During his 11 years of service with Ashland Police Department Dax the police dog became something of a “town hero.”
He had 16 “violent apprehensions,” and found more than 50 missing people during his career with the Massachusetts force.
He even saved his handler Sgt. Chris Alberini from a man armed with a loaded gun hiding in an attic, which resulted in him being the first canine to be awarded the George L. Hanna Memorial Award for Bravery.
But not long after he retired Dax got sick and when his condition deteriorated his handler made the difficult decision to put him down.
He was 13 years old.
“He took a downward turn over this past week,” said Chief Vincent Anfano.
Following safe distancing rules and wearing masks Ashland police officers lined the streets to give “K-9 Dax a fitting tribute and hero’s send off.”
“Dax is a town hero – he’s always been a shining star for the town and police department,” Chief Anfano added.
About 30 police departments and K-9 units throughout the state took part in the ceremony, according to Metro West News. Roads were closed off and an American flag was erected high up on a fire truck ladder to honor Dax.
“It seemed like cruisers just kept on coming,” he said adding there had to be two routes due to the high number of people paying tribute to the heroic hound.
“Dax was a police officer like all of us,” said Chief Anfano. “He was always there when the department needed him.
“That dog saved officers’ lives,” he added.
Such a heroic dog, risking his life every day for 11 years to keep the community safer. We salute you Dax!
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