Memorial service today for New Castle police dog

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Nearly 50 police dog units from a 99-mile radius from around the state, came here today to pay tribute to Chico, the 6-year-old Dutch shepherd, found unresponsive by his handler in the back of a hot, parked cruiser Saturday. He died later at a vet's office.

The memorial service was at the old Ben Franklin School on Cunningham Avenue.

Two investigations, one internal and one criminal, are continuing, police officials said. The handler is suspended without pay.

After the service, the police dog units along with Chico’s remains, made a trip through the city, the police dog’s last patrol.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com