The City of Grosse Pointe Public Safety Department lost a member of their "team" with the death of K9 officer Raleigh.



Public Safety Director Stephen Poloni said the German Shepherd said Raleigh died Tuesday. He was assigned to Sgt. Michael Almeranti.



The K-9 officer was born in the Czech Republic in 2004, and joined the department in 2005.



During his tenure, he received a number of recognitions and commendations including being named Officer of the Year in 2006, and in 2010 he received a department citation from Harper Woods for his assistance in the arrest of an armed robbery suspect.



Poloni added that Raleigh participated in at least 65 tracks of suspects in home invasions, arson, car theft and fleeing police in cases in the City of Grosse Pointe and neighboring communities.



One of his most recent busts was assisting COMET in Macomb County and found $15,000 in cash and drugs.



"It's tough to lose party of your team," said Poloni, who added the death had been "tough" on his handler. "He will be sorely missed."



