By Travis Thayer (Laurel, Ind.) – The Laurel Police Department is mourning the loss of a K-9 officer. According to the Laurel Police Department, K-9 Blade passed away at the age of three on January 1 after experiencing a medical episode at his handler’s residence. A veterinarian and vet tech determined that the unofficial cause of death was “bloat.” Bloat is known as gastric dilation and volvulus, or GDV, and is not completely understood by veterinarians. Blade was laid to rest without honorary services since he did not die in the line of duty.