Delaware County’s Late K9 Officer, Ozzie Remembered

Delaware County’s first Sheriff’s Department Police Dog is being memorialized.

The County’s new K9 Monument has been dedicated in memory of K9 Osman Steele, Ozzie, who died in April.

Ozze had suffered from a number of health issues before he passed but had started his career with the department on an impressive note.  The Belgian Melanosis, that was brought to Delaware County from Czechoslovakia, sniffed out his first drug arrest on his very first day on the job after graduating training. 

The K9 Monument honors Ozzie and all future K9 members who fall while in service to the Sheriff’s Office and the people of Delaware County. 

The Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Association on August 31 also presented an award to Erica Ressel of Valley Veterinary Services from the Ozzie Memorial Scholarship Fund for a person pursuing continued education in veterinary medicine. 

Donations to the Delaware Sheriff’s K9 program can be made payable to the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, attention K9 Fund, 280 Phoebe Lane, Suite One, Delhi, New York 13753.