It is with deep sadness that the Medford Police Department regrets to announce the passing of our beloved K9 ‘Seamus.’
Seamus passed away Friday, September 25, 2026 at the age of 11 years after suffering a medical emergency. His partner of 10 years, Lieutenant Harry MacGilvray, was at his side.
K9 Seamus came to the United States in July of 2015. He was a German Shepard puppy from the Czech Republic. Originally a member of the Massachusetts State Police K9 Unit, he was acquired by the Medford Police Department in December 2015 where he worked alongside Lieutenant MacGilvray and learned from his fellow partner K9 Marco.
In January 2016 Lieutenant MacGilvray and Seamus attended the Massachusetts State Police Patrol Dog Class 2016-01 and then the Massachusetts State Police Narcotic Detection Class 2016-02 and became a certified Police K9 in September, 2016. K9 Seamus was certified as a dual-purpose police dog. He was capable of performing patrol tactics such as suspect apprehension, tracking, evidence recovery, as well as the detection of illegal drug substances.
K9 Seamus was a prominent member of the Massachusetts State Police Training North Team and assisted Massachusetts State Police K9, Malden Police K9, Everett Police K9, and many other agencies in multiple Patrol and Narcotic Detection deployments throughout his career.
K9 Seamus served the Medford Police Department and the citizens of Medford with distinction for ten (10) years alongside Lieutenant MacGilvray. Seamus wore his badge with honor. He was a valuable asset to the Department and will be missed by all those who had the opportunity to work with him. He came to work dependably every single day.
He was a faithful and loyal member of our police family assisting with police operations performing patrol, drug and investigative duties throughout his career. K9 Seamus was also a strong community police officer, often performing for children of all ages at various demonstrations. His expert skills were on special display during our annual National Night Out events, school presentations and our Junior Police Academy. He was a fixture at most community events in the City of Medford.
Off duty, K9 Seamus lived with his adopted family at their home in Medford. He knew the difference between work and play and was an integral part of the MacGilvray family who will miss him terribly.
Seamus’ loyalty and service will be very much missed and our thoughts go out to the entire MacGilvray family who lost a cherished member of their home. He was as much a part of their family as he was ours.
Thank you, K9 Seamus, for your service, dedication and loyalty. You have fulfilled your commitment to our community. Rest in peace dear friend, you will not be forgotten.