Sir Boomer Smith

LISBON, Ohio -

Members of local law enforcement will say goodbye to a veteran K9 in the Valley who has lost a long battle with cancer.

Rick Smith of Great Lakes Emergency Response, who has been the handler of K9 Boomer for thirteen years, tells 21 News that members of the Columbiana County Sheriff's Department have organized a “last ride” for Boomer this afternoon.

Great Lakes Emergency Response, based in North Jackson, is a volunteer organization that helps in search efforts.

The organization's Facebook page says the Bloodhound has been treated for tumors for the past two years.

However, Smith told 21 News on Friday that the cancer has become too much for Boomer, and the K9 will be laid to rest on Monday.

Before that happens, Boomer will be remembered while he is still alive with the “last ride” honor.

The ride is scheduled to begin a 1 pm, Friday, March 5, 2019 at the Sheriff's Office, 105 S. Market Street, Lisbon.

According to the Sheriff's department, Boomer will be driven around in their K9 cruiser this afternoon.

During Boomer's years of service, Smith says the K9 has been involved in numerous investigations in Northeast Ohio including the search for murder victim Gerald Klusch, whose body was eventually found in 2011 in Columbiana County.

In addition, Smith says Boomer took part in the search for Lawrence Anderson II, who was reported missing in 2008. Anderson's remains were found in a home on Youngstown's South Side. He had been shot to death.

Smith says his K9 also searched for Timothy Six in Trumbull County. The Niles man was reported missing in February 2104. Human remains found two years later behind a Warren Motel were eventually identified as those of Six.

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