Memorials
to Fallen K-9s 
Newtown mourns K-9 loss by Kenn Stark
NEWTOWN TWP. - It's
unusual that a room full of adults would
pause to reflect on the passing of a dog,
but that was the sad scene on Monday night
at Newtown Township Supervisors' public
meeting, where the Feb. 22 death of Newtown
K-9 Police Officer Qurus (aka "Q") was
genuinely mourned.
Qurus came to the Newtown PD in 2002, about the same time that another German Shepherd named Vox was joining the force. Both police dogs were born in Germany, then trained and certified for tracking and narcotics detection duty.
Vox died of natural causes in 2007, leaving all the police duties to "Q," until he retired last year.
Qurus was handled by Patrolman Jeffrey Johnson during the dog's entire service career. The dynamic duo made several dramatic arrests and assisted numerous Delco law enforcement agencies, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police, DEA and FBI units.
Qurus was diagnosed with cancer in February. His condition deteriorated rapidly thereafter, leading to the decision to euthanize the heroic dog two weeks later to spare him further discomfort.
"Q will surely be missed by his family, the members of the Newtown Police Department, as well as the people who were fortunate enough to come into contact with him," Supervisors Chairperson Linda Houldin said.
The loss of a 24/7 companion and work partner has been difficult for Johnson, who stated in a letter to the chief that he is committed to continuing Newtown's K-9 Corps.
The Newtown PD has had two other police dogs over the last few years, but neither worked out and both had to be returned.
According to Newtown Chief Dennis Anderson, the $7,000 needed to purchase another dog is already in place, thanks to a donation from local builder Cas Holloway. Additional funding may be needed to fully train a new police dog, Anderson noted.
Qurus came to the Newtown PD in 2002, about the same time that another German Shepherd named Vox was joining the force. Both police dogs were born in Germany, then trained and certified for tracking and narcotics detection duty.
Vox died of natural causes in 2007, leaving all the police duties to "Q," until he retired last year.
Qurus was handled by Patrolman Jeffrey Johnson during the dog's entire service career. The dynamic duo made several dramatic arrests and assisted numerous Delco law enforcement agencies, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police, DEA and FBI units.
Qurus was diagnosed with cancer in February. His condition deteriorated rapidly thereafter, leading to the decision to euthanize the heroic dog two weeks later to spare him further discomfort.
"Q will surely be missed by his family, the members of the Newtown Police Department, as well as the people who were fortunate enough to come into contact with him," Supervisors Chairperson Linda Houldin said.
The loss of a 24/7 companion and work partner has been difficult for Johnson, who stated in a letter to the chief that he is committed to continuing Newtown's K-9 Corps.
The Newtown PD has had two other police dogs over the last few years, but neither worked out and both had to be returned.
According to Newtown Chief Dennis Anderson, the $7,000 needed to purchase another dog is already in place, thanks to a donation from local builder Cas Holloway. Additional funding may be needed to fully train a new police dog, Anderson noted.