editorial comment Good riddance Iand nice reference to George Clinton's song "Dope Dog"

Basko took a bite out of crime - but it cost him his life.

The 5-year-old drug-sniffing German shepherd died Friday after he bit into a bag of cocaine during an annual certification search in Riverside County, according to Sgt. Jim Banach with the Redondo Beach Police Department.

Basko had successfully completed the search and was in his partner's car for the ride home when he had a seizure. The partner, Officer Ken Greenleaf, rushed Basko to a nearby animal clinic, where the dog died before he could be treated, Banach said.

Basko had been with the Police Department for four years, helping to apprehend suspects, including one wanted for murder, and assisting in the recovery of narcotics.

A memorial service was pending.

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