The Ridgefield Police Department is saying goodbye to one of its police dogs before he is euthanized due to health complications and officers are honoring him with one last ride Wednesday.
Zeus, an 11-year-old German Shepherd, was retired from the department as a K-9 unit on May 20, 2014 because he has severe degenerative hip disorder, police said on the Ridgefield Police Department Facebook page. His health has declined significantly over the past year, so he has to be put down, police said.
"Zeus was a valued member of our team as well as our community and will be greatly missed," Ridgefield police said on Facebook.
Ridgefield Officer Shawn Murray was Zeus's handler since the dog joined the force in 2006 and took care of Zeus at his home even after his retirement, police said.
Zeus assisted with 250 narcotics arrests, tracked 50 missing or wanted people, located six people in life-threatening situations and found six suspects on the run after crimes, police said.
He also helped police discover 10 pounds of marijuana in 2006. The department also did many demonstrations with the police dog for members of the public.
Zeus's last ride through Ridgefield will start at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, head west on Governor Street, travel north on Route 35/Main Street, go north on Route 7 and end at Ridgefield Veterinary Hospital. Police from area agencies are expected to be in attendance.
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Community members are also invited to gather on Main Street on the sidewalks along the route to watch the ride and pay tribute.
