Hero Down: Audubon County Sheriff’s K9 Axel Killed By Passing Car

Audubon County, IA – Audubon County Sheriff’s Department (ACSD) K9 Axel died on April 19, after he was struck by a vehicle while off-duty.

K9 Axel, a Belgian Malinois, joined ACSD in 2015, according to the department’s website.

“It is with heavy hearts that the Sheriff’s Department informs the public of the passing of our K9, Axel,” the ACSD said in a Facebook post. “He was tragically hit by a passing vehicle while off duty.”

K9 Axel helped take a large quantity of illegal drugs off the streets during his four years with the department.

“Without Axel countless drug traffickers would still be out on our streets, and we are forever grateful to him for his selfless service,” Audubon County Attorney Sarah Jennings told the Atlantic News Telegraph.

“He may not have died in the line of duty, but it’s not how you die that determines whether you’re a hero — it’s how you live,” Jennings continued. “Here’s to honoring and remembering a hero and a great cop. Please send your thoughts and prayers to Axel’s handler and partner, Nate Tibbets, and Nate’s wife and family.”

Deputy Nathan Tibbets and K9 Axel both joined the department in the same year, according to the department’s website.

“He will be greatly missed,” the ACSD’s Facebook post read.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Audubon County Sheriff’s Department and Deputy Tibbets in the loss of K9 Axel.