The Cheltenham Township Police Department posthumously honored award-winning K-9 Tychus, who passed away on Saturday, December 9, by adding his name to the Cheltenham Township K-9 Memorial located outside the Township Building main entrance.

“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,” the department said in a post. “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 Chad Smith with a watercolor of Tychus painted by local artist Dara Andraka. The department noted that Andraka has painted other K-9’s employed by the department 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 was retired from duty in August 2023. From the Department’s Facebook post:

K9 Tychus has been partnered with Officer Chad Smith and is trained in patrol and narcotics detection. Through his years, K9 Tychus has apprehended criminals and recovered substantial amounts of narcotics. K9 Tychus underwent surgery and recovered from a cancer diagnosis several years ago, thanks in no small part to the medical care received at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital of University of Pennsylvania

Even in his senior years, K9 Tychus was active. He was just awarded the USPCA Region 6 Excellence Award for his apprehension of several auto theft suspects in May of 2023. K9 Tychus will continue to live with Officer Smith and his family and will enjoy long swims in the pool. 

Officer Smith will begin training with his new partner, K9 Loki, this month.

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Photos: CTPD