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Died – 12/24/17
Handler – Pfc. Ryan Fritz
Martinsburg police K-9, Titan, dies after brief battle with cancer
The Martinsburg Police Department said goodbye to its K-9, Titan, on Christmas Eve, about two weeks after discovering he had cancer, possibly lymphoma. Titan’s handler, Pfc. Ryan Fritz, made the decision to euthanize the dog Sunday, according to a police department news release. “The effects of this disease were physically debilitating and causing extreme pain and undue suffering to our dog,” the release said. “A decision was made based on these facts and scenario for the humane well-being of the dog, to allow Police Canine Unit Titan to pass away peacefully on Dec. 24, 2017.” After taking Titan to a local veterinarian, Fritz was referred to the Life Center in Leesburg, Va. After tests, observation and intravenous injections, Titan was diagnosed with cancer, police said. Final test results will be available later this month. Titan began his training and career with the department on June 26. In that short time, he visited thousands of school children in weekly demonstrations and assisted Fritz in arresting criminals, detecting and seizing drugs and performing searches. “They worked so well together in their duties that their performance can only be described as outstanding,” Chief Maurice “Maury” Richards and Deputy Chief George B. Swartwood said in the news release. The duo were even named “Officers of the Month” in November. The department is seeking a replacement dog from the Shallow Creek Kennel in Pennsylvania, the same place it obtained Titan. However, the final approval will come from the Martinsburg Town Council, police said. “Titan was loved by this department and the entire community greatly,” the release states. “Even though his life and career as a police canine was brief, it shined brightly.” Titan’s death is the latest in a series of issues Martinsburg has been facing with its use of K-9 units. Officer Craig Phelps is suing the City of Martinsburg for failing to pay him overtime for working with his police dog, Argos, during off-duty hours. In the federal lawsuit, he claims that the city is in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act. His complaint is filed in U.S. District Court in Martinsburg. Argos was retired on Feb. 14, the same day Richards notified Phelps that his assignment as a K-9 handler was terminated, according to the lawsuit.
