text: 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.'
target: Zeus joined the Ridgefield Police Department in 2006 and retired in 2014 .
  The 11-year-old German Shepherd had severe degenerative hip disorder .
  On Wednesday, officers gave tribute to him in grand procession .
  The K-9 officer responsible for over 250 narcotics arrests .
  Police department said he will be dearly missed but never forgotten .