NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city's first K9 officer, Molly, has died. 

 

According to the Police Department posting on Facebook, Molly was put to rest because of complications of old age. 

 

"Molly served the City of North Adams and its citizens for several years with her handler Sgt. Albert Zoito. Upon retirement Molly was left in Sgt. Zoito's care to live out a comfortable and well-loved life," stated the post. "The members of the North Adams Police Department want to send our deepest condolences to Sgt. Zoito and his wife for opening up their hearts and home for Molly and for loving and caring for her in a way that every dog dreams of."

 

The yellow Labrador was trained and certified in narcotics detection. She and Zoito were responsible for hundreds of investigations during her years of service. 

 

"No matter if it was 3 o'clock in the afternoon or 3 o'clock in the morning, Molly was eager to do her job right up until her retirement. Sgt. Zoito and Molly will be sadly missed by the children in our schools," the posting said. "They made it a point to walk the halls and interact in the classrooms as much as possible throughout the school year to bring smiles on the children's faces. ...

 

"Even to those that have a fear of dogs, Molly's gentle demeanor and warm loving eyes would soon let their guard down and at the end would pat her on the head or give her a scratch behind her ear."

 

Zoito and Molly attended numerous community and school events, including TRIAD picnics and commemorations. She joined the force in the mid-aughts and spent her golden years a member of Zoito's family. 

 

"K-9 Officer Molly, as you follow the Thin Blue Line across the Rainbow Bridge, we want you to know that you can keep your head and tail held high knowing that your service made a difference. Knowing that you helped take dangerous drugs off our streets. Knowing that you put a smile on and made every child giggle when they saw you. 

K-9 Officer Molly, May You Rest In Peace and Godspeed."