Troop C Announces Passing Of Decorated State Police Dog

TOLLAND, CT — A decorated police dog who had worked out of the state police Troop C barracks had died.

Troop C Sunday announced the passing of retired police dog Hero. Hero died on Oct. 20 with handler Mike Zella at his side after battling a sudden illness.

"K-9 Hero was dedicated to the citizens of Tolland County and the State of Connecticut. K-9 Hero was able to enjoy several years of retirement after being one of the most decorated and successful working K-9s in the state," state police said in a statement released Sunday.

One of Hero's most celebrated cases was in 2015, when he and Zella were recognized in the American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards program for helping track track down a 3 -year-old who went missing after chasing a stray puppy in Coventry.

Hero was given something with the child's scent and he and Zella went into action searching the deep woods.

Neighbors and others had been searching the area previously, but Hero and Zella helped find the boy.

“Without Hero, the outcome could have been much worse," Zella said at the time. "Hero is a godsend and has not only assisted me in finding missing people, he also excels at apprehending criminals."