posted September 14, 2009 04:58 PM         

The Seattle Police Department says Freddie, a dog and part of the bomb squad for more than six years, died Saturday.

Officer Craig Williamson took the dog to the vet on Saturday because he was in distress. He needed surgery and blood transfusions. The dog's heart stopped as it was being prepared for surgery and was revived. It died a few hours after surgery during which its spleen was removed.

Williamson and Freddie had been a team in 2003. They conducted hundreds of missions, including bomb sweeps for dignitaries and evidence searches for weapons and explosives. The dog was nearing retirement age, but Freddie's abilities and eagerness to work extended his service time, the Police Department said.

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives trained Freddie -- training in which Williamson took part.

Williamson and his dog were recognized by the ATF as a premier team.

They went to many national events. In Seattle, officer and dog were often the public face of the department, attending precinct picnics and citizens academies.

As a team, they were presented the Award for Excellence at the 2008 Seattle Police Foundation awards ceremony.