Holly MatkinMontgomery Township, PA – Montgomery Township Police Department (MTPD) K9 Cody died unexpectedly on Jan. 11, according to his department.
“It is with a heavy heart today that we announce the sudden passing of Canine Cody,” the agency said in a press release. “Many have had the opportunity to meet Cody during his many visits with students, groups, and others since beginning service to our community in 2014.”
K9 Cody’s exact cause of death was not released.
The nine-year-old patrol and explosives detection K9 was the “faithful partner” of MTPD Officer Joe McGuigan, the agency said.
The duo had worked together since late 2014, when they attended an in-depth training program in North Carolina, TAPinto North Penn reported.
K9 Cody became the agency’s first patrol work and explosive detection canine, according to The Reporter.
The beloved German shepherd received a multitude of certifications and commendations during his eight years of service.
He took home the third-place overall title at the United States Police Canine Association Region 6 Police Dog I Field Trials in November of 2021, according to the MTPD.
“Our K9 unit has trained with Officer McGuigan, K9 Cody and members of the Montgomery Township K9 Unit many times,” Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad Corporal Trevor Keller said in a statement to the Perkiomen Valley Patch. “They have assisted our department on many bomb sweeps when called upon.”
During a Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors meeting in early March, the bomb squad presented Officer McGuigan with an award and plaque commemorating K9 Cody’s lifetime of exemplary service to his community.
“Please keep Officer McGuigan in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the MTPD said. “Cody, thank you for your years of service. You will be missed.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Montgomery Township Police Department and Officer McGuigan in the loss of K9 Cody.
Sandy Malone
