End Of Watch: Burbank Police Mourn Death Of Retired Police Dog Lary

BURBANK, IL — Even in his well deserved retirement, Lary, Burbank police’s K9, wanted to go to work with his partner Officer Jason Tudryn. Lary, who faithfully served the Burbank Police Department for nine years, died on April 27. The massive German Shepherd was 12 years old.

“Nine years is a long time on the street,” Tudryn said. “He helped all the surrounding police agencies, from Bridgeview to Crestwood.”

Lary joined the Burbank Police Department in 2012. Lary was certified in detecting drug odors, tracking, area searches, article searches and building searches. As a team, Tudryn and Lary were in high demand to assist other state, local, county and federal agencies.

“He found a lot of cash and drug seizures,” Tudryn said.

Tudryn and his canine partner were fan favorites at community events, pool parties and local schools, showing off his training and skills in demonstrations.

“He was real friendly with kids,” Tudryn said.

While a fan favorite of school kids, Lary was tough on bad guys. Tudryn said the police service dog was known to bite criminals who tried to escape the law.

“The last person he bit was a carjacker,” Tudryn recalled. “We were assisting Oak Lawn police. The carjacker crashed his car near 95th Street and LaGrange Road. The offender ran into the woods. Lary tracked him down and bit him.”

When he wasn’t working, Lary lived with Tudryn and his family, lounging on the couch or playing in the back yard.

“He became part of the family,” Tudryn said.

Lary retired in December 2021 and enjoyed being a pet, although he still wanted to go to work with his partner. During the past year, Lary lost weight and his hips began to go out. Last week, like many dog owners, Tudryn faced the hardest decision a handler makes when his loyal partner falls ill. PSD Lary ended his watch in the arms of Officer Tudryn.

Burbank police posted the following tribute to their colleague on Facebook:

“It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of retired Burbank Police K9 Lary on April 27, 2023. K9 Lary served the City of Burbank for 9 years. The teamwork of Officer Tudryn and K9 Lary have confiscated large amounts of illegal drugs and removed numerous dangerous criminals off the streets of Burbank.”

Scottsdale Animal Clinic is handling Lary’s cremation.