At its Jan. 9 meeting, Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners honored police K-9 Mex, who died last week following a short battle with cancer.

Board Vice President Phil Ginder read a statement from police Chief Michael Marks.

Mex served with Sgt. Jeffrey Apgar since September 2014. He was originally trained to be a bomb detection dog. Marks said Apgar then took on the hefty task of retraining Mex to detect narcotics when his bomb detection services were not needed.

Apgar and Mex “exceeded expectations” and “ended being the premier canine team in the Lehigh Valley,” according to Marks’ statement.

Mex received many accolades throughout his career.

Whitehall Township Police Department announced the news of Mex’s death on Facebook, acknowledging the bond shared between Mex and Apgar: “Jeff and Mex were more than partners; they were highly dedicated to each other and the citizens that we serve. K-9 Mex received numerous awards and recognition throughout his career and was part of numerous criminal apprehensions and drug seizures in Whitehall Township and nearby jurisdictions.

“The Whitehall police department commends K-9 Mex on a celebrated career and offers our sincere condolences to Sgt. Apgar and his family.”

Following the announcement last week of Mex’s death, police departments from across the region offered condolences and remembrances on social media.

Coplay Borough Police Department posted, “We send our love and support for Sgt. Apgar and his family while they grieve their loss. K-9 Mex was an amazing asset to our region and will be deeply loved and missed. You were a good boy, Mex!”

In other business, the commissioners briefly discussed the settlement of the harassment allegations against Mayor Michael Harakal Jr.

Board President Joe Marx said he was troubled by comments made at a previous meeting by supporters of Harakal. He also spoke about those who have questioned why stronger action has not been taken against the mayor.

“The democratic process can sometimes be painful,” said Marx, who then requested Harakal resign from his position - not only because of these allegations, but because he has “lost his ability to govern.”

Following Marx’s comments, the board took a vote of no confidence in the mayor. Four commissioners voted in the affirmative.

The vote of no confidence does not remove Harakal as mayor. Rather, it means the board does not support him in that role.

The commissioners also reappointed people to boards. Lee Christman and Roger Reichard were appointed to the zoning hearing board.

Whitehall commissioners next meet 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the municipal building, 3219 MacArthur Road.