KNOXVILE, Tenn. (WATE) — Doc, a K9 with the University of Tennessee Police Department, died after being struck by a vehicle Saturday, UTPD said.
The department explained that the service animal was in the backyard of his handler’s home playing with another family dog. Both escaped the fence, and a vehicle struck Doc, injuring him. The handler drove Doc to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where Doc died.
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Doc joined the UTPD K9 Unit in August where he was trained in detecting explosives. UTPD described him as “a valued partner” and part of the department’s family.
“A loss like this affects us all,” said UTPD Chief Sean Patterson. “Our K9s serve alongside our officers every day and are a large part of this department and community. Doc will be remembered and greatly missed.”
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Doc was named in tribute to Dr. Spencer Gregg who practiced medicine for 36 years, including 25 years at the UT Student Health Center and 15 years as the center’s director…