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Brookhaven police say K‑9 Chico was euthanized after cancer diagnosis; department plans remembrance
Summary
The police chief announced the department euthanized K‑9 Chico after a diagnosis of advanced bone cancer, noted the dog’s service record and said more details about Chico’s service will be released; the department is holding community outreach events this week.
Brookhaven’s police chief told the City Council that the department recently euthanized K‑9 Chico after the dog was diagnosed with advanced bone cancer.
The chief said Chico, a three‑year‑old K‑9 who had served about a year and a half, began showing medical issues roughly two months before being diagnosed with advanced bone cancer that had spread to the lungs. After consultation with the department veterinarian and the handler’s family, the chief said the humane choice was to euthanize Chico. The chief said the department will release additional details about Chico’s service in the coming days.
The chief provided service details: Chico was credited with 19 arrests during his time on duty and with a seizure of more than $30,000 in narcotics. Council members thanked the chief and expressed appreciation for the canine unit.
The chief also reminded the council about a Community Connect event at the Target on North Druid scheduled for May 15 at 9 a.m. for outreach with residents.
Why it matters: the canine unit provides investigative and public‑safety support; the loss affects handlers, unit morale and community engagement. The department said memorial details and further service information will be shared soon.
