Ithaca, N.Y. (WBNG Binghamton) Cornell University is mourning the loss of the campus police station's first police dog.
The 12-year-old black lab, named Sabre, worked over eight years to help keep Ithaca safe.
Sabre was trained in explosive detection. He most often searched luggage, vehicles, and buildings.
He helped keep campus venues safe for high-profiled visitors like President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton and the Dalai Lama.
Sabre was first rescued from the Tompkins County SPCA.
His handler, Lieutenant Jeffrey Montesano, says Sabre was almost too playful for a family - but that's exactly what they were looking for in a police dog.
"We were looking for one with a lot of play drive, a lot of social ability especially in a campus environment," says Montesano. "The play drive is really the biggest. If the dog wants to play the dog wants to work."
Sabre then had to be trained. Sabre graduated from the Southern Tier Police Canine Association in Binghamton and was certified by New York State.
Montesano also says the department wondered how Ithaca would react to the new addition.
"At first we weren't exactly sure how the community was going to take it, being a campus environment. So it kind of started off as a secret," says Montesano.
Shortly after his Cornell debut, Sabre was well-known around campus.
"It seemed like everyone knew Sabre's name but not mine. He was a great ambassador for us and he really laid the pavement for where we are today," says Lt. Montesano. "We still continue to have K9."
Cornell's current police dog was also rescued locally. Following in Sabre's tracks, Reggie is not only trained in explosive detection but also tracking.
Cornell Police are planning a memorial service for Sabre.
"Sabre will always be at the Cornell Police," says Lt. Montesano. "We do have a memorial wall and we're going to make a plaque for him and urn for his ashes to remain at the Cornell police."
All surrounding departments are welcome to pay tribute.
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