Boston, MA – Boston Police Department K9 Rush died in the line of duty on Oct. 1, after he was exposed to chemicals during a building search on Sep. 23.

K9 Rush, a four-year-old German Shepherd, and his human partner responded to a report of a burglary in progress at the old Radius Specialty Hospital in Roxbury, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

As the duo was clearing the building, K9 Rush inadvertently inhaled or ingested toxic chemicals that were found inside, WFXT reported.

Hours later, he began exhibiting medical problems from the exposure, including an ulceration in his mouth and respiratory distress, and was taken to a veterinary hospital.

As his condition worsened, K9 Rush refused to eat and developed aspiration pneumonia.

After eight days of hospitalization, it was determined that K9 Rush could not recover, and his partner made the difficult decision to have him humanely euthanized.

K9 Rush served the Boston Police Department as a narcotics detection and patrol officer for three years and six months, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

He and his partner generally worked the midnight shift, and also worked security details at community gatherings, including the Boston Marathon and Fenway Park events, WFXT reported.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Boston Police Department in the loss of K9 Rush.