Frederick Ryan, Chief of Police
112 Mystic St.
Arlington, MA 02474
For Immediate Release
Monday, June 19, 2017
Contact: Captain Richard Flynn, PIO
Office: 781-316-3907
Cell: 781-844-1224
Email: rflynn@town.arlington.ma.us
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Arlington Police Mourn the Loss of K-9 Dasty
ARLINGTON — Chief Frederick Ryan and the Arlington Police Department regret to announce that one of its members, and a true model of 21st century law enforcement, K-9 Dasty died on Sunday after a brief battle with cancer.
A 12-year-old German Shepherd, Dasty was paired with Patrol Officer Michael Hogan and has been with the Arlington Police Department for his entire life. Dasty was everything the department could expect from a modern police officer, to say nothing about his performance as a K-9.
“Dasty was just as comfortable rolling over for middle school students as he was chasing down a suspect or locating an illegal firearm at a crime scene,” Chief Ryan said. “He was everything we expect out of a police officer, and he will be greatly missed not only by the Arlington Police Department but also by the community as a whole.”
Virtually every child in Arlington knew Dasty, as he spent the last decade in Arlington Schools, interacting with students and conducting demonstrations every year at Town Day and the Health, Recreation and Cops (HRC) Summer Camp. Dasty even made two appearances on TV’s Animal Planet.
“Dasty was more than just a K-9, he was my partner, and he was a terrific one at that,” said Officer Hogan. “Together, we tackled numerous cases, but more importantly, we interacted with the community and developed relationships with residents that will be remembered for many, many years to come.”
Throughout his career, Dasty has responded to more than 600 calls for service, assisted in more than 40 felony arrests and was involved in 117 narcotic and evidence seizures including more than $100,000 in cash, as well as large seizures of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and several firearms.
Some of Dasty’s more notable cases include locating a gun that was used in a shooting near Thorndike Field in 2015, apprehending and disarming a robbery suspect in East Arlington in 2011, and tracking and apprehending a burglary suspect from Beverly Road all the way to Mystic Valley Parkway near River Street in 2007.
“For many years, Dasty has been an integral part of the Arlington Police Department’s commitment to community policing,” said Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine. “Whether he was playing a role in an important investigation or part of a community event, Dasty’s contributions will be sorely missed.”
Dasty has assisted the United States Drug Enforcement Administration in the seizure of two kilograms of heroin, and, in 2016 alone, Dasty was responsible for the seizure of $48,000 in drug money.
In 2013, Dasty was assigned to the Presidential Security Detail in Boston during President Barack Obama’s visit after the Boston Marathon Bombings. He also assisted with the search for the bombing suspects in Watertown. Also in 2013, he worked security during the Red Sox World Series victory and parade.
The department is currently planning a tribute for Dasty and will release details when they are available.
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