The RCMP has bid farewell to a dedicated member of the service.

Police Service Dog Grinch, described as a “gentle giant” has retired after eight years of service, with a party at RCMP Headquarters in St. John’s this Friday morning.

Grinch was born on March 31, 2014 at the Police Dog Services Training Centre in Innsifail, Alberta.

He was originally posted to the Lower Mainland in British Columbia and paired up with partner and handler, Sergeant Bill Frisby.

The pair served Newfoundland and Labrador for six years based out of Holyrood.

Grinch specialized in narcotics and helped to locate illicit drugs that resulted in large amounts being taken off the streets. He also helped with the recovery of stolen property and the thieves responsible, and located a number of missing people.

He even tracked down a number of dangerous suspects and was often called upon to assist the RCMP Emergency Response Team to help resolve some high-risk situations.

Once considered an imposing creature, Grinch has settled in to become a “big old softie.”

Grinch officially retired in May following a number of work-related injuries and is adjusting well to a quiet life in retirement in his handler’s home.