MONROE COUNTY, MI — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Police Service Dog Stretch, a 5-year-old American Yellow Labrador Retriever who died Saturday morning following a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
According to the sheriff’s office, K-9 Stretch passed away at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Just days earlier, on January 20, Stretch was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer, leaving little time for treatment.
Stretch served as an Electronic Device Detection K-9 and was assigned to Deputy James Liedel. Together, the K-9 team played a critical role in numerous investigations across Monroe County. Earlier this week, Stretch and Deputy Liedel were formally honored by the FBI for their exceptional work on multiple cases, recognition that came just days before Stretch’s passing.
Beyond law enforcement duties, Stretch also served the community through education. As part of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office D.A.R.E. program, Deputy Liedel and Stretch reached more than 5,000 fifth-grade students throughout the county, leaving a lasting impression on thousands of local children.
On Saturday morning, Stretch was honored with a formal escort by Monroe County first responders in a final show of respect. His care has been entrusted to Green Pastures Pet Cremation of Ida, Michigan.
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