It is with great sadness that the South Fayette Township Police Department announces the March 8 passing of K-9 bloodhound Ellie Faye due to cancer.

Ellie Faye served South Fayette Township honorably and loyally alongside her handler Sgt. Mike Wesolek for more than 8 years and will be greatly missed by the community and her fellow officers.

At 8 months old, Ellie Faye joined the police in December 2017 and was the first bloodhound to serve in the immediate area. Through the years, the dog assisted residents of South Fayette and surrounding communities by searching for and tracking people in need.

Ellie Faye was known for her kind, loving personality. Named by the Fordeley family in a community contest, the canine was a mainstay at township events, bringing joy to children and adults, posing for photos and putting on demonstrations for community groups and students.

Any memorial donations can be directed to the South Fayette Township Police Department, 100 Township Drive, Floor 1, South Fayette, PA 15017. Checks are payable to "South Fayette Township" and the memo line must specify "Police K-9 Fund Donation."

Learn more about Ellie Faye in this article from South Fayette Connect.