MIDDLEBOROUGH – Chief Joseph Perkins regrets to inform the community that the Middleborough Police Department’s K-9 Phaelan passed away earlier this week on Monday, Aug. 15.
K-9 Phaelan, a Belgian Malinois, joined the Middleborough Police Department in 2012 as the department’s second K-9. He was paired with Sgt. Donahue who is credited with implementing the Middleborough Police Department’s first K-9 program in 2002.
K-9 Phaelan was trained by the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Training Program and the Massachusetts Department of Correction K-9 Training Program.
While serving the department, K-9 Phaelan was credited with locating and rescuing numerous missing persons, assisting with tracking suspects, and more.
K-9 Phaelan officially retired from all police work in April 2022 as the Middleborough Police Department welcomed its newest K-9 team, K-9 handler Officer Terry Meleski and K-9 Rex, a German Shephard.
Upon his retirement, K-9 Phaelan lived happily with Sgt. Donahue and his family.
“It saddens us greatly to announce the passing of K-9 Phaelan as he was a beloved member of our department who served by our side valiantly during his years in service,” Chief Perkins said. “Our hearts go out to Sgt. Donahue and his loved ones during this extremely tough time. K-9 Phaelan was an irreplaceable member of their family. He will be greatly missed by our department and the community as a whole.”
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