Springfield Police Dog Killed By Branch While Training
SPRINGFIELD (CBS) – A Springfield police K-9 was killed Friday while out for a run on a trail near his handler's home.
The Springfield Police Department said Grom, a 3-year-old K-9, was exercising and training with his partner, Officer Maciej Jasinski, who was off duty at the time.
Jasinski and Grom ran on the trail daily. On Friday the dog ran past a large fallen tree around 1 p.m.
There were several sharp branches sticking out of the tree. Grom ran into one and was killed instantly.
Grom and Jasinski were partners for the last two years. Together, they made many arrests and assisted in multiple drug seizures, Springfield police said.
In addition, Grom and Jasinski regularly made appearances in Springfield schools.
Berkshire County Sheriff Dwayne Foisey called Grom one of the best K-9s he has ever seen trained.
As news of Grom's death spread, K-9 officers from Springfield, Berkshire County, Wilbraham and Connecticut met in Palmer.
The officers organized a police escort for the K-9's remains with their sirens and lights in use during the trip to Springfield.
"One final tribute for a great K-9 Officer," Springfield police said.