09/22/2026
K9 Jericho - Wheeling Police Department’s longest serving K9. R.I.P.
Today in Wheeling History: September 22 — K9 Jericho, a Belgian Malinois and the Wheeling Police Department's longest-serving police K9, died from injuries sustained during a training exercise, ending nearly a decade of service in narcotics detection and patrol (2025).
K9 Jericho served the Wheeling Police Department for nearly a decade, becoming the department's longest-serving police K9 in its history. Born on January 22, 2015, the Belgian Malinois began his service with the WPD in November 2015, trained by Ultimate Working Dogs in St. Albans, West Virginia. He was certified as a dual-purpose K9, specializing in narcotics detection and patrol duties.
Over the course of his career, Jericho served under two handlers and participated in numerous suspect apprehensions, drug seizures, and public demonstrations. He became a beloved community figure, particularly popular at events such as National Night Out and Safety Town, where children especially looked forward to seeing him.
Jericho died on Monday, September 22, 2025, after suffering a sudden medical issue while on duty. He was transported to a local veterinary clinic, where he later passed away at the age of ten.
A private memorial service was held on October 15, 2025, at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, attended by officers from the Wheeling Police Department, the Marshall and Ohio County Sheriff's offices, several K9 companions, and Jericho's former handler, Corporal John McKenzie. In his honor, a plaque was dedicated in the lobby of the Wheeling Police Department. Jericho is also listed on the Officer Down Memorial Page, recognizing his sacrifice nationally.
To learn more: Officer Down Memorial Page – K9 Jericho (https://tinyurl.com/2exyf3wb), City of Wheeling - Wheeling Police Department Mourns the Loss of K9 Jericho (https://tinyurl.com/4zrfyzbj), WTRF - Wheeling Police Department Mourns Loss of Longest‑Serving K9 (https://tinyurl.com/mpd7zz6j), City of Wheeling - Line of Duty Deaths (https://tinyurl.com/5n7btjdv), YouTube - wtrf7news - Wheeling Police Hold Memorial Service for K9 Jericho (https://tinyurl.com/pvrcpu3v), WTOV9 - Wheeling honors K-9 Jericho with memorial service at WesBanco Arena (https://tinyurl.com/m2fu5x2s)
Photo caption and credit: K9 Jericho, the Wheeling Police Department's longest-serving police K9. The Belgian Malinois served the WPD for nearly a decade in narcotics detection and patrol duties before his passing on September 22, 2025. (Officer Down Memorial Page)
