PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Public Safety announced the passing of bomb-sniffing K-9, Ax, on Saturday afternoon.

In a tweet from DPS, the department mourned the passing of Ax, who was part of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Unit.

Ax died on July 8 following a brief illness diagnosed in June.

“Ax quietly and diligently served the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the citizens of Arizona,” DPS said in a statement.

The six-year-old Czech Shepard and his handler had been certified as an explosive detection canine team since February 2016.

Ax and his handler worked large public events, dignitary and presidential visits, bomb-threat responses, crime scenes and public outreach details, according to DPS.

“Ax and his handler made an outstanding team with their work in bomb-threat response and much more,” the tweet read. “He will be sorely missed.”

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey took to Twitter to express his condolences, writing “Arizona is grateful for Ax’s service to our state.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s John Roller contributed to this report.

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