SHREWSBURY – About 100 community members gathered in front of the Shrewsbury Police Station on July 30 to honor Hunter, a 10-year-old German Shepherd who served as Shrewsbury’s canine officer.
Hunter passed away unexpectedly on July 18.
The procession, which carried Hunter’s ashes in the lead cruiser, was his “final farewell,” according to a post from the Shrewsbury Police Department on Facebook, and was meant to “honor his extraordinary sacrifice.” Dozens of police vehicles were involved in the procession, and a large American flag was hung in front of the Police Station.
Hunter was handled by Patrolman Chad Chysna and served the town of Shrewsbury for eight years, first joining the department at 18 months old. Officers from around Central Mass., including some canine officers, could be seen at the Police Station.
“K9 Hunter was not only a skilled and courageous member of our police force but also a cherished companion to Officer Chysna, his family, and the entire Shrewsbury Police Department,” the department wrote in a separate Facebook post. “Together, they made countless contributions to our community, embodying the commitment and spirit of service that define our department.”
