Beloved Ocean City Police K-9 Penny Dies

One of the first officers in the Ocean City Police Department's new K-9 unit back in 2020 was Penny.

Penny, a Belgian Malinois, died this week.

Along with K-9's Miles and Brier, the three K-9s were adopted from shelters or donated to the Ocean City Police Department.

In January 2020, they graduated from the Atlantic County John "Sonny" Burke K-9 Academy "Scent Class #6," training for 16 weeks with their human partners.

Penny served Ocean City by detecting explosives and drugs from 2020 until her retirement in 2024.

At the time, Manco & Manco Pizza covered a large portion of the cost of training the dogs. Animal House Pet Store and the Humane Society of Ocean City contributed supplies and medical support.

Penny Remembered by Ocean City Police

In a Facebook post on the Ocean City Police page on Thursday, the department eulogized its former K-9 officer and sent condolences to her partner,  Ptl. Jacob Johnson and his family.

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of retired Ocean City Police K9 Penny, Badge #340, on August 18, 2026.⁣

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Penny proudly served alongside her partner, Ptl. Jacob Johnson, beginning in 2019. Certified in explosives detection, she spent her career protecting our community, assisting law enforcement partners throughout New Jersey, and serving as a beloved ambassador for our department.⁣

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After retiring in October 2024, Penny enjoyed a well-earned retirement surrounded by the love of the Johnson family.⁣

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Penny was more than a working K9; she was a loyal partner, protector, and cherished member of the OCPD family.⁣

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Please keep Ptl. Johnson and the entire Johnson family in your thoughts and prayers.⁣

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Rest easy, Penny. Your watch is complete