HERSHEY, Pa. — The Derry Township Police Department on Friday announced the passing of one of its K9 officers, Heli.
Heli was suffering from the formation of an internal mass around a couple of his organs and the mass had started to cause internal bleeding, the police department said.
Officer Andrew Condran, K9 Heli's partner and handler, was planning on retiring Heli next year, the department said, but the dog's medical complications changed those plans.
"K9 Heli, a Belgian Malinois, started his service with DTPD in October of 2015 and was a very effective dual-purpose Patrol/Narcotics Detection Canine," the department said. "Heli and Officer Condran also provided skilled support and services to the Dauphin County Crisis Response Team.
"K9 Heli was a vital part of our department and a valued member of our community."
Many K9 Teams from the south-central Pennsylvania area, along with other officers and friends, were in attendance Thursday to give K9 Heli one final salute of respect.
"We appreciate them for that kind gesture and thank them for all of the great work they do for their communities," Derry Township Police said. "K9 Heli has served all of us extremely well and he will be greatly missed.
"Please keep Officer Condran and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
