Hilliard, OH – Hilliard Police Department (HPD) K9 Kane died in late February after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, according to his department.
“We’re very sad to share that K9 Kane was put to sleep over the weekend due to an aggressive form of cancer,” the HPD said in a Facebook post on March 1. “His condition was expected to become worse with no possibility of recovery.”
The Belgian Malinois celebrated his ninth birthday with his family and his handler, HDP Officer Matt Braden, just one day before he passed away.
The department said K9 Kane served loyally alongside Officer Braden since joining the HPD family in 2014.
“As soon as he sees me put my gear on, he knows it’s time to work,” Officer Braden said in a recent interview, according to the HPD. “He is driven more so than any other dog that I know.”
K9 Kane, a dual-trained narcotics, article search, apprehension, and tracking K9, racked up a long list of professional accolades during his career.
He also loved meeting members of his community and could often be found making public appearances at youth Safety Town events, visiting classrooms and nursing homes, and providing demonstrations at Citizens Police Academy classes and National Night Out.
“We’re crushed to lose him as an agency,” the HPD said. “He was a regular, welcome visitor to many in the department. We were happy to play ‘tug’ with his favorite toy (a piece of fire hose!) and provide a good ear scratch and belly rub.”
K9 Kane was also a beloved member of Officer Braden’s family and enjoyed snuggling with his four young children.
“Please join us in keeping the family in your thoughts,” the HPD said. “Thank you for your service, K9 Kane. You will be missed, Good Boy!”
Happy #NationalDogDay to all the good boys, including our own K9 Kane. 🐾 pic.twitter.com/XfrPhlpXCa
— Hilliard Ohio Police (@Hilliard_Police) August 26, 2020
K9 Kane poses for an afternoon pic with his freshly washed patrol car…ready for another day's work pic.twitter.com/3ENt0qvvFV
— Hilliard Ohio Police (@Hilliard_Police) August 5, 2016
We're very sad to share that K9 Kane was put to sleep over the weekend due to an aggressive form of cancer. He was 9 years old.
Kane was a people-friendly dog and made many public appearances throughout his career at Safety Town, National Night Out, and CPA, among other events. pic.twitter.com/qanSTfBHLo
— Hilliard Ohio Police (@Hilliard_Police) March 1, 2022
Ofc. LaRosa and K9 Kane visited some preschool classes at @playhilliard preschool. The children learned about animal safety. #GoodDog 👮🏻♂️🐕 pic.twitter.com/u2i23mYGQj
— Hilliard Ohio Police (@Hilliard_Police) February 6, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hilliard Police Department and Officer Braden in the loss of K9 Kane.