CHEYENNE- The Wyoming Highway Patrol announced Friday that Basil, a retired K-9 drug dog, has died.
Basil started working in the Green River/ Rock Springs area in 2008 and retired in 2017. During his nine-year career, he was deployed 473 times and sniffed out 720.4 pounds of marijuana, 122 grams of cocaine, 470.8 grams of methamphetamine, 93 grams of heroin and 1180.5 grams of other illegal narcotics, according to Wyoming troopers.
In addition, Basil found 12 guns used in drug trafficking and helped confiscate $401,985 from suspected drug runners, troopers said.
Basil was also well-known in Green River and Rock Springs for his demonstrations for civic groups and schools.
His handler, Trooper Barry Tippy, said in a statement that the dog was an important partner.
“I had the honor of being Basil’s handler. Basil taught me many life lessons. He taught me the meaning of the words; compassion, understanding, passion, humility, patience and lastly love. Basil helped me through dark days in both my personal and professional life. He listened to rants and never told a single soul. My partner was there when I needed someone to hug and he never judged me for all of my shortcomings. Basil was my K9, partner and most importantly a best friend,” Tippy said.
Basil died at home surrounded by family and friends, according to troopers.
