Two local police departments are mourning the loss of their K9 officers.
Swissvale Police says K9 officer Atlas died unexpectedly last Saturday.
The 8-year-old “dedicated his life to serving and protecting his community with unwavering loyalty and bravery,” Swissvale Police said in a social media post. “His impact will never be forgotten.”
The department is asking the community to keep Atlas’ handler Sergeant David Zacchia and his family in your thoughts.
On Monday, Pittsburgh Police say K9 officer “Jr.” died after a short illness.
Jr. began serving with his hander Officer Tony Yauch and later, Officer Thomas Lockard, after Yauch retired, in late 2016.
“K9 Jr. was one of the department's best dogs and he was always ready to work,” Pittsburgh Police said. “During in-service training he was consistently at the top of his game, whether it be performing odor work (explosives detection) or patrol work. He hit like a freight train and any of the current K9 handlers would agree he was one of the best in the business."