Two Essex Country Sheriff K9s retire after 17 years of service

MIDDLETON, Mass. — Chico and Spyder, two German Shepherds, are now officially retired from the Essex County Sheriff’s Department.

At 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Chico and Spyder, along with their handlers, walked out of the Middleton Jail for the very last time.

The two dogs will spend their retirement at home, with the handlers they worked alongside all of their working lives.

Spyder’s handler, Sgt. Jennifer Walsh, called the day “bittersweet.”

Chico’s handler, Sgt Gary Mastrangelo said he looked forward to spoiling his dog in retirement.

“He’ll probably get a steak tonight, medium rare,” he said.

The Department’s ten other dogs lined up as Chico and Spyder passed.

“I hope [Chico and Spyder] understand they’ve done a good job. That their watch is over. And they definitely are not forgotten,” said Captain Thomas Cote, the K9 Unit’s commander.

Cox Media Group