Students mourn the loss of 'Ace,' Gulf Breeze High's K-9 officer

Submitted Photo Above, Officer Mark Lyster and Ace on a trip to a local school.

On Jan. 5, the community lost the beloved K-9 officer, "Ace."

Ace was with the Gulf Breeze Police Department for the past seven years, serving the past year with his handler Officer Mark Lyster assigned to Gulf Breeze High School as part of the School Resource Officer program.

During their short but productive partnership, Ace became a vital part of the Gulf Breeze Elementary, Middle and High School family.

In addition to his normal duties as a K-9 officer, Ace was an ambassador for drug prevention. He would go to the Elementary School and give demonstrations on his narcotic detection talent and show the young students that he was not just a dog but a police officer, there to protect them from the dangers of drugs.

At the high school, he was a deterrent from drugs being brought onto the campus.

Ace and Officer Lyster made headlines on Mar. 27, 2006 when Ace sniffed out 479 Xanax pills in a vehicle located near the high school.

Ace became sick and underwent surgery to remove his enlarged spleen. Unfortunately, Ace's condition deterioirated and he died.

Ace's loss will be felt for a long time; however, hopefully his legacy will live on: that there is nothing more important than protecting children from the dangers of drugs.

A memorial service for Ace will be Friday, Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. at Gulf Breeze High School. Everyone who was touched by Ace is invited to attend.

A special thanks goes to Dr. Parrish and Dr. Hillman with Hillman Veterinary Clinic for their tireless efforts to save Ace.