K9 Joy and Sgt. Madden retire from McCandless Police Department

McCandless Police Sgt. Bryan Madden and his sidekick, K-9 Officer Joy, have retired from McCandless Police Department.

Madden joined the department in 1993 and Joy in 2017. Their resignations were effective Dec. 16.

Madden called it “an honor and a privilege” to serve the McCandless community, and McCandless Township Council recognized Madden and Joy at its Dec. 12 meeting.

”To be able to bring a K-9 program to this department was a dream of mine since I began serving here in 1993. K-9 Joy developed into an amazing K-9, and he has a reputation for his work abilities,” Madden said.

Madden moved to McCandless in 1971. He didn’t give up his ties when he became deputy sheriff in Polk County, Fla., from 1989 to 1993. His direct family continued to own the home where he now lives. He joined the McCandless Police Department in 1993, serving as patrol sergeant for 23 years and K-9 sergeant for five years.

McCandless police Chief Ryan Hawk called Madden “the epitome of a professional, dedicated police officer. He has served the residents of McCandless with compassion and empathy for nearly 30 years as an officer, sergeant, then K-9 sergeant. He spearheaded the K-9 unit in McCandless, which is a passion of his. Sergeant Madden and his K-9 partner Joy have become a staple in the community, particularly the students and staff of the North Allegheny School District.”

Joy is a male Hungarian-born Belgian/Malinois German Shepherd mix imported to the United States by Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Mercer County, where he was trained. He was paired with Madden in 2017.

He is a dual purpose K-9 certified in narcotics detection and patrol functions, including tracking, searching buildings, lost article search, area search and apprehending. Joy has assisted other agencies, including the FBI; the federal Bureau of Tobacco, the Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the local department of human services, and various search warrant services. Joy participated in locating more than $750,000 of illegal narcotics, according to Madden.

In 2019, K-9 Joy and Madden were named Officers of the Year for McCandless. That year, K-9 Joy tracked and located a 15-year-old boy who had run away from another jurisdiction and was seen in McCandless. The boy was lost in a wooded area, and K-9 Joy located the boy, who was brought back safely, Madden said.

Joy is known in the community for his friendly disposition and sometimes silly antics, Madden said.

“K-9 Joy is a very social K-9 who interacts and wants pets from everyone, children and adults alike,” Madden said.

Police K-9s are assigned to one handler, typically for their career, and the K-9s normally live with their handler. If the officer retires or changes positions, the K-9 is normally retired if beyond age 5. Police K-9s normally stay with their handler for their life, Madden said.

Madden has trained other German Shepherd puppies and is AKC Registered Evaluator and Trainer for the Canine Good Citizen Program.

“K-9 dogs are bred to work, and they live for it. K-9 Joy does enjoy his off time when his duty gear comes off and he can relax and be a dog,” Madden said.

Madden said K-9 Joy is 7 and old enough to retire with him. McCandless Council on Dec. 12 approved the transfer of ownership of Joy to Madden so they can remain together.

“I will keep him busy and exercised. Joy is often a demonstration dog for obedience classes that I assist teaching. Joy will be able to have a spoiled life as a reward for all of his hard work and live out the rest of his years with me,” Madden said.

Madden said he hopes McCandless will have future K-9s, as they are an incredibly versatile asset to the officers, schools and the community.