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."

 

Kumar retired earlier this year at the age of 10. His replacement, Adam, also a German shepherd, joined the force in February. Both dogs were being handled by Crane. 

 

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.