Retired Darien Police Dog 'Zulu' Dies

DARIEN, CT — Retired Darien police K-9 officer, "Zulu," a decorated German Shepherd that was the department's first police dog, died this week, the department announced.

"K-9 Zulu's health began to rapidly deteriorate over the last week and after significant medical consultation, his handler, [Darien police] Lt. Nicholas Aranzullo and his family made the extremely difficult but humane decision to end Zulu's pain and suffering," officials said.

Zulu was "jet-black" in color and hailed from the Czech Republic. He served in the department from 2009 to 2016, and he was believed to be about 13 years old when he died.

During his distinguished career, Zulu received commendations for narcotics investigations, criminal apprehensions, and tracking for lost or missing persons.

As Zulu began to show signs of age, the decision was made to let him retire from police service and live out his golden years at home with Aranzullo and his family, which includes young triplet boys.

"The success of K-9 Zulu's career paved the way for the current expanded Darien Police K-9 Program which now includes two K-9 Units," officials said. "K-9 Zulu will be sorely missed. Please keep him and the Aranzullo Family in your thoughts and prayers. R.I.P. big guy."