Holly MatkinWashington, DC – DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) K9 Roc died in the line of duty on Tuesday after suffering a medical emergency while serving as a member of the Presidential detail.
K9 Roc, a 12-year-old black Labrador Retriever, was working as the security detail’s explosive ordinance detection K9 when the medical emergency struck, WUSA reported.
He was rushed to Adams Morgan Animal Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
K9 Roc’s exact cause of death was not immediately released.
The beloved K9 joined the MPD in 2014 and devoted much of his life to serving his community, WUSA reported.
“It is with great sadness that our department announces the unexpected loss of K-9 Roc,” the MPD said in a press release on Wednesday. “Roc, a 12-year-old Black Labrador Retriever and an avid KONG dog toy fanatic, served MPD and our city with bravery and dedication for the past 8 years. He’ll be missed greatly.”
Several people offered their condolences to the department in the wake of the announcement of K9 Roc’s sudden passing.
“Thank you MPD for your post in honor of Roc. May he RIP with all the other brave canines in heaven,” one person wrote.
“Heartbreaking news,” another message read. “So sorry.”
Dozens of law enforcement officers joined the MPD K9 Unit and command staff at the animal hospital in Northwest DC at 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning to honor the fallen K9 with a final salute.
It is with great sadness that our department announces the unexpected loss of K-9 Roc. Roc, a 12 year-old Black Labrador Retriever and an avid KONG dog toy fanatic, served MPD and our city with bravery and dedication for the past 8 years. He’ll be missed greatly. #NeverForgotten pic.twitter.com/wCaSPfFvmV
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) March 22, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the DC Metropolitan Department in the loss of K9 Roc.
