Police Dog Grimm Takes Final Ride Through Andover

ANDOVER, MA — Andover police dog Grimm took a final ride through downtown Andover Wednesday ahead of being put down due to terminal lung cancer, the police department said.

Residents gathered in downtown Andover to see Grimm off after his 10 years with the police department. Other area police departments joined in the procession of police cars.

"The Andover Police Department and Chief Patrick Keefe would like to thank NEMLEC, all of the neighboring police departments, and Andover Fire and Rescue for their support throughout this difficult time with K9 Grimm’s terminal illness and his final ride," the department said after the final ride. "We would also like to thank the citizens of Andover for their outpouring of love and support, this was particularly touching for us and I know it meant the world to Sergeant Connor. The void left by the unexpected passing of Grimm will be a difficult time for us to deal with but your support has made this a little easier."

The department announced Sunday that Grimm had become sick and would be put down at his veterinarian's recommendation.

"Sergeant Michael “Mickey” Connor unfortunately had to make the toughest decision that any K9 handler will ever have to make," the police said. "K9 Grimm has been ill for the past several days. When tests were conducted by Grimm’s veterinarian, they revealed that he has a very aggressive form of lung cancer, which has already metastasized to his lymph nodes."

In their 10 years in Andover, Connor and Grimm were at the Boston Marathon Bombing and the Watertown Standoff among many other police actions.

"Mickey and Grimm also enjoyed educating the public, teaching about drugs and police work to the incoming freshmen of AHS every year since partnering up," the department said. "However, Mickey and Grimm were probably most famous for being the stars of, Where’s Grimm Wednesday."

Grimm was the second police dog Connor's family had lost, the department said. Residents were encouraged to send letters or cards to the police station.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.