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Adams' police dog Kumar at the Adams Street Fair in 2021.
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Officer Curtis Crane and Kumar demonstrating some of his skills at the street fair, an event to raise funds for emergency respoinders.
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Town Administrator Jay Green, Crane and new K-9 Adam earlier this year.

Retired Adams Police K-9 Kumar Dies

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Kumar was 2 years old when joined the Adams force. 
ADAMS, Mass. — The town's beloved K-9 Kumar has died. The Police Department posted the news on its Facebook on Tuesday afternoon.
 
"A somber atmosphere has enveloped the officers and handlers as we mourn the loss of a loyal companion, Kumar, our esteemed police K9. Kumar had been an unwavering force in the fight against crime, his keen senses and unyielding dedication made him an invaluable member of the force," the post stated. "Together with his handler, Sergeant Curtis Crane, Kumar forged a bond, becoming not just a partner but a cherished friend."
 
Kumar retired earlier this year at the age of 10. His replacement, Adam, also a German shepherd, joined the force in February. Both dogs were being handled by Crane. 
 
German shepherds have a lifespan of nine to 13 years. Kumar was 2 when he began his service with the Police Department after months of training with Crane. He was acquired in 2014 from the Netherlands through a $25,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation, which supports police canine units. 
 
Kumar was memorialized with a life-size wooden carving created by the Berkshire Carousel that was auctioned off to raise money to sustain the K-9 program in 2016. A group of Adams residents pooled their resources to purchase the carved Kumar and donated it to the town.
 
It now sits in Town Hall in its own dog house made by McCann Technical School students that doubles as a donation box to keep the program going. 
 
At the time, then Police Chief Richard Tarsa spoke highly of  the pairing of Kumar and Crane, saying, "the dividends they have paid off over the past couple of years are just phenomenal, I can't say enough."
 
Kumar and Crane over the years often worked with other communities that did not have K-9s. North Adams recently added a new K-9, Rocky, in June. 
 
Adam is from the Czech Republic and was being trained in patrol and narcotics over the past year. He is the first K-9 fully funded through the Hometown Foundation's Police K-9 Awareness Fundraiser. 
 
Police Chief Scott Kelley back in February had said the foundation, through the local Adams Hometown Market, had come through at "a perfect time." 
 
"It is time for Kumar to retire. 10 years is a lot for a working dog," he said. 
 
The full post from the Adams Police Department: 
 
In the quiet halls of the Adams Police Station, a somber atmosphere has enveloped the officers and handlers as we mourn the loss of a loyal companion, Kumar, our esteemed police K9. Kumar had been an unwavering force in the fight against crime, his keen senses and unyielding dedication made him an invaluable member of the force. Together with his handler, Sergeant Curtis Crane, Kumar forged a bond, becoming not just a partner but a cherished friend.
 
Kumar's legacy shall echo through the corridors, marked by countless successful operations and moments of bravery. The community felt safer knowing Kumar patrolled their streets, a vigilant guardian with a wagging tail and a fierce sense of duty. For nearly a decade Kumar patrolled the streets and as the tale of his service comes to a close wish him well as a he stood as a testament to the enduring impact of a devoted police dog.
 
Though Kumar's physical presence is no longer felt, his memory will live on, inspiring new generations of police officers and their K9 companions. The canine officer with his selfless service and unwavering commitment, has left an indelible paw print on the hearts of all who knew him, forever remembered as a hero in fur.

Tags: K-9,   

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North Adams Hosting Route 2 Overpass Study Walks

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city of North Adams is hosting three community walks this week to solicit input on a study of the 60-year-old Central Artery project. 
 
The focus is on the deteriorating Veterans Memorial Bridge that carries Route 2 and connections between the downtown and Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. The site visits will be led by Openbox, a community-centered design partner for the study, in collaboration with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition 
 
The community walks will be held on one evening and two mornings:
 
Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 14, from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 15, from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
 
The walks are open to all and attendees are asked to register here and indicate and accessibility needs.  Attendees should arrive within the first hour and plan to spend between 30 to 45 minutes in total during the 90-minute timeframes.
 
Meet at the UNO Community Center on River Street for a self-guided site walk around the Route 2 overpass and
return to the center for conversations about people's everyday experiences moving to, through, and around Route 2 and North Adams.
 
The city, in conjunction with Mass MoCA, has received a federal Reconnecting Communities grant of $750,000 for a planning study. North Adams was one of only 46 communities out of 450 applications to receive a grant; the $1 billion pilot program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. 
 
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