MONTAGUE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Montague Police Department has announced the passing of K-9 Artie after battling cancer. Officer Jim Ruddock and K-9 Artie have been working together to locate numerous amounts of narcotics. Artie was certified in patrol and narcotics detection to be able to track, recover evidence, search areas, and assist in finding suspects or missing people. He is credited with saving lives and participating in community outreach programs. Funds needed to support 23 dogs surrendered to Springfield animal shelter Montague Police DepartmentMontague Police DepartmentMontague Police DepartmentMontague Police Department Twelve-year-old Artie passed away on October 2nd after a short decline in health due to cancer. "K9 Artie loved working with his intense working drive and loved socializing with all who came in contact with him to say hi," said the Montague Police Department. Local News Headlines Driver rescued after two-vehicles crash in Springfield intersection What kind of winter is expected in Massachusetts Here’s when Massachusetts usually sees snow Report shines light on “troubling trend” at Mass. hospitals WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.