Plymouth Township Police Department Mourns Passing Of Retired K9 Dog 'Major'

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, PA — Local police are mourning the loss of one of their own.

The Plymouth Township Police Department has announced the death of Major, a former K9 dog who worked as an officer on the suburban police force.

Major, who worked as a four-legged officer for the department for more than a decade, had been partnered with Officer Michael Watts, with whom he also shared a home.

"In addition to his love of community engagement, K9 Major was responsible for the detection and apprehension of many suspects during this career," the police department stated in a Facebook post.

After he retired from active duty, Major continued to live with Officer Watts and his family, the police department stated.

The department said that Major will be missed, and they thanked him for his service, ending its Facebook post with a quote:

"It is not just those with two legs who are born with a Soul that has the courage to wear the badge."

The source of the quote was not provided.

The Facebook post got quite a number of comments from community members offering condolences.

"Rest Easy Officer, your watch is over. Enjoy chasing all the bones, sticks in heaven," wrote Michael McGlinchey.

"Rest peacefully Major," added Dawn Higgins. "You were such a handsome boy. Thank you for your service. My condolences to everyone including Officer Watts."

Watts is one of three K9 officers employed by the Plymouth Township Police Department, the other two being Officers Doug Wells and Jon Monaghan. The supervisor of the unit is Lt. Doug Copestick.

Late last year, Patch reported on a grant that the K9 unit received from the Richard Groff and Meda Kern K-9 Corps Endowment Fund, which is part of the Berks County Community Foundation.

The $9,000 was expected to be used toward an upgraded kennel at the police department.