Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Youngsville High School senior Olivia Goss gets together with Conewango Township Police Officer Scott Neiswonger and K9 Nic at the rain barrel she painted in honor of heroes — particularly Neiswonger’s previous partner, K9 Choper.

A student has combined her passion for art and her intended career path in a tribute to a local legend.

Youngsville High School senior Olivia Goss decorated a rain barrel — a county-wide project of the Warren County Conservation District — honoring everyday heroes. It is entitled “Not All Heroes Wear Capes.”

The special focus of the cylindrical canvas was K9 Choper. “It is a tribute to Choper and heroes of all sorts,” she said.

The Warren County K9 served in the Conewango Township Police Department until his death in June 2018.

Goss met Choper several times and remembers him well and fondly. She isn’t the only one.

“The community remembers Choper as a very good dog,” she said.

On Thursday, Goss met with Choper’s partner and handler, Officer Scott Neiswonger of the Conewango Township Police Department, and K9 Nic.

They talked about the rain barrel and about Choper.

Her family has a tradition of military service and police service and Goss would like to follow in those footsteps.

Olivia’s father, Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Andy Goss spoke at Choper’s funeral, Neiswonger said.

Goss would also like to follow Neiswonger’s path.

He advised her that K9 experience in military service is one way to get a foot in the door of becoming a K9 handler. “It’s hard to get there, but most police officers, once they get into K9, they stay there,” he said. “It’s a very rewarding career.”

Goss knows there are both risks and rewards.

“Sadly, (police) dogs have a short life expectancy,” she said. “It’s tough losing them, but they’re such a great companion.”

Neiswonger was glad to hear that Goss hoped to be a K9 handler and he was touched by the tribute to his former partner.

“It’s very humbling to have people remember him still and continue his legacy,” he said.

“I appreciate it. It shows what kind of impact we have.”

As concerns and restrictions related to COVID-19 wane, Neiswonger is hoping to get back to the community service portion of his, and Nic’s, work.

“This community is just phenomenal,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for a better community to work for and live in.”