An 11-year-old retired K-9 officer took his last ride in a squad car in a heartwarming farewell held by fellow officers and residents celebrating his time on the force . Zeus , a German Shepherd , was honored in a grand procession in Connecticut on Wednesday before he was put down because of a severe degenerative hip disorder and declining health . The tribute for the police dog , who worked with the Ridgefield Police Department for eight years as a K-9 officer , began around 4.45pm and ended at the Ridgefield Veterinary Hospital . Scroll down for video . Zeus ( pictured above ) , an 11-year-old retired K-9 officer was honored in a special tribute on Wednesday by the Ridgefield Police Department . The German Shepherd , who served eight years in the force , took his last ride in a cop patrol car during the grand procession held earlier this week ( Zeus pictured with Officer Shawn Murray , his former partner and carer after he retired ) On Wednesday , ahead of the procession , the police department wrote an emotional message about Zeus on their Facebook . 'Today is the day we have to say goodbye to our beloved K-9 Zeus , ' they wrote . 'It is an extremely emotional day for all of us . 'He was a fellow officer and friend . He will be deeply missed but never forgotten . Our thoughts and prayers are with Zeus , Officer Murray and his family during this difficult time . ' During the grand procession , residents of Ridgefield lined the streets as they watched the cop cars drive by through the streets of the town . Zeus had the special tribute before he was put down because of a severe degenerative hip disorder and declining health ( Zeus pictured during the procession on Wednesday ) Officers from the department and police departments across the state came to pay their tributes . Zeus was being taken to Ridgefield Veterinary Clinic ( above ) where he was to be euthanized . The vehicles traveled from the police headquarter and ended at the veterinary hospital . Residents held signs reading 'Thank you Zeus ' and 'Zeus our hero during the afternoon . A flag was waved at half staff next to a draped black cloth at the department as Officer Shawn Murray , Zeus 's former partner , pushed him in a cart during the tribute . 'This is an honor to be here for him during his last moments , ' Chief John Roche told WTNH . 'The disease that had racked him had deteriorated to such a point where it was just so difficult for him to exist and continue on . ' A flag was waved at half staff next to a draped black cloth at the department ( pictured above ) Chief John Roche ( above ) said during the tribute : 'This is an honor to be here for him during his last moments ' In his eight-year career with the force , Zeus assisted with more than 250 narcotics arrest and also helped officers track down 50 missing or wanted individuals . The largest amount of narcotics he was responsible for seizing was ten pounds of marijuana in 2006 , when he joined the force and was partnered with Officer Murray who he continued to reside with after his retirement . The animal had to retire last May due to health issues , and for some losing Zeus is not only losing a coworker , but also a family member . 'He was in the yard when there were picnics , ' Detective Scott Murray , Officer Murray 's brother told WTNH . 'He played , he chased the ball , he did what all normal dogs do , what all normal family dogs do , except he had a job . ' Following the special tribute , the police department wrote their final goodbye to Zeus . On Wednesday , the police department wrote an emotional goodbye to Zeus thanking him for keeping them safe . The police department said it was an honor to work beside Zeus . During his eight-year career with the force , the dog assisted with over 250 narcotics arrests ( his badge pictured right ) Ridgefield Police Department officers said : 'You will be dearly missed but never forgotten ' 'Zeus , it is with tears in our eyes that we must say goodbye , ' they wrote . 'You were a valued member of our team and only did great things . 'It was an honor to work beside you and knowing that you were there always helped put our minds at ease . 'We know you would not have hesitated to lay down your life for any of us if we were ever faced with a life threatening situation . You wore the Ridgefield Police badge with Respect , Pride and Dignity . 'Thank you for keeping us all safe over the years . You will be dearly missed but never forgotten . Rest in Peace our friend . '
Zeus joined the Ridgefield Police Department in 2006 and retired in 2014 . The police department said it is investigating whether any of its officers were involved with the alleged incident.