Kumar was 2 years old when joined the Adams force.
ADAMS, Mass. — The town's beloved K-9 Kumar has died. The Police Department posted the news on its Facebook on Tuesday afternoon.
"A somber atmosphere has enveloped the officers and handlers as we mourn the loss of a loyal companion, Kumar, our esteemed police K9. Kumar had been an unwavering force in the fight against crime, his keen senses and unyielding dedication made him an invaluable member of the force," the post stated. "Together with his handler, Sergeant Curtis Crane, Kumar forged a bond, becoming not just a partner but a cherished friend."
German shepherds have a lifespan of nine to 13 years. Kumar was 2 when he began his service with the Police Department after months of training with Crane. He was acquired in 2014 from the Netherlands through a $25,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation, which supports police canine units.
Kumar was memorialized with a life-size wooden carving created by the Berkshire Carousel that was auctioned off to raise money to sustain the K-9 program in 2016. A group of Adams residents pooled their resources to purchase the carved Kumar and donated it to the town.
It now sits in Town Hall in its own dog house made by McCann Technical School students that doubles as a donation box to keep the program going.
At the time, then Police Chief Richard Tarsa spoke highly of the pairing of Kumar and Crane, saying, "the dividends they have paid off over the past couple of years are just phenomenal, I can't say enough."
Kumar and Crane over the years often worked with other communities that did not have K-9s. North Adams recently added a new K-9, Rocky, in June.
Adam is from the Czech Republic and was being trained in patrol and narcotics over the past year. He is the first K-9 fully funded through the Hometown Foundation's Police K-9 Awareness Fundraiser.
Police Chief Scott Kelley back in February had said the foundation, through the local Adams Hometown Market, had come through at "a perfect time."
"It is time for Kumar to retire. 10 years is a lot for a working dog," he said.
The full post from the Adams Police Department:
In the quiet halls of the Adams Police Station, a somber atmosphere has enveloped the officers and handlers as we mourn the loss of a loyal companion, Kumar, our esteemed police K9. Kumar had been an unwavering force in the fight against crime, his keen senses and unyielding dedication made him an invaluable member of the force. Together with his handler, Sergeant Curtis Crane, Kumar forged a bond, becoming not just a partner but a cherished friend.
Kumar's legacy shall echo through the corridors, marked by countless successful operations and moments of bravery. The community felt safer knowing Kumar patrolled their streets, a vigilant guardian with a wagging tail and a fierce sense of duty. For nearly a decade Kumar patrolled the streets and as the tale of his service comes to a close wish him well as a he stood as a testament to the enduring impact of a devoted police dog.
Though Kumar's physical presence is no longer felt, his memory will live on, inspiring new generations of police officers and their K9 companions. The canine officer with his selfless service and unwavering commitment, has left an indelible paw print on the hearts of all who knew him, forever remembered as a hero in fur.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A local developer and property management company has agreed to pay $40,000 to settle fair housing complaints on its properties.
Moresi Commercial Investments LLC and Moresi & Associates Property Management LLC, owned by David Moresi, were alleged to have discriminated against families with children in renting out apartments at 262-268 Ashland St. and 16 and 20 Blackinton St.
The allegations are that the apartments were being advertised as "student housing" and that inquiries from "testers" stating they had children were referred to other apartment listings. Fair housing laws prohibits discrimination, including refusing to rent to families with children or to students.
Moresi has denied the allegations but agreed, according to the agreement, to "enter in this assurance in order to resolve this matter without further costly and time-consuming litigation." The company also agreed to adopt a non-discrimination policy, have employees attend trainings on fair housing rules and to inspect for and abate any lead hazards.
The Ashland Street property was sold last October and the Blackinton buildings last August.
All of the buildings are located in the neighborhood of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, which has historically catered to students. That's changed somewhat in recent years, particularly with the well-known Boardman building being converted into recovery housing. An editorial in the college's Beacon newspaper last year lamented the lack of affordable off-campus housing for students and noted Moresi's apartments were no longer available.
The investigation in Moresi's rentals dates to 2018, when the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center conducted three tests. The first tester inquired about a three-bedroom apartment for themselves and roommates and the second for a couple with a 3-year-old child. The second was told the apartment would not be suitable because of college students on the property and was directed to units in Adams and Williamstown.
The City Council on Tuesday accepted two sections of state law that will allow the Commission on Disabilities to apply for grants and use handicapped-parking fees. click for more