Working K9 Hero: Nero

 

 

It is with deep sadness and regret that the Pittsfield Police Department announced the passing of K-9 Nero.  Nero passed away on Friday, February 14, 2014 after a long illness.  Nero had worked alongside his handler, Officer James Parise, since 2006.
In his nearly eight years with the Department, Nero responded to 419 K-9 calls in Pittsfield,  and elsewhere in Western Massachusetts.  During that time, he was responsible for the apprehension of numerous dangerous felons and the seizure of over 40 pounds of illegal drugs. Massachusetts General Laws C. 272 §77A  offers special protection to such devoted, hardworking K9's.  Any willful mistreatment of these dogs is punishable by a maximum fine of five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years or both.

In June of last year at the Police Advisory Board meeting Nero patiently waits while his handler points out the cost benefit of the K9 unit:  it costs less to train a Police K9 than a police officer; and, a trained K9 can do the work of 5 men at times.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It not only costs less to train a police K-9 than a police officer, but the dogs can do the job of five men at times. - See more at: http://www.pittsfield.com/story/44136/McCann-Names-Valedictorian-Salutatorian-of-2013.html#sthash.1NiwjyAb.dpuf

K-9 Nero was a valued and productive member of the Pittsfield Police Department and will be missed greatly.