Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Police Department (SPD) K9 Harrie died in the line of duty on June 24 after he suffered a heat-related injury while tracking two suspects, according to his department.

The incident began at approximately 4:15 p.m., when K9 Harrie and his human partner, SPD Sergeant Jeff Hammer, responded to the area of Skelly Street and David Raines Road to help officers locate two suspects who fled from a stolen vehicle after crashing it during a police chase, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

“K9 Harrie relentlessly tracked the suspects and during his pursuit, sustained a heat-related injury,” the SPD said in a press release later that night.

Temperatures in Shreveport were in the 90s at the time of the incident, with “feels like” temps topping 100 degrees, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

The seven-year-old Belgian Malinois was rushed to the Animal Emergency Clinic and Intensive Care Facility, where the veterinary staff made “every effort… to save him,” but K9 Harrie ultimately succumbed to his heat-related injuries, the SPD said.

“Please keep Sergeant Hammer, the K9 team, and everyone who loved Harrie in your thoughts and prayers,” the department said.

K9 Harrie joined the SPD on Jan. 1, 2018.

“At one point in his career, Harrie was thought to be a ‘lost cause,’” the department acknowledged, “but Harrie was assigned to Sergeant Jeff Hammer, a long-time K9 handler and animal lover.”

“With the help of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office K9 trainers, Sergeant Hammer turned Harrie into an exceptional K9 partner that began assisting in training other police K9s,” the SPD said. “Harrie became one of the most sought-after K9s in the area.”

Hundreds of people offered their condolences to the SPD and Sgt. Hammer in response to the department’s announcement.

“Heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for your loss,” one message read. “Rest easy beautiful Hero. Thank you for your impeccable service K9 Harrie. You made a difference in our world.”

“Sergeant Hammer, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your friend and partner, Harrie. I hope that your grief will be tempered by the knowledge that you made Harrie into the great officer that he was,” another person wrote. “Rest in sweet peace, Harrie.”

K9 Harrie
EOW: 6-24-2023
The @ShreveportPD is mourning the loss of one of their own, K9 Harrie. Harrie died in the line of duty yesterday from a heat illness while tracking 2 car thieves. The 8yr K9 had served since 2018 & was a beloved member of the community. Rest Easy Harrie🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Y7BzDRzWAo

— K9s of Valor (@k9sofvalor) June 25, 2023

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shreveport Police Department and Sgt. Hammer in the loss of K9 Harrie.