About the Warrington K9 Unit
The Warrington K9 Unit was established in September of 2018, after the department raised sufficient donations from our great community.
Officer Steve Plum Jr. and Corporal John Blanchard were named as handlers after going through a selection process.
Officer Plum was partnered with K-9 Murphy, a Dutch Shepherd. K-9 Murphy was raised and trained by staff and volunteers at the PennVet Working Dog Center (UPenn) in Philadelphia. He was named after a working dog who responded to the Staten Island Landfill following the 9/11 attacks.
Murphy, also fondly referred to as the “MurphMan,” is a dual purpose Patrol and Drug Detection dog. He is certified by the USPCA. Officer Plum and K-9 Murphy became a staple in the community, especially during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic when they began “Storytime with a K-9.” Officer Plum and K-9 Murphy read children’s books together, which were shared on the K-9 Facebook page and featured on several news outlets. Aside from their work in Warrington Township, Officer Plum and K-9 Murphy have assisted County, State, and Federal agencies.
On May 16, 2022, our department sadly lost Officer Plum while in the performance of duty. K-9 Murphy will be retired and remain with the Plum Family. Nancy, Steve’s wife, plans to stay involved in the K-9 Unit and ensure Murphy is still present for our fundraisers and events so that his adoring fans can still give him pets.
Corporal Blanchard is partnered with K-9 Jolie, also a Dutch Shepherd. K-9 Jolie was raised and trained by staff and volunteers at the PennVet Working Dog Center (UPenn) in Philadelphia. She was named after a working dog who responded to the Pentagon following the 9/11 attacks.
Jolie is a dual purpose Patrol and Explosives detection dog. She is certified in explosive detection by the USPCA and the ATF.
Fun Fact: K-9 Murphy and K-9 Jolie are litter mates….making them the first brother and sister Officers in Warrington Township!!!!!
Warrington Police K-9 Unit was established and is maintained with the generous donations of our community and fundraisers. In 2021, we held our first ever Kruisin’ with K-9s Car Show. It was a great success and we look forward to continuing this fundraiser yearly.
You can follow the K9 Unit on their facebook page.