Quincy Police Officer Posts Touching Tribute To Retired K9 Tucker

QUINCY, MA — A touching tribute from his human partner helped send Quincy K9 Tucker into retirement on Saturday. Tucker spent more than 11 years serving the residents of Quincy by the side of Officer Chris McDermott.

"It is a bittersweet moment for me," Officer McDermott posted on the Quincy Police Facebook page, along with a photo of Tucker. "As much as he deserves to rest and enjoy life, I will miss him behind me and beside me, while I work. He was an amazing partner, who I hope enjoys many years of retirement at home with us. No one can understand the bond between a K9 and his handler unless you have done it. Wherever I went, he was watching my back. He was always ready to work, and enjoyed every minute of it."

McDermott said that he worked alongside Tucker the full 11 years they were together in the department. Quincy K9 unit dogs also live with their handlers.

"Even in his late years, he worked hard to please me, and his nose was always spot on!!" McDermott posted. "I will miss your stinky breath as you poke your head through the cage to get a little head scratch, and the dirt you put all over my clean uniforms every day, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way."

Tucker trots off to a hopefully happy retirement about two months after the K9 unit was hit with a tragedy when K9 Major suffered a medical emergency on duty near Veterans Stadium and did not survive.

Quincy Police Information Officer Sgt. Karyn Barkas told Patch at the time: "These dogs spend 16 hours a day with their officer partners at the station and at home. They live with them. The bond they form is immense. It's almost like a child."

Officer McDermott said that while he will miss Tucker on the beat, he will look forward to see him at the end of a shift each day.

"It will not be easy driving a silent car, but you deserve some rest, and I will enjoy seeing you relaxing after a job well done! Good Boy Tuck!!" McDermott said.