Kingman police K-9 dies from heat exhaustion after search for injured hikers

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On Saturday, a Kingman Police K-9 officer suffered from heat exhaustion after searching for injured hikers near White Cliff, reported the police department on their Facebook page:Kingman police dog

“**Line of Duty Death: K9 Amigo**

It is with deep sadness that the Kingman Police Department  (Arizona)reports that K9 Amigo paid the ultimate sacrifice and has succumbed to his injuries.”

Amigo, a three-year-old Belgian Malinois and his handlers had been on a search for two hikers who needed rescue from the top of the mountain  on Wednesday; both were found and treated for minor injuries. Both hikers were transported to the Kingman Regional Medical Center. At the same  time, Amigo started to show symptoms of heat exhaustion and was rushed to a local veterinary clinic. Later that evening, he was  moved to a specialized veterinary hospital in Las Vegas where he had been improving, however came the report that Amigo suffered  ” a sudden medical event” and died early Saturday morning.

“This is a very sad occasion. The bond between our handlers and their dogs is very strong and the officer is devastated by the loss. While they are working dogs, these animals also become a close and important part of the individual police officer’s family as well as the rest of the KPD family. Clearly, we have lost one of our own.” stated Robert J. DeVries, Chief of Police.Kingman police dog 2

Rest in peace Amigo. A comment on the organization’s Facebook page bid the canine hero a solemn and heartbreaking farewell:

Ellen M. BacaAmigo was just carried before my eyes, with dignity and sorrow the officers drive, lights flashing, sirens…..
End of watch
Walk on with peace Canine Officer Amigo…
Thank you for your sacrifice
Thank you for your service.”

Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook.

(Photos via Facebook)


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7 COMMENTS

  1. Stupid hikers are partly responsible for this. I used to live near this area and so many times hikers would leave the posted Trail thinking they know better. I understand the quest to want to do things, but you know – in this heat it’s DANGEROUS. This whole thing should not have happened.

    • I totally agree with you this should never happened and the hikers are not worth the death of the dog or anyone else, ssoo sadd.

  2. They honestly need to use cooling vests for K9 officers who are working in extreme heat. Also, give them frequent breaks for water and cool down. This should never have happened.

  3. I agree with both Linda Szymoniak and Gizmo’s Mommy…….AND, yes, they should have given the dog breaks and cooled him off with water both externally and internally before he got to the point of total collapse……just three years old…..tragic.

  4. Always hate to see a K-9 die this way. Rest in peace K-9 Amigo, condolences to your handler, family and fellow officers. I know you will be missed. Please police departments, try to take care of your K-9s they need you to keep them safe and cool in the summer heat.

  5. Very sad that his handler did not have his partners best interest at heart…should of known better…shame on you…such loyalty with your K-9 you did not show the same respect…dam shame! Please don’t allow another k-9 to this handler…

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