East Lyme — The police department has announced that K9 Knox, who retired in October of 2019, has died. Knox, 11, served the department with his handler, Officer Lindsay Cutillo, for seven years.

In a Saturday afternoon statement announcing the dog's passing, Police Chief Michael Finkelstein said that during Knox's career as a narcotics K9, he was responsible for a large number of arrests due to his narcotic detection skills.

"Additionally, Knox and Officer Cutillo provided an outstanding commitment to community service through their many visits to school classrooms, community groups and events. The East Lyme Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to Officer Cutillo during this difficult time. K9 Knox will truly be missed," wrote Finkelstein.