New Jersey police mourn death of K-9 after cancer diagnosis

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (WTXF) - Police in New Jersey are mourning the death of a search bloodhound who helped find missing people.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey announced Sunday that Middlesex County Canine Search and Rescue Team K-9 Joker's Wild had died. The dog was diagnosed with progressive cancer at age 10.

Joker helped track individuals suffering from diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's during his five-year tenure with the department.

The K-9 helped officers find a man suffering from Alzheimer's who had wandered away from a family party. In 2015, the police dog helped track down a suspect who had attacked a woman.

"Joker was a remarkable bloodhound who loved nothing more than to get out and work," said owners and handlers Mike and Debbie Campbell.

The police dog also loved big crowds when he wasn't working.

"Middlesex County Law Enforcement has lost a loyal partner who served the County honorably," said Carey. "Joker will be missed by my entire staff... He will always be known as the leader of the team."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.