Warren, PA – Conewango Township Police K9 Choper died in the line of duty on June 6, after he was severely injured during a training exercise, according to the department.

K9 Choper, a five-year-old German Shepherd, was participating a training exercise in an abandoned building with his partner, Officer Scott Neiswonger, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on June 5, The Tribune-Review reported.

During the training, K9 Choper fell from the roof of the three-story building and was rushed to the Russell Veterinary Hospital.

He succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight.

“We are all deeply saddened at the loss of K-9 Choper,” the Conewango Township said in a Facebook post. “We are thankful for everything he was able to accomplish for our citizens during his time with us and our hearts go out to his handler, Officer Scott Neiswonger.”

K9 Choper, who was born in Holland, completed his formal training as a dual purpose K9 alongside Officer Neiswonger in 2015, according to his obituary.

Thereafter, he assisted all of the law enforcement agencies within Warren County, where he was also a member of the drug task force.

K9 Choper participated in “countless” demonstrations and community service programs during his service.

“Choper was a dog that you could approach and you could pet, he was also a dog that would do his duty, when it was time for him to run down the bad guy, he would run down the bad guy,” Conewango Township Police Chief Jason Peters said, according to Erie News Now.

Hundreds of mourners attended K9 Choper’s memorial service at the Warren High School auditorium on June 12.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Conewango Township Police Department and Officer Scott Neiswonger in the loss of K9 Choper.