ANSON COUNTY – K9s United, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for and supporting law enforcement canines and their handlers, is inviting runners and walkers across the country to lace up their shoes for its seventh annual virtual Fallen K9 Memorial Run on National Police K9 Day, Tuesday, Sept. 1. The nationwide event honors the 23 police K9s who lost their lives in the line of duty last year.
“Each of these K9s answered the call without hesitation and stood beside their handlers until their last breath,” said Jay Nix, president of K9s United. “On National Police K9 Day, this run is our opportunity to honor their courage and sacrifice while ensuring their legacy lives on. Whether you run, walk or simply participate in your own way, you’re helping recognize heroes who gave everything to protect our communities.”
The virtual event features a challenging 9K, classic 5K and a one-mile fun run. Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register online by Monday, Aug. 10. Registration is $32 for children and $42 for adults, which includes a limited edition K9s United Fallen K9 Memorial Run t-shirt.
This year’s memorial run honors the following 23 fallen K9 heroes:
Arizona
K9 Raven, Tucson Police Department
California
K9 Spike, Burbank Police Department
Florida
K9 Kyro, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
K9 Roxi, Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office
Georgia
K9 Sissy, Georgia Department of Corrections
K9 Georgia, Dade County Sheriff’s Office
Hawaii
K9 Archer, Hawai’i County Police Department
Louisiana
K9 Macho, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office
Maine
K9 Preacher, Maine State Police
Minnesota
K9 Karma, Isanti County Sheriff’s Office
Missouri
K9 Oya, North County Police Cooperative
New Mexico
K9 Rebel, Albuquerque Police Department
North Carolina
K9 Blitz, Wadesboro Police Department
Ohio
K9 Cooper, Muskingum Sheriff’s Department
K9 Kaya, Streetsboro Police Department
South Carolina
K9 Sam, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
Tennessee
K9 Diesel, Chattanooga Police Department
K9 Kai, Bristol Police Department Texas
K9 Chico, Boerne Police Department
K9 Azi, McKinney Police Department
Virginia
K9 Scout, Suffolk Police Department
K9 Knox, Roanoke City Police Department
West Virginia
K9 Jericho, Wheeling Police Department
Participants are encouraged to share their finish times, photos and videos on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @K9sUnited.
K9s United has supported more than 600 law enforcement agencies across 46 states by providing customized training for more than 1,400 K9 officers and EMS professionals at no cost to them. The nonprofit has also contributed over $2 million in training and equipment, ranging from leashes and other everyday essentials to bulletproof vests, vehicle heat alarms and specialized K9 containment systems for safe K9 transport. K9s United has also provided over 200 memorial portraits to handlers who have lost their K9 partner in the line of duty. K9s United is also leading efforts to strengthen legal protections for working K9s nationwide. The organization partnered with U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, to introduce the LEO K9 Protection Act, named in honor of fallen Marion County Sheriff’s Office K9 Leo. If passed, this federal bill would allow for those who intentionally harm or kill a federal law enforcement K9, or any state, county or local working K9 assisting a federal agency, to be fined and imprisoned for up to 15 years. The bill would also authorize life-saving medical care and emergency transport when working K9s are injured in the line of duty. The proposed legislation builds on K9s United’s legislative victories that helped pass similar laws in Florida and Alabama.
K9s United relies on the generosity of donors to support and advocate for working law enforcement K9s. Supporters can further the organization’s mission by making a one-time donation or joining the K9 Corps to make a lasting impact. Every contribution helps fund lifesaving equipment, specialized training and legislative efforts to protect K9s who serve and safeguard their communities every day.