Beloved Police K-9 Mourned In West Hartford, Was Only 6

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A beloved member of the local law enforcement community is being mourned this week after passing away much too soon over the weekend.

K-9 Onyx, a patrol and narcotics detection dog with the West Hartford Police Department, died Saturday, April 4, following an unexpected battle with lymphoma at the age of 6, officials said. He had just turned 6 last week.

Onyx was certified in 2021 in patrol work and narcotics detection alongside his handler, Officer Timothy Camerl.

The dog was integrated with the department’s SWAT team and took part in numerous callouts during his service.

Police said Onyx assisted in identifying and locating several kilograms of illegal narcotics and more than $250,000 in seized drug money, including work conducted with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

During patrol operations, the K-9 also helped locate firearms during motor vehicle stops.

Beyond enforcement, Onyx contributed to public safety efforts by tracking criminal suspects, locating people in crisis, and assisting in searches for missing juveniles.

He was involved in multiple apprehensions of fleeing and combative suspects, according to the department.

Officials described Onyx as both effective in the field and personable off duty, noting his strong bond with officers and his affinity for play.

A police cruiser has been placed in front of department headquarters as a memorial honoring Onyx’s service.