Holly MatkinCharlotte, NC – Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) K9 Atos died on June 18 after battling cancer.
The MCSO announced the Belgian Malinois’ death in a Facebook post on June 24.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of K9 Deputy Atos,” the department said. “Atos passed away on June 18th after a courageous battle with cancer…From all of us at MCSO, we will miss you Atos.”
K9 Atos was just five years and eight months old at the time of his death.
He joined the sheriff’s office in December of 2016 and served alongside his human partner, MCSO Deputy Joseph Beckham.
Many people offered condolences in response to the MCSO’s post about the fallen K9.
“The loss of any pet is devastating but when it’s a LEO working dog & so young, that’s a tragedy,” one message read.
“I’m so sorry for your loss Deputy Beckham & MCSO,” another person wrote. “Thank you for your service K9 Deputy Atos.”
Others commented that K9 Atos was “a great dog” and “an awesome asset to the K9 unit.”
“Thank you for tour service Atos. R.I.P.,” another message read. “My prayers go out to his family. So sorry for your loss.”
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of K9 Deputy Atos after a courageous battle with cancer. Atos was a member of MCSO since December 2016 . Please join us in expressing our condolences to his partner Deputy Joseph Beckham and his family. pic.twitter.com/OoYxIu70wF
— Meck Sheriff (@MeckSheriff) June 24, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Beckham in the loss of K9 Atos.
Sandy Malone
