New Philadelphia Police Department Welcomes New K-9
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Aug. 10, 2026) — The New Philadelphia Police Department has added a new four-legged member to its team. Reaper, a 16-month-old Belgian Malinois, is now working alongside K-9 Officer Tristen Lambert.
Lambert says Reaper was purchased from Midwest Working Dogs in Columbus for $13,000 and trained by the Police K9 Association in Canton. Reaper takes over after Lambert’s previous K-9, Pablo, retired earlier this year due to laryngeal paralysis. Pablo has recovered from surgery but can no longer bark and is now adjusting to life as a pet.
Lambert says donations covered the cost of Pablo’s surgery, along with Reaper’s purchase and training.