Holly MatkinAlbany, NY – New York State Police (NYSP) K9 Amber died unexpectedly on Feb. 2, according to her department.
The NYSP announced the beloved K9’s death in a press release the following day.
“It is with deep regret that the New York State Police announces the unexpected death of K9 Amber,” the department said. “We are always grateful for our canine partners, their hard work and how they help us to serve and protect you.”
K9 Amber’s exact cause of death was not released.
“K9 Amber was named after Trooper Robert W. Ambrose who was killed on December 19, 2002, when his Troop car was struck from behind by a drunk driver traveling on the New York State Thruway in the city of Yonkers,” the NYSP noted.
The five-year-old Dutch Shepard joined the NYSP on June of 2019, and served with Troop T alongside her human partner, NYSP Trooper Mark Castiglione.
“K9 Amber was trained in narcotics and cadaver detection, tracking, and handler protection,” the agency said. “She was recognized numerous times by local news agencies, highlighting her success and dedication throughout her law enforcement career.”
The NYSP previously shared a photo of the hard-working K9 sitting beside a package of cocaine and stacks of cash she located during a drug bust in March of 2021.
“K9 Amber was excited to assist her handler with locating over 14 ounces of cocaine, along with cash, during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Montgomery County,” the agency posted at the time. “Good girl K9 Amber, keep up the hard work!!”
New York State Police announces the unexpected death of K9 Amber. She passed away at the age of 5. K9 Amber was named after Trooper Robert W. Ambrose who was killed when his Troop car was struck by a drunk driver. Prayers for her partner, their family and agency.#podcast #radio pic.twitter.com/HoWzKGrE9d
— L.E.T. Radio Show Podcast (@LETRadioShowPo1) February 4, 2023
K9 “Amber” was happy to assist on a traffic stop located on the New York State Thruway in Albany. Two men were arrested after she detected over 5 ounces of cocaine and a handgun, which was determined to be possessed illegally. Keep up the good work! 💙🐾 pic.twitter.com/SobKmBbdwn
— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) July 23, 2021
K9 Amber was excited to assist her handler with locating over 14 ounces of cocaine, along with cash, during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Montgomery County.
Good girl K9 Amber, keep up the hard work!! pic.twitter.com/223rEbQH0p
— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) March 15, 2021
K9 “Amber” enjoying a little freedom while patrolling the New York State Thruway in Catskill today. 🐾💙🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/18SW9egkgg
— NewYorkStatePolice (@nyspolice) May 11, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the New York State Police and Trooper Mark Castiglione in the loss of K9 Amber.
