Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher has expressed his sympathy to the handler of police dog Mojo and the officer’s family.

Mojo died in the line of duty after falling and sustaining severe injuries during a search of a building site in Alexandria on Friday night.

“In the Police Force dogs are not viewed as tools, but as loved work mates and indeed family members, particularly by the handlers and their families,” Minister Gallacher said.

“The passing of any workmate is a big loss to the NSW Police community and the death of Mojo will be felt across NSW.

“The canine unit is incredibly valued as a frontline resource and my thoughts are with the members of the unit and the wider police family today.

“I with the NSW Police Force well as they mourn the passing of Mojo,” Minister Gallacher said.

The Minister was advised of Mojo’s passing while visiting Police in Bourke as part of a seven day regional tour, where he is meeting police and emergency service personnel.