Holly MatkinMaricopa, AZ – Maricopa Police Department (MPD) K9 Ike died in the line of duty on June 27 due to “heat-related” causes, according to the police chief.
MPD Chief Steve Stahl announced the Belgian Malinois’ tragic death “with great sadness” in a Facebook video on June 29.
The chief said that K9 Ike suffered a “heat-related incident” at approximately 5 p.m. on June 26.
“Officers and professional veterinarian staff – locally and in metropolitan Phoenix – did everything possible to save his life,” Chief Stahl said.
K9 Ike passed away at approximately 4 a.m. the following morning.
Chief Stahl said he asked the Arizona Department of Public Safety to assist in investigating the circumstances preceding K9 Ike’s death “for transparency and accountability purposes.”
The chief said he is thankful for the veterinarian staff members’ “tireless work and concern” in caring for K9 Ike.
K9 Ike served the MPD for nearly 11 years.
He was not only a member of the MPD family – he was also a member of the community, Chief Stahl said.
“Many of you have come to know him quite well,” he added.
Chief Stahl asked the community to keep K9 Ike’s handler and fellow officers in their thoughts and prayers.
K9 Ike was trained in narcotics detection and apprehension, according to KPNX.
He served alongside his handler, MPD Officer Craig Curry.
K9 Ike
EOW: 6-27-2020
K9 Ofc Curry
The Maricopa Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own, K9 Ike. Ike, who had served the department heroically for 11yrs, died Saturday morning after a heat-related incident on Friday. Thank you for your service. Rest easy Ike. pic.twitter.com/eTWrE8Cxkk— K9s of Valor (@k9sofvalor) June 30, 2020
#k9down K9 Ike, Maricopa Police Department (Arizona), EOW 6/27/2020 @MPDPIO #ODMPK9 Memorial: https://t.co/lVWVjnx6EY pic.twitter.com/Ia6So35aOH
— ODMP.org (@ODMP) July 31, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Maricopa Police Department and Officer Curry in the loss of K9 Ike.
