K9 Hero

Cello Van Wachthaus

Delray Beach Police Department — Delray Beach, FL

Duty related illness German Shepherd

Service Record

End of Watch April 26, 1984

Tour of Duty 3 years

Age 5

Gender Male

K9 Profile

Breed German Shepherd

Cause Duty related illness

Agency

Department Delray Beach Police Department

Location Delray Beach, FL

Incident

K9 Cello died from injuries sustained while attempting to apprehend one of two subjects who had just stolen automobile parts from the Hoyle Cadillac dealership at 2300 South Federal Highway.

One of the men had climbed atop a tractor-trailer while fleeing from pursuing officer. K9 Cello injured his abdomen as he attempted to jump onto the truck. His handler took him to an animal hospital the following day where he died while undergoing an operation.

K9 Cello had served with the Delray Beach Police Department for three years.