K9 who worked Marathon bombing scene dies at 13

Maura, the 13-year-old German Shepherd who helped secure the scene in the immediate aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, died after a “serious medical problem.”

“Maura served the citizens of our state and beyond with exemplary dedication, courage and loyalty for 12 years,” an Instagram post by the Massachusetts State Police announced.

“Her primary mission was helping protect the hundreds of millions of travelers who passed through Logan Airport during her long service there.”

Maura was officially a member of the State Police Bomb Squad and was assigned to the Fire Marshal’s Office. She worked under Sgt. Neil Calnan.

In her 12 years of service, she helped out on “many specialized security operations” throughout the state, including accompanying Sgt. Calnan to the scene of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

“Maura’s exceptional dedication and work ethic were noted and admired by all who worked with her,” the post said.

“Thank you for your service Maura,” it added. “Only green fields to run, now, and play time and peace always.”

The Herald has reached out to the Massachusetts State Police and Logan Airport for further comment.

COURTESY MASS. STATE POLICE ‘PLAY TIME AND PEACE ALWAYS’: Explosives Detection K9 Maura is pictured with Sgt. Neil Calnan.

AP ‘EXEMPLARY DEDICATION’: Young boys left messages on chalk in April 2013 following the Boston Marathon bombing, where K9 Maura worked.