QUINCY, ILL. -- Max was the Quincy Police Department's second K-9 and was a welcome addition to the department in 2002.

Max passed away at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday from complications of cancer that had metastasized.

"It is with deep regret that I report the passing of Quincy Police Department K-9 Max," Said Chief Robert Copley in a press release Friday.

Max suffered from respiratory distress during routine training on Saturday, December 13. Following local vet care the next day, Max was immediately taken to the University of Missouri Animal Hospital in Columbia, Mo. for further evaluation.

Ultimately, it was learned that Max was suffering from an advanced form of cancer.

Max spent his remaining days at the home of his partner, Officer Jeff Baird.

Max was a Belgian Malinois that the police department acquired in 2002.  During his eight-year tenure with the police department Max was involved in many high profile cases.  Max’s first handler was Officer Darin Kent.

In recent years, he was partnered with experienced K-9 handler Officer Jeff Baird.

Due to his age, plans were being made to retire Max during calendar year 2011.

Chief Copley expressed in his statement, "Max will be greatly missed within the Quincy Police Department and the community at large."