Handler – Patrolman Matt Troyer
Solon police mourn loss of retired K-9 Officer Stryker
The Solon Police Department is mourning the loss of a retired K-9 officer who served the department for nine years.The department announced recently that K-9 Stryker, who served from 2010 to 2019, has died. He was 13 and died of natural causes, Police Chief Richard Tonelli said.Stryker and his handler, Patrolman Matt Troyer, worked together on many felony cases. “Stryker and Matt were a great team,” Tonelli said. “He was trained twice a month and was always ready to answer the bell for any call.“I think the guys in the department, residents and everyone loved having him around. Not only was he a patrol K-9, he was also a fan favorite for different community events, especially with children.” Stryker, a German shepherd, made many appearances at events and often put on K-9 demonstrations, Tonelli said.Stryker lived with Troyer and his family while he worked for the police department and continued to do so after his retirement, Tonelli said.“Stryker will be missed and remembered always.