Credit: Cheltenham Police Department.
The Cheltenham Police Department recently celebrated the life of an important team member.
According to its Facebook page, the department officially added Tychus’ name to its K-9 Memorial.
“Today we honored K-9 Tychus and added his name to the Cheltenham Township K-9 Memorial located outside the Township Building main entrance,” Cheltenham Police Department wrote in a post. “Tychus' contributions to our department were immeasurable, playing a vital role in numerous operations that ensured the safety and security of our department & the community. His skills in detection, tracking, and protection were unparalleled, and he carried out each duty with extraordinary intelligence and loyalty.”
K-9 Unit Supervisor Michael Moore presented K-9 Officer Smith a watercolor painting of Tychus painted by local artist, Dara Andraka, who has painted some of the department’s other K-9's as a token of appreciation.
“These paintings mean so much to the K-9 handlers who have bonded with their K-9 partners,” the department said. “Next time you’re at the Township Building, please visit our memorial.”
Tychus is the 21st dog of the department to be put on the memorial plaque. He passed away on Dec. 9, 2023. He retired from active duty in August 2023. He was awarded the USPCA Region 6 Excellence Award for his apprehension of several auto theft suspects in May 2023.
