Warrington K-9 Officer Was Living His Dream Job, Department Says

WARRINGTON, PA — Fellow officers and community members are remembering Stephen Plum Jr., the Warrington Township Police Department K-9 officer who died suddenly this week.

His cause of death has not been released yet, according to a news release from the department. A GoFundMe to support his wife Nancy and five children has raised more than $41,000 as of Thursday afternoon. Plum's children Andrew, Aiden, Wyatt, Emmet, and Francesca range in age from 14 years to 18 months, the department said.

Plum "was known for his kindness, infectious laugh, smile, and big heart, which impacted everyone around him, including those in the Warrington community he served with honor and dedication," the police department said.

Plum was an eight-year veteran with Warrington Township Police and part of its first K-9 unit.

"His family has shared that ever since he was a kid, he wanted to be a K-9 officer," the department said. "To see Officer Plum finally in this role, was to see a man living out his childhood dream. He loved every second of it, even cleaning up after Murph!"

He was also on the Major Incident Response Team, Narcotics Unit, and Highway (Motorcycle) Unit for Warrington Township Police.

Chief Daniel Friel said the department has heavy hearts in announcing Plum's death.

"Fondly known as ‘K-9 Murphy’s human,’ Officer Plum accomplished so much in his time with us," Friel said. "He was so devoted and committed to our K-9 Unit and to his partner Murphy. The officers and staff of the Warrington Township Police Department are going through an extremely difficult time as we mourn the loss our Officer and friend. Please keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

The police department said Plum was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and served as a rifleman in Iraq with the 2nd LAR Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. He earned a Combat Action Ribbon and other awards for his service.

After his service, Plum worked as a firefighter with the Abington and Roslyn Fire Companies and also worked for the Abington Township Fire Marshal’s Office. Warrington PD said Plum "also served as an EMT with Second Alarmers Rescue Squad in Willow Grove, and worked for the Rockledge Borough and SEPTA Police Departments."

Donations to the Plum family can be made online also be mailed to or dropped off at the Warrington Township Police Department’s headquarters, 2330 Lower Barness Road, 18976. Checks can be made out to Nancy Plum.