COLLEGE PARK, Md. — The University of Maryland announced on Friday the passing of explosives detection K9, Chief.
Chief worked for the University of Maryland Police Department in 2012 via a joint partnership between the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate and the John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory.
Chief was one of four dogs that UMPD acquired from K2 Solutions, Inc. in North Carolina.
In 2018, K-9 Chief was diagnosed with cancer but he didn’t let that stop him as he continued to work while undergoing treatment. He lost his battle with cancer on Friday.
K-9 Chief’s seven years of service to the University of Maryland community will never be forgotten. He is the first K9 to pass away in the line of duty for the University of Maryland Police Department. We thank him for his service and our thoughts are with Cpl. Ottey and his family during this time.
“K-9 Chief was a member of the UMPD and the University of Maryland family. He made a lasting impact on his K-9 sisters and brothers, serving and protecting his community up unto his final day. He was a hardworking, dedicated, loyal and a trustworthy companion to Corporal Jason Ottey and will be missed by all.” – Chief David B. Mitchell
