K-9 Nero with Mercer County Sheriff's Officer Pat Papero. — K-9 Nero with Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer Pat Papero.

K-9 Nero, a law enforcement canine that assisted police in the search for explosives during the Princeton University bomb scare in 2013 and worked on the security detail at Super Bowl last year, died unexpectedly last week.

The dog was partnered for the past seven years with Mercer County Sheriff’s Officer Pat Papero. Together the pair responded to calls to search for explosives. Nero also was a K-9 patrol dog.

After working until after midnight on March 2, Nero’s died unexpectedly in his sleep as a result of an undetermined medical illness that a veterinarian suspected was heart related.

K-9 Officer Nero was an eight-year-old German Shepherd. He lived primarily in the home of Papero and at the Mercer County Sheriff’s airport unit.

Nero and Officer Papero completed extensive training at the K-9 Training Academy of the New Jersey State Police. During his very active law enforcement career, K-9 Nero conducted more than 200 searches for explosives that included threats at the airport, schools, government office buildings, and retail establishments. Nero also provided explosive security for large-population events throughout Mercer County, including security details for visiting national and international dignitaries.

“The men and women of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office mourn the loss of K-9 Officer Nero,” said Sheriff Jack Kemler. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Officer Papero and his family, who provided Nero with a loving home and a great life.”