Massachusetts State Police mourn passing of K9 “Rocky,” famous for rescuing autistic child

“With much sadness, we announce the passing of Massachusetts State Police K9 Rocky, who served the Department until his retirement in October.

Rocky was a loyal partner to Trooper Jason Vital and helped protect the citizens of our state for 10 years. He was a hard worker and a faithful companion to his handler, and also to the Vital family.

Rocky and Vital most notably made the news after successfully locating a missing autistic boy in Hanson in June of 2016. Under the cover of the darkness of night, Rocky checked multiple backyards and alerted troopers when he found the 11-year-old in a thick brush near a set of train tracks.

He is dearly missed by his family at home and the Massachusetts State Police family with whom he served. Free time now, Rocky, and endless fields of green for running and playing, on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. You more than earned it.

#k9life
#k9unit
#rainbowbridge.” -Massachusetts State Police.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.