Decorated K-9 police dog Fina dies Christmas morn

Fina sits for handler Rochester Police Officer Keith MacKenzie, outside door, as she is saluted by Rochester Police Officers before exiting City Council Chambers during her retirement ceremony in 2013. (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A longtime and celebrated member of the Rochester Police Department died on Christmas morning.

Fina, a German Shepherd from Slovakia, who was obtained with assistance from the Working Dog Foundation in 2003, served in a K-9 unit with the department until her retirement in January 2013.

Fina, who died of a sudden illness on Friday, was partnered with two handlers during her tenure, first former Officer Vinton Wallace then her last nine years with Officer Keith MacKenzie.

During her time Fina received numerous awards through the Working Dog Foundation to include; narcotics case of the year in 2009, 2010, and 2011, along with Patrol case of the year in 2009.

She also traveled to national police K-9 competitions where she finished 6^th in the nation in 2006, 7^th in 2009, and 12^th in 2012.

Locally, Fina was responsible for more than 75 arrests as a result of drug searches or tracks, and located numerous missing persons.

Since her retirement in 2013 Fina had been living with MacKenzie and his family, "enjoying the easy life," according to a press release sent today.

"Above all the awards and accolades she received during her career Fina was an outstanding ambassador for the department and brought countless smiles to people in the community," the release noted.