MARSHALL COUNTY, Ind. -- The Michigan State Police lost a valued trooper this week when K9 Solo died during a surgery to repair a twisted stomach. 

"With a heavy heart, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Marshall Post is announcing their K9, Solo, died this past Wednesday after suffering a medical emergency," MSP said. "Canine handler, Trooper Jereme Miller, Solo’s partner for the past five years, explained Solo was taken in for emergency surgery to repair a twisted stomach; a life-threatening medical condition the German Shepard breed is susceptible too. During surgery, the decision was made to euthanize Solo as the surgery would not have been successful."

Miller said this week marked the five-year anniversary since he and Solo graduated from canine school together.

“This is a huge blow to the Marshall Post family, and as you can all imagine, a bigger impact on Trooper Miller and his family”, said F/Lt. Barry Schrader, post commander of the Marshall Post. “In speaking with Trooper Miller, Solo finished his career like a trooper would. He assisted our Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) with a hit on 4 kilos of methamphetamine during a search warrant hours before his medical emergency.”

During their time in the field together, Miller and Solo had 68 successful apprehensions in which they tracked down fleeing suspects or missing persons. MSP says Trooper Miller strongly believes they were on pace to reach 100 apprehensions during Solo’s career.

Additionally, authorities say Solo hit on and helped seize over 40 pounds of narcotics during his service.

The six-year-old Solo was Trooper Miller’s second canine over his 11-year career as a handler with MSP.

"We want to take this time to thank Solo for his dedication and service to the MSP and citizens of the State of Michigan," MSP said. "We also ask that you keep Trooper Miller, his family, and the entire Marshall Post personnel in your thoughts as they mourn the loss of their family member and partner."