Delray Beach Police Department, Florida
End of Watch Thursday, April 26, 1984
Add to My HeroesCello Van Wachthaus
K9 Cello died from injuries sustained while attempting to apprehend one of two subjects who had just stolen automobile parts from the Hoyle Cadillac dealership at 2300 South Federal Highway.
One of the men had climbed atop a tractor-trailer while fleeing from pursuing officer. K9 Cello injured his abdomen as he attempted to jump onto the truck. His handler took him to an animal hospital the following day where he died while undergoing an operation.
K9 Cello had served with the Delray Beach Police Department for three years.
Bio
- Breed German Shepherd
- Gender Male
- Age 5
- Tour 3 years
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Incident Date Wednesday, April 25, 1984
Most Recent Reflection
View all 1 ReflectionsI am sure you are in a better place along side my K9 partner keeping guard and looking for that next treat or snack. Job well done.
Former NJ K9 Patrol Officer
Former NJ K9 Patrol Officer
August 30, 2022
Other LODD Deaths
Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.
Pennsylvania State Police, PA
End of Watch: 2026-03-08
Deputy Sheriff Kaleb Mitchell
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
End of Watch: 2026-03-07
Master Trooper Steven J. Perry
North Carolina Highway Patrol, NC
End of Watch: 2026-03-01
Conservation Enforcement Officer Senior Shawn Nixon
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, AL
End of Watch: 2025-11-23
Corporal David M. Hathcock
Montgomery Police Department, AL
End of Watch: 2026-02-22
Correctional Officer Dustin Pedigo
Tennessee Department of Correction, TN
End of Watch: 2026-02-25
Deputy Sheriff Michael Hislope
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
End of Watch: 2026-02-24
Deputy Sheriff Gabriel Ramirez
Christian County Sheriff's Office, MO
End of Watch: 2026-02-23
Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Lewis
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, TX
End of Watch: 2026-02-23



