Wheeling police K9 Jericho dies

Photo provided Jericho, the longest-serving K9 officer for the Wheeling Police Department, has died at age 10, the WPD said.
WHEELING — Jericho, the longest-serving K9 officer for the Wheeling Police Department, died at 10 years old, the department announced Tuesday afternoon.
According to the WPD, Jericho suffered a sudden health issue while on duty on Monday and was taken to a local veterinary clinic, where he later died.
A Belgian Malinois, Jericho, was born on January 22, 2015. He began his service with the Wheeling Police Department in November 2015. He was trained as a dual-purpose K9, specializing in narcotics detection and patrol duties.
“Jericho was a loyal and dedicated partner, serving alongside his handler and fellow officers with unwavering commitment for nearly a decade,” the department said in the release. “His service to the community and the department will be remembered with honor.”
Information on a memorial service will be announced at a later date. WPD thanks those keeping Jericho’s handler and the department in their thoughts.