May 21, 2026
— Jeff Ward, Lehigh Valley News Briefs
Retired Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Nevie has died at age 11, according to Lehigh County Sheriff Joe Hanna.
Nevie, a German Shepherd, joined the sheriff’s office in 2017. She was the office’s first K-9. She and handle Deputy Richard Garner checked courthouses, mail and the government center for explosives. Nevie and Garner also assisted law enforcement at more than 40 incidents throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties.
Nevie retired last year because of declining health.
Here’s the statement from Sheriff Hanna:
May 21, 2026
The Lehigh County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) sadly reports the passing of retired K-9 “Nevie.”
Nevie, a German Shepherd imported from Germany, was trained in Explosive Detection and Tracking. She joined the ranks of the LCSO on June 7, 2017 as the first ever K-9 member of the Office.
Due to declining health, she was retired on May 2, 2025 at the age of 10 years and 6 months.
Nevie, with her K-9 handler Deputy Richard Garner, conducted daily sweeps of the courthouses, Government Center, and incoming County mail. During her tenure, she was activated to a multitude of incidents involving various suspicious packages. Nevie and Deputy Garner also provided service to over forty (40) incidents assisting law enforcement agencies throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
She was an integral part of the LCSO Community Outreach Program., conducting demonstrations at Schools and Community events.
Sheriff Joe Hanna extends his deepest gratitude to Emmaus Animal Hospital, Drs. Arthur F. Obernrader, VMD and Richard Grgurich, VMD for their expert and passionate care throughout Nevie’s life.
Lehigh Valley News Briefs 