A police dog from New South Wales, tragically named Eddie, passed away after being struck by a truck in western Sydney late at night. The two-year-old Belgian Malinois was exercising during an operational shift when he darted onto Jedda Road in Prestons around 10:24 pm and was hit by a truck that did not stop at the scene.
Despite immediate veterinary attention, Eddie succumbed to injuries shortly after the incident. Authorities are currently seeking information to locate the vehicle involved, described as a tipper truck towing a trailer, which was last seen on Jedda Road moving towards the M7 motorway.
Eddie was a valued member of the police force, having been part of the breeding program and was accredited as a General Purpose Police Dog in December 2021. Superintendent Julian Griffiths expressed deep sorrow over Eddie’s loss, describing it as a “devastating blow” to the team. He highlighted the unique bond between police dogs and their handlers, underlining that they not only live and train together but also work side-by-side to ensure community safety.
Superintendent Griffiths noted, “Police dogs represent the very best of the Force: they are highly intelligent and motivated to work closely with their handlers.” The loss of any police dog is profoundly felt within the unit, yet Eddie’s passing is expected to resonate deeply, given his long-standing association with the team since birth. His absence will be felt by both the police force and the wider New South Wales community.
An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Eddie’s tragic death, as police are committed to ensuring that justice is served in this unfortunate incident.