Vernon, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - A beloved member of the Vernon Police Department has been laid to rest.
His name was Thor and he was a German Shephard mix and the K9 partner of Officer Bryan Sembersky.
The 8-year-old police dog died this month, with Officer Sembersky by his side.
They were partners for seven years.
On Monday, the department's K9 unit paid tribute to, and offered a salute and final farewell to Thor prior to Monday's memorial ceremony.
That was followed by one final tribute from a dispatcher noting the date of Thor's end of watch.
Vernon Police Chief John Kelley, himself a former K9 handler, said the bonds between officers and their K9 partners run deep, adding that many times an officer is with their dog more than their spouse or family.
A fundraiser is underway to purchase and train a new police dog.