Holly MatkinFountain Valley, CA – Fountain Valley Police Department (FVPD) K9 Cannon died in the line of duty on June 28 after suffering a medical emergency during a training session.
The series of events leading to the five-year-old Belgian Malinois’ death began when he became “severely fatigued” and started suffering “drastic respiratory issues” after participating in regular training earlier in the day, the FVPD said in a press release on June 29.
K9 Cannon’s human partner, FVPD Officer Kevin Erskine, transported him to a veterinarian in Garden Grove with the assistance of other members of the Fountain Valley K9 Team.
The police dog was later moved to a facility in Fountain Valley for overnight emergency treatment.
“Cannon was in critical but stable condition with some brain swelling,” the FVPD said. “Sadly, Cannon never recovered and passed away suddenly at the facility.”
K9 Cannon was surrounded by his family members when he succumbed to his medical complications, according to his department.
The beloved K9 served the FVPD for three years.
More than 100 people offered their condolences in response to the FVPD’s announcement of K9 Cannon’s unexpected death.
“So very sorry for the loss of this hard working, beautiful K9 Officer,” one person wrote. “Our thoughts go out to you all. His memory and hard work will certainly continue to be a blessing to all … condolences to the department and to his K9 Handler, Officer Kevin Erskine and his family and the K9 team.”
“Rest Easy Officer K9 Cannon. Thank you for your years of valiant service protecting the Community,” another message read. “You will NEVER be forgotten, but will ALWAYS be remembered as a HERO, an Outstanding Officer, Loyal Partner, Loving Family Member, and Friend to many. Your tenacity on the job made you a fierce force to be reckoned with by all the bad guys that met you.”
Always remember: K9 Cannon, Fountain Valley Police Department, California https://t.co/ChHfCZUMpB pic.twitter.com/4iK1NzQQgG
— Texas FOF (@texas_fof) July 1, 2022
Our sympathies are with Fountain Valley Police Department and the handler and co-workers of K-9 Cannon who succumbed to a heat stroke after a training exercise. K-9 Cannon had served with the police department for three years. He was five years old. #LODD #EOW #K9 pic.twitter.com/ovcBpJ1vj9
— ATF HQ (@ATFHQ) July 2, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fountain Valley Police Department and Officer Erskine in the loss of K9 Cannon.
