K9 Felix of the Plymouth Police Department was put to sleep and laid to rest due to an aggressive, untreatable form of cancer on Friday.

PLYMOUTH — Two dozen police officers stood at attention and lined the sidewalk of the Court Street Animal Hospital on Friday afternoon.

Nearby, several citizens had gathered to say goodbye — one holding a "rest in peace" sign.

It was the end of watch for K9 Felix, a 4-year-old black German shepherd who worked for the Plymouth Police Department.

The dog recently fell severely ill and was diagnosed with an aggressive, untreatable and terminal form of cancer. He was led into the animal hospital by his partner, officer Keith Larson, and put to sleep.

“K9 Felix has served the town of Plymouth with honor and courage in the apprehension of numerous violent criminals as well as locating missing children and evidence,” Police Chief Michael Boteiri said in a statement.

After he was put to sleep, Felix was led by police procession to the Angel View Pet Cemetery in Middleboro, where he was laid to rest.

Canine officers from around the region gathered again in Middleboro, many taking their own dogs out for a final farewell salute in which Larson cracked a whip on the pavement to rile up the muzzled dogs in honor of Felix.

The dog joined the department in 2017 and was assigned to Larson in the patrol division. Larson started training with Felix two years ago. They hit the streets as a team in July 2017.

“He was a great partner, a great motivated working police dog," Larson said. "We’re going to miss him dearly."

Old Colony Memorial reporter Rich Harbert contributed to this report.