Quincy Police Mourn Death Of Beloved K-9 Major

QUINCY, MA — For more than six years, Major served the Quincy Police Department and the city patrolling the streets and sniffing out explosive devices as part of the K-9 unit. He was beloved within the department, helped protect spectators at the Boston Marathon and was a trusted partner of Quincy Officer Ken Wood.

This week, Quincy police and Officer Wood, especially, are mourning the death of Major and celebrating all the ways the German Shepherd helped try to keep the residents of the city safe after Major suffered a medical emergency on a detail at Veterans Stadium on Saturday.

"These dogs spend 16 hours a day with their officer partners at the station and at home," Quincy Police Information Officer Sgt. Karyn Barkas told Patch. "They live with them. The bond they form is immense. It's almost like a child."

Quincy police sent out a message on social media Saturday afternoon that Major had suffered the medical emergency — the nature of which Barkas said had not be determined as of Monday — at Veterans Stadium and was transported with the help of the Weymouth and Braintree police traffic units to South Shore Animal in Weymouth. Later that afternoon, Quincy police announced: "We are saddened to announce that K-9 Major has crossed the Rainbow Bridge."

Rest easy K-9 Major pic.twitter.com/zxCWEwOLpS
— Quincy Police (@quincymapolice) December 7, 2019

It is said that when an animal dies that is especially close to somebody that it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. While there, they can run and play, and any health issues they had in life disappear and they are made strong again. There they spend each day until that one day when they are reunited with their most special friend once again and can cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

Our condolences for your loss, @quincymapolice . Another hero crosses the Rainbow Bridge. https://t.co/I681F26GW7
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) December 7, 2019

The memories of Major's strength, dedication and loyalty will be shared on Wednesday when Barkas said the department is planning a memorial service at Angel View in Middleborough. She said there will also be a published tribute to Major to go along with all the online well wishes the department has received since the passing was announced. As of Monday, the Twitter post of Major's passing had received 652 likes, while the Facebook post had received 313 comments and 349 shares.

Barkas said there are 12 surviving members of the Quincy K-9 unit.