Hero Down: Monroe Police Department K9 Kilo Dies After Suffering Medical Emergency

Monroe, NC – Monroe Police Department (MPD) K9 Kilo died on Feb. 9 due to mesenteric volvulus, according to his department.

K9 Kilo, a one-year-and-11-month-old German shepherd, fell ill at home earlier in the night and was rushed to Carolina Veterinary Specialists by his human partner, MPD Officer Bricesen Burton, the agency said in a press release the following day.

As the veterinarians were treating him, K9 Kilo suffered a “medical emergency that proved to be fatal,” the MPD said.

The Griffin Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory later determined K9 Kilo died from mesenteric volvulus, which “occurs when the intestines twist around the… tissue that hold the intestines to the abdominal wall,” the MPD said in an update.

The condition ultimately leads to “circulatory and cariogenic shock,” the diagnostic laboratory explained.

“Mortality rates are close to 100% even when caught early enough to provide treatment,” the lab noted. “The underlying cause for a mesenteric torsion remains unknown.”

MPD Chief Bryan Gilliard said the entire department is mourning the loss of the beloved young K9.

“We’re saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of a member of the Monroe Police Department,” Chief Gilliard said in the press release. “Please remember K9 Officer Burton, his family, the Monroe Police Department and the other K9 Officers in your thoughts and prayers as we mourn the loss of a family member.”

K9 Kilo was a multi-purpose K9 who assisted in apprehensions, security, and drug detection.

“He was a valued member of the Monroe PD Special Response Team,” the department said.

The MPD plans to hold a memorial service for K9 Kilo in the near future.

“Chief Bryan Gilliard, Officer Burton and the entire Monroe Police Department would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support shown in the wake of this tragic situation,” the MPD said.

The department said it is also thankful for the professional care and treatment provided by Carolina Veterinary Specialists and the services provided by Griffin Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Monroe Police Department and Officer Burton in the loss of K9 Kilo.