Apollo Clarke

Apollo Clarke of Greenfield, Indiana, the beautiful German Shepherd boy and retired canine officer of Ryan Clarke, crossed peacefully over the Rainbow Bridge at noon on Friday, December 26, 2025. 

Apollo made numerous drug arrests. Ryan commented that “Apollo saved my life more than once.” Apollo was quite the hero. 

According to the American Kennel Club, “German Shepherds stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherds will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians.” Apollo was just that toward his family; he was loyal, loving, and a very protective boy.

Apollo was born in Europe on Thursday, November 6, 2014. 

Apollo was the first canine officer in Hagerstown, Indiana. He was known as Canine Officer 1. 

Ryan felt what Apollo valued the most in his life was his family, and he loved his entire family, but his greatest love was for Ryan, with whom he shared a special bond from the time he was a puppy. Ryan relayed, “He and I were the original two canine patrol officers. He stayed by my side through everything. He was just always very protective over me.”

Ryan is absolutely heartbroken by the loss of Apollo, who touched so many lives and left so many memories with his family and during his many years as a member of the Hagerstown Police Department. He will be forever remembered. 

Apollo was greeted on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge by his little fur brother, Chesty, who preceded him in death on December 20th, 2025. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Always & Furever In Our Hearts Pet Cremation in association with Liming Family Funeral Home, located in Shirley, Indiana. 

We are honored to serve the family of Apollo Clarke. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Apollo Clarke, please visit our floral store.