Ansonia Police Department memorialized its K9 officer, Kane, on August 12 at Nolan Field. The 10-year-old German shepherd, who had served alongside Officer Paul Smith for eight years, had fallen ill a week earlier. He was taken to Newtown Veterinary Specialists on August 4 for care.

According to a press release issued by the department, “after around-the-clock treatment and testing, [Kane] was diagnosed with cancer.

“He was euthanized Monday evening,” August 5, the statement continued.

One week later, a large procession honored the police dog one final time with a funeral cortege that began from the Church Hill Road animal hospital and ended 18 miles away at the athletic complex in Ansonia.

Five motorcycle officers led the group as it left the driveway of Newtown Veterinary Specialists at 12:30 Monday afternoon, immediately followed by the Ansonia PD Sergeant’s vehicle, the city’s K9 vehicle, and a private vehicle carrying members of the Smith family.

As it passed those waiting to begin their journey, the K9 vehicle was saluted by each officer standing at attention. Officers then climbed into the 19 waiting vehicles and joined the solemn parade.

Newtown Police Officer Felicia Figol and K9 Aris were part of the procession, which also included vehicles representing New Haven, West Haven, Seymour, Shelton, and Trumbull, among others.

As they left NVS, those in the cortege were greeted by the sight of a large American flag hanging from the ladder of Hook & Ladder Fire Company’s ladder truck. Three firefighters stood with their truck and flag as the vehicles pulled away.

The route followed Church Hill Road into Sandy Hook Center, where it then turned onto Washington Avenue/Route 34. Another ladder truck, from Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue, was ready for the vehicles as they passed under the I-84 Exit 11 bridges and continued toward Ansonia.

Newtown police officers held traffic at intersections as their colleagues traveled through town Monday afternoon.

Just a few weeks ago, Ofc Smith and Kane were recognized by Milford PD “for some outstanding work,” the department posted on its Facebook page.

On Saturday, July 27, Smith and Kane assisted Milford Police Department in evidence recovery after a male wanted on felony charges fled from the Milford PD. Smith and Kane were able to locate a knife and personal items discarded by the suspect in a wooded area, according to their department. The suspect was located and taken into custody by Milford PD.

Then on Tuesday, July 30, Smith and Kane located a suspect following an evading motor vehicle crash in Ansonia after the driver abandoned his car. Smith and Kane tracked the suspect from his car and he was taken into custody without further incident.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.