Holly MatkinFresno, CA – Fresno Police Department (FPD) K9 Stark died on Dec. 26 due to an acute medical condition, according to his department.
“With heartfelt sympathies, the Fresno Police Department’s K-9 Unit lost one of their K-9 partners this weekend, K-9 Stark, to a sudden medical condition,” the FPD’s K9 Unit said in a Facebook post on Monday. “Stark was a true hero that enjoyed his job keeping the citizens of Fresno safe. He was loved by all who met him.”
The exact nature of K9 Stark’s medical emergency was not released.
The five-and-one-half-year-old Dutch Shepherd was born and trained in Holland, according to his department.
K9 Stark journeyed to the U.S. in January of 2017, where he was adopted by the FPD.
“Stark brought new adventures to his partner, Officer [Daniel] Fink and to this unit,” the K9 Unit said. “He was full of energy and was always eager to please.”
K9 Stark was a skilled patrol officer who also participated and placed in numerous K9 trial competitions throughout the state.
It was a joy to watch him “showcas[e] his amazing skill and character,” the K9 Unit said.
“When Stark was not at work or competing in K-9 trials he was at home being surrounded and loved by the Fink Family,” according to his department. “His partner, Officer Fink, was proud and honored to work with and beside him daily. Stark left this world too soon and will be missed greatly by all.”
Fresno Police K9 dies suddenly from medical condition
What?!?!
😢RIP Stark. You got wings now. Condolences to Officer Fink and the Fresno PDhttps://t.co/Q9LEalXy6Q@FresnoPolice#BlueLine #BackTheBlue #dog #K9 #police #military #WaronDrugs #MAGA #LivePD pic.twitter.com/cGB2LF5888— Tactical Dog (@TacticalDogLive) December 31, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Fresno Police Department and Officer Fink in the loss of K9 Stark.
