Delaware K9 officer dies after brief battle with cancer

DELAWARE, Ohio ( WCMH ) — A K9 officer who had dedicated the past five years to serving the city of Delaware died of cancer on Friday.

The Delaware Police Department announced the death of Tyson, a K9 on their force, Friday evening. DPD said Tyson died after a brief battle with cancer.

Tyson turned eight on June 13, his fifth birthday with the force since he joined in May of 2019, serving alongside his handler, officer John Laudeman.

The Belgian Malinois was born in France and began his training there, but arrived in the U.S. early in 2019 to finish his rigorous training. He was a dual-purpose K9, trained in article searches, narcotics detection, suspect apprehension and handler protection.

The city of Delaware, Oakside Animal Clinic and dozens of community members expressed their sympathies online at the loss.

“(Tyson) will be remembered by many community children for his willingness to play a game of tug o’ war,” DPD said in a statement. “Our condolences go out to the Laudeman family in this time of loss. Thank you for your service K9 Tyson — we’ll keep watch from here.”

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