An eight-year veteran of the Des Moines Police Department’s K-9 unit has passed away.
Bero died Saturday after a brief battle with a sudden illness that took hold throughout the week, the department noted in a press release Sunday morning.
Bero first joined the Des Moines PD in 2016, establishing himself as a key figure in several pursuits. The department noted how he “made our neighborhoods safer with his legendary nose” for guns, drugs and “dangerous felons.”
His partner, coach, and “best friend” was Des Moines PD officer Dao Meunsaveng, a 23-year veteran of the local police force. They were partners for Bero’s entire stint with the local department.
“Dao’s commitment, dedication and love for Bero has inspired our K-9 unit and K-9 officers across the state,” Des Moines Police Chief Michael McTaggart said in the press release.
Bero was a showman, capturing victory in the first national K-9 Detection Dog Challenge in 2021. The duo prevailed in the narcotics division.
“The duo quickly left an impression on their peers, both in presence and performance,” the DMPD press release said.
Bero, a Des Moines Police Department K-9, passed away Saturday, Dec. 21 after a brief battle with a sudden illness that took hold throughout the week, the department noted in a press release.
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K-9 duo survive July car crash
Bero and Muensaveng were both injured in a July crash when an allegedly intoxicated man struck Muensaveng’s patrol car near Southeast Sixth Street in the East Village. Muensaveng was trapped inside the vehicle which required Des Moines firefighters to pry the doors open to free him. Court documents say the driver was traveling 40 mph in a 25 mph zone when he collided with the patrol vehicle, which was traveling in the opposite direction.
Bero was treated and released from an emergency veterinary hospital while Muensaveng was hospitalized for serious injuries. The pair had recently returned for a modified assignment in early December, according to a Des Moines Police social media post.
More: Des Moines police officer and K-9 partner injured in Tuesday morning crash
A Des Moines K-9 passed in 2023
Hobbs, a fellow Des Moines PD K-9, passed away in 2023 from a medical error during a gastropexy surgery. The state of Iowa was later ordered to pay the City of Des Moines more than $40,000 after it was ruled that Iowa State University veterinarians caused the dog’s death. Hobbs was 4 years old when he passed. He joined the Des Moines force in June 2020.
Brandon Hurley is editor of the Ames Tribune and the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Contact him at bhurley@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: A Des Moines K-9 officer passed away from a brief and sudden illness