****For Immediate Release****
Subject: Death of K-9 Nero
Authored By: Chief Michael Wynn
Authorized By: Chief Michael Wynn
Released At: 24 February 2014 9:55 AM
It is with deep sadness and regret that the Pittsfield Police Department announces 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, throughout Berkshire County 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.
In 2009, K-9 Nero received the Department’s Life Saving Commendation for his actions in locating a woman who had wandered away from a homeless shelter in freezing temperatures and not dressed for the weather. Nero located the missing woman trying to keep warm under a pile of leaves. In 2012, Nero tracked an elderly man who had wandered from his home in freezing cold temperatures. After a two mile track, Nero located the man in a barn, where he was seeking shelter and trying to stay warm.
In addition to his enforcement and operations duties, K-9 Nero participated in hundreds of K-9 demonstrations for school children throughout Berkshire County. Nero was requested on a regular basis by the elementary schools in Pittsfield, where he and Officer Parise would teach young children about police work, the K9 program, and most importantly, how to be act around dogs in order to avoid being accidently bitten.
K-9 Nero was a valued and productive member of the Pittsfield Police Department and will be missed greatly.