LEWISTON – Dozens of family, friends, colleagues and admirers of Sarge, a German shepherd police dog, came together in the City Council Chambers on Wednesday afternoon during a memorial service for the canine.

The highlight of the service was a video presentation of Sarge on duty with the police force and at home with his family.

As each photo was presented, the audience was torn with emotions that ranged from laughing, awe and a flood of tears. The proceedings were punctuated by the constant sound of weeping and tissues being pulled from boxes.

Sarge was a member of the Lewiston Police Department for seven years before being put down after handler Tim Morin learned the dog was sick with cancer.

Sarge was one of two dogs that spearheaded the force’s K-9 unit. Police Chief Bill Welch said he was skeptical about the K-9 unit at first but quickly became a fan. Welch reviewed Sarge’s accomplishments, from finding drugs and people to boosting the morale of many in the department.