Pinal County mourns K9 Officer Nico after humanely euthanized

TUCSON (KVOA) - The Pinal County community is mourning the death of one of its protectors after a Pinal County Sheriff's Office K9 officer was euthanized Wednesday.

According to PCSO, K9 Nico, a 6.5-year-old Belgian Malinois, reportedly had developed masses in his lungs and other organs. The canine was awaiting the results of biopsies done in order to determine if the masses are malignant.

However, on Wednesday, K9 Nico experienced a drastic decline leading his veterinarians to diagnose that the Belgian Malinois was "without a chance of recovery."

The office then made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the dog that day. He reportedly passed with his handler at his side.

K9 Nico served PCSO for five years.