Holly MatkinWarrington, PA – Warrington Township Police Department (WTPD) Officer Stephen Plum died unexpectedly on May 16, according to his department.
The 38-year-old K9 officer’s exact cause of death has not been released, pending the outcome of an autopsy, the WTPD said in a press release on Wednesday.
“Officer Plum was known for his kindness, infectious laugh, smile, and big heart, which impacted everyone around him, including those in the Warrington community he served with honor and dedication,” the police department said.
Officer Plum served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a rifleman for four years prior to beginning his law enforcement career.
He deployed to Iraq, where he earned the Combat Action Ribbon and multiple other awards, according to his department.
Officer Plum then served with the Roslyn and Abington Fire Companies and worked for the Abington Township Fire Marshal’s Office before hiring on as an emergency medical technician with the Willow Grove Second Alarmers Rescue Squad.
He also spent time working for the Rockledge Borough Police Department and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority Police Department.
Officer Plum joined the WTPD in 2014, taking on roles with the motorcycle unit, narcotics unit, and Major Incident Response Team during his eight years of service.
The highly-decorated officer became a member of the agency’s first-ever K9 Unit in 2018, serving alongside K9 Murphy.
“His family has shared that ever since he was a kid, he wanted to be a K-9 officer,” the WTPD said. “To see Officer Plum finally in this role, was to see a man living out his childhood dream. He loved every second of it, even cleaning up after Murph!”
The police department said the duo was “an integral part” of the K9 Unit, and that they were always willing to participate in community events and various meet-and-greets.
“He was more than willing to step aside and let Murphy be the star that he is,” the WTPD said.
“Officer Plum accomplished so much in his time with us,” WTPD Chief Daniel Friel said in the press release. “He was so devoted and committed to our K-9 Unit and to his partner Murphy.”
“The officers and staff of the Warrington Township Police Department are going through an extremely difficult time as we mourn the loss our Officer and friend,” the chief continued. “Please keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Officer Plum leaves behind his wife, Nancy, and his five children.
His kids range in age from 18 months to 14 years old.
A fundraising page established to help Officer Plum’s family in the wake of their loss has raised over $41,000 so far.
I'm heartbroken by the news of Officer Stephen Plum's sudden passing this morning. An eight-year veteran of the @WarringtonTwpPD and devoted partner of K9 Murphy, his loss is deeply felt by so many. My thoughts are with his wife, five children, friends, and family. pic.twitter.com/2CbnKctoyL
— Senator Maria Collett (@SenatorCollett) May 16, 2022
Support for Officer Stephen Plum Jr.’s Family
https://t.co/1e3oOHYvve— Maggie Flowers (@Itsmememe007) May 18, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Warrington Township Police Department Officer Stephen Plum, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
