Funeral services for celebrated K-9 Daisy Mae set for Monday

Daisy Mae with longtime handler Sheriffs Deputy and Rochester Police Officer Keith MacKenzie (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Funeral services for legendary K-9 bloodhound Daisy Mae will be held on Monday at the Rochester Opera House.

Doors will open at 9 a.m. and services will begin at 10 a.m., according to a press release from the Strafford County Sheriff's Department.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Everyone will be given an opportunity to talk about how Daisy and the K-9 programs have affected their lives.

Daisy Mae, who was handled by Deputy Keith MacKenzie, passed in February

Known as one of the most storied K-9s in New Hampshire law enforcement history, Daisy Mae began her service as a certified tracker with the Strafford County Sheriff's Office at the age of 7 months in May of 2011; she was assigned to MacKenzie for her entire life.

The services of Daisy Mae and Deputy MacKenzie were made possible throughout the region through an innovative partnership between the SCSO and the Rochester Police Department. MacKenzie has also been a full-time K-9 Police officer with Rochester for many years.

A press release from the SCSO at the time of her death noted a few of the many highlights of Daisy and MacKenzie including:

Apprehended a suspect currently serving 40-life for a homicide in Farmington.

Apprehended an armed suspect in Aroostook County Maine, who was wanted for killing his girlfriend.

Apprehended a cop-killer in Pennsylvania who killed a PA State Trooper and injured another.

Just under 200 call outs for service during Daisy's lifetime.

Awards - Maine State Police award for Service to Maine, Heroic service award from Federal law enforcement and Boston Red Sox, National award for patrol case of the quarter (USPCA), Top patrol case of the entire USPCA, Blooming Grove Service Award from Pennsylvania State Police for assisting in the capture of a convicted felon after a prison escape, NH congressional law enforcement award, 40/8 Merci club box car memorial award, Strafford County award for bravery.

All law enforcement K-9 teams in the area have been invited for Monday's services and many are expected to participate.

For more info contact Lt. Tracy Hayes at the Strafford County Sheriff's Office at 603-742-4960.