HARRISBURG, Pa. — Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) presented a condolence resolution on the floor of the Pennsylvania House yesterday in honor of K9 Officer Choper, a member of the Conewango Township Police Department, that tragically lost his life in the line of duty during a training exercise on June 6, 2018.

“Choper gave his life proving that it is not only human beings who possess the courage to wear the badge, but also these loyal and brave souls who walk on four legs,” said Rapp. “Just like any other fallen officer, may his legacy of protecting and serving his community never be forgotten.”

Born in Holland on March 9, 2013, Choper was brought to the United States and received formal training at Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, where he and his partner, K9 handler Scott J. Neiswonger, graduated in 2015 with Class No. 121.

Nationally certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association, Choper was sworn in to the Conewango Township Police Department on May 11, 2015, and faithfully served the department for three years as a dual-purpose K9 officer and assisted all Warren County agencies as a member of the Warren County Drug Task Force.

Rapp was joined on the House floor during the presentation of the condolence resolution by Officer Neiswonger; his parents Ken and Linda Neiswonger; and three K9 officers and their handlers from the state Capitol Police.