The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office recently said goodbye to a fellow officer.

K9 Gunner, a bloodhound used for search and rescue, suspect apprehension and article search, died Sept. 18 of acute abdominal cancer that had already metastasized, the Sheriff’s Office said this week.

He was born June 6, 2019 in the small area of Cottonville. The Sheriff’s Office received gunner as a donation from Tony and Annette Frick who raise bloodhounds on their farm.

Gunner began his official service with the agency at about 6 months of age after his introduction into man tracking.

During his short career Gunner tracked and located numerous individuals that ranged from breaking and entering suspects to lost or runaway juveniles and firearms that were discarded or hid by suspects of crimes.

His handler and best friend was Deputy Sam Stancil, who he spent many long shifts with on patrol.

“He was a great friend and asset, and will be greatly missed by his handler Sam Stancil and the agency,” Lt. W.H. Smith, training coordinator, said.