you and miss you forever our Remi Girl.”

Nichols said, “Today, after 5 1/2 years of Remi giving me everything she had, performing beyond anything I could have ever expected, and being my best friend through some of the most challenging times of life, I had to make the most painful decision of my life…”

He went on to say, “There is a hole in our hearts that will never be filled and our family is forever changed. We miss her terribly already…”

She died a K9 hero and will never be forgotten. The community and other people who had the honor to work alongside K9 Remi sent their condolences.

Patrick Reynolds, the former Assistant Director at School of Criminal Justice at Fairleigh Dickinson University, commented, “Det. Nichols, You and your K9 partners have brought great acclaim, professionalism and pride to the Maywood Police Department. What you and Remi accomplished in the past few years is astonishing. The impact of crimes solved, fugitives located and families reunited cannot be accurately measured. Remi was always a big hit as a guest lecturer at my Criminal Justice classes at FDU. Please know that we all hurt for you, your family and the entire Maywood P.D.”.