It is with a heavy heart that the Newberry Township Police Department announces the passing of K-9 Zar. K-9 Zar died Tuesday, September 19, 2023 during a training exercise at the home of his handler. During the training, an object became lodged in K-9 Zar's throat, obstructing his ability to breath. His handler immediately attempted life saving efforts before rushing K-9 Zar to an emergency veterinary clinic in the area. Despite the quick actions, K-9 Zar was unable to be resuscitated. Following his passing, K-9 Zar was provided a police escort from the home of his handler back to the community he served in an effort to honor his life and dedicated service. The escort route traveled north on Old Trail Rd., allowing K-9 Zar one final ride past the police department he will always be remembered at. 

K-9 Zar served for 4 years with the department and was trained in suspect apprehension, narcotics detection, article searches, handler protection and patrol activities. K-9 Zar's service protected dozens of officers and removed countless amounts of harmful drugs from the streets of our community. Among his many other accomplishments, in 2021 K-9 Zar was responsible for locating a firearm that was used during an attempted homicide and later discarded from a vehicle into heavy brush. This is just one example of the amazing skillset K-9 partners offer to the communities they serve. 

During this difficult time, Newberry Township Police would like to extend a special thank you to all of our law enforcement partners who participated in K-9 Zar's escort, Newberry Twp. Fire Department, UPMC LifeTeam EMS, York County 911 and the Newberry Animal Emergency Center.