The Ridgefield Police Department bid an emotional farewell to their loyal K9 officer, Zeus, a German Shepherd who had served the force for an impressive nine years. In a heartfelt ceremony, Zeus received the same honors as any human officer, marking the end of a dedicated career with a final ride in a police vehicle, escorted by a procession of squad cars, all the way to Ridgefield Veterinary Hospital.
A Final Ride
As Zeus was wheeled through the crowd of fellow officers and service members who had gathered to pay their respects, emotions ran high. One officer, visibly moved, fought back tears as he spoke: “It’s with tears in our eyes that we must say goodbye. He wore the Ridgefield police badge with respect, pride, and dignity.”
This was more than a goodbye; it was the end of a chapter that had seen Zeus serve his community with distinction and bravery.
A Heroic Canine
Zeus wasn’t just a police dog — he was a hero. During his career, he was an indispensable asset to the Ridgefield Police Department, assisting in hundreds of arrests and executing over 50 successful tracks to find missing persons or suspects on the run. His skill and commitment to the job were extraordinary, and he played a pivotal role in saving lives. He helped locate six individuals in life-threatening situations and contributed to the capture of six fleeing criminals. A true “alpha dog,” Zeus was a trusted and vital member of the police team.