Longtime beloved and celebrated K9 Daisy Mae dies of medical complications

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

ROCHESTER - One of the most storied K-9s in New Hampshire law enforcement history passed away recently.

Bloodhound Daisy Mae, who was handled by Deputy Keith MacKenzie, passed on Feb. 18 due to medical complications.

Daisy began her service as a certified tracker with the Strafford County Sheriff's Office at the age of 7 months in May of 2011 and was assigned to Deputy Keith MacKenzie for her entire life.

The services of Daisy 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 noted a few of the many highlights of Daisy and MacKenzie include:

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.

A ceremony to honor Daisy's service will be conducted in the coming weeks.