Hundreds of people lined Main Street in Mount Gilead Tuesday evening to honor Seger, the village’s K-9 officer, as he took his final ride through the village he served and protected.
Several months ago, Seger was diagnosed with canine lymphoma.
Initially, he had responded well to treatments, sending the cancer into remission. He returned to work recently, however, over the weekend, they learned that the cancer had returned and was found to be more aggressive.
Sgt. Tom Cronenwett, Seger’s partner, had to make the heartbreaking decision to put him down.
Before he went to the veterinarian for the final time, he was honored with one last ride, a police procession leading him through Mount Gilead. Police officers from multiple agencies, K-9 units, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, family, friends, and the community paid their respects.
They stopped at the village ball-field where children paid tribute, handing Cronenwett, an American flag before rushing to bid their furry protector farewell with loving pats and hugs.
Then, the final pass down Main Street was made. The emergency airwaves broadcasted K-9 officer Seger’s final call announcing his “end of watch” as he arrived at the Village Veterinary Clinic.
Before entering, Seger was treated to a “bite of the bad guy.” He protected his partner, handler and friend one last time.
Fellow officers lined the sidewalk, and the community stood in silence, as Seger and his partner took their final walk together into the clinic.
Sgt. Cronenwett and his family left the clinic in tears but were quickly surrounded by supporters who offered hugs and kind words.
Choking back tears, Sgt. Cronenwett shared, “Thank you, I am overwhelmed by the support we have been shown today.”
As part of his service, Seger went on drug busts, helped serve search warrants, searched for missing children, tracked criminals, and went on school checks and visits. He also helped to teach other K-9s across Ohio.
Seger was seven years old, serving six years as a village K-9 officer.
Mount Gilead Police Sgt. Tom Cronenwett takes Seger through the village square.