WFSB Channel 3Police K-9 put to rest after years of dedicated service

Police K-9 put to rest after years of dedicated service

A retired East Haven Police K-9 took his last ride Friday afternoon surrounded by police cruisers from East Haven and Branford.

Bear, a German Shepherd from the Czech Republic, was purchased by the East Haven Police Department in 2001 and was assigned to Officer Peterson.

Officer Peterson and Bear received training in the Bronx at the New York Municipal Police Work Dog Academy in July 2001 and graduated in December 2001.

During their time in training, the pair witnessed the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Bear assisted the East Haven Police Department until 2007, helping to apprehend criminals, recover evidence and locate missing persons.

Bear enjoyed one final ride Friday afternoon from his home in East Haven to the Guilford Veterinary Hospital by his handler and partner.

Just before 4 p.m. Friday it was announced over the East Haven Police frequency, "Branford K-9 officer to East Haven, Bear is signal 13 (code for out of service)."

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