“The amount of work the dog has done is incredible,” Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi described K9 service dog, Zeus.

Zeus, an 11-year-old German Shepherd, has been with the Ridgefield CT Police Department for almost his entire life.

He is a service dog certified in obedience, apprehension/handler protection, narcotics detection, area searches, tracking, article searches, and building searches.

Zeus has an amazing track record.

This is probably the canine equivalent of a human with several Master’s degrees and a Ph.D.

Zeus made use of all the training he received with his work as a K9 service dog.

He was a true alpha dog.

Throughout his career, he was able to make more than 250 narcotics arrests, which included seizing 10 lbs of marijuana in 2006.

Zeus was also instrumental in finding dozens of wanted and missing people.

He found six people trapped in life-threatening situations plus six people that had fled the crime scene.

Zeus knew how to have fun.

He also found time to perform in different demonstrations, especially for the youth.

When Zeus joined the force, he was teamed up with his first handler, Officer Shawn Murray.

Officer Murray will actually become his first and last handler because Zeus will continue to stay with him when he retires.

Zeus officially retired because his severe degenerative hip disorder condition made his health decline.

He gave 8 years of service.

After that, he had no choice but to retire.

But he must be so proud of himself for lasting so long in the police force.

A police dog actually serves an average of seven years. If he wasn’t diagnosed with his condition, he could have served even longer.

Unfortunately, Zeus’ health declined even more.

One year later, he was scheduled to be put to sleep.

Zeus may be a dog but he was an honored and respected member of the police department.

He was given his last ride in their squad car on the way to the Ridgefield Veterinary Hospital, where he will be put to sleep.

The Ridgefield CT Police Department shared their itinerary.

They encouraged residents who wanted to pay tribute and say goodbye to Zeus to line the sidewalks along the route.

Honored with a full salute.

When they arrived at the hospital, Zeus was given a salute for all the work he has done for the community of Ridgefield.

He was escorted to his final destination by Officer Murray and his family, including his brother, Detective Scott Murray.

Detective Murray said Zeus was his brother’s partner and best friend.

And they have lost a big part of their family.

“He was in the yard when there were picnics. He played, chased the ball, and he did what all normal dogs, what all family dogs do except he had a job,” Detective Murray described their beloved dog.

The department was left heartbroken.

“It was an honor to work beside you and knowing that you were there always helped put our minds at ease… You wore the Ridgefield Police badge with Respect, Pride, and Dignity. Thank you for keeping us all safe over the years. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Rest in Peace, our friend,” they wrote on their Facebook page.

Zeus was cremated at the hospital and his urn and ashes were turned over to Officer Murray and his family.

See the heartfelt honor and tribute paid to Zeus on his final ride in the video below!

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Source: YouTube – WTNH News8, itvNews, Facebook – Ridgefield CT Department, Stamford Advocate, Patch