Salisbury Police mourn the loss of department’s beloved K9, Herc

SALISBURY, Mass. — Salisbury Police are mourning the loss of the department’s beloved K9, Herc, who died on Monday.

“We will all miss him greatly,” the department said of the German Shepherd in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon.

Herc attended the Boston Police K-9 Patrol Academy with Salisbury Police Lt. Richard Dellaria for 14 weeks before commencing duty as the department’s K9 in January 2014, police said.

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Salisbury Police mourn the loss of department’s beloved K9, Herc (Salisbury Police Department)

“Later that year, Herc became a dual-purpose work dog, nationally certifying as a Narcotics Detection K-9,” police said. “In the spring of 2016 Herc ranked 1st place overall in the New England Regional USPCA Narcotics Detection Dog Trial, hosted in Manchester, NH.”

“Lt. Dellaria was so proud to work alongside of Herc and made him a better police officer,” police said. 

After his retirement, Herc enjoyed his time at home, relaxing with his family.

“As his dad Rich says, ‘Rest easy, Herc – Run free big guy,’” police said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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