He is gone, but not forgotten. A memorial service was held Wed. March 20, 2019 to honor Mission Police Department’s K9 Cezar. He passed away March 5, 2019 after bravely battling arthritis in his spine. 

“Cezar was a police officer just like we are. It’s important to recognize him and honor him,” Chief Robert Dominguez said. “He gave great service to the citizens of Mission in different capacities. It was a fitting tribute.”

K9 Cezar spent the last of his days with his loving handler, officer Alexandria Leal. 

“He was my best friend. I spent more time with him than I did my own family” Leal said. “We just clicked. The marine in me, and I think in another life he was a marine. That’s why we got along. I calmed him down and he calmed me down.”

More than half a dozen K9 handlers and their dogs from law enforcement agencies across Hidalgo County, attended the service at Mission City Hall for a final salute to Cezar.  

“The K9 community is a tight-knit one,” Dominguez said. “Of course they came to pay their respects, and we thank them for their support.”

 The narcotics and tracking canine faithfully served the department for eight years. He retired in June of 2017. Police say K9 Cezar had outstanding tracking skills and was a valuable asset for narcotics detection. Known for his aggressive nature and stellar sense of smell, he led countless operations including bite work and tracking offenders.