Holly MatkinSlidell, LA – Slidell Police Department (SPD) K9 Kano died in the line of duty on Aug. 11 after becoming lethargic after apprehending a burglary suspect.
The eight-year-old German shepherd and his human partner, SPD Sergeant Jake Morris, responded to the property of Alliance Bus Group on Frank Pichon Drive at approximately 4:30 a.m. for a report of a suspicious person, the SPD said in a press release later in the day.
The department noted that the Alliance Bus Group “has recently been a repeated victim of catalytic converter thefts.”
When police arrived at the scene, they saw a suspect running off into a nearby wooded area.
K9 Kano and Sgt. Morris subsequently began tracking the suspect and located him hiding in a body of water after a “lengthy search,” the SPD said.
The suspect was apprehended without further incident.
His identity was not immediately released.
As the alleged burglar was being placed under arrest, Sgt. Morris noticed that K9 Kano was becoming lethargic.
The police dog was rushed to Pontchartrain Animal Clinic, where a he underwent an ultrasound examination.
During the examination, the veterinarian discovered K9 Kano had a previously-undiagnosed cancerous tumor on his spleen, the SPD said.
“As treatment was being conducted to stabilize his condition, Kano began to lose his fight,” the police department said. “The hospital staff did everything possible to save Kano, but ultimately were unsuccessful. Kano’s cancer prevented his organs from allowing his body to properly recover, after the stress and exertion of his duties.”
The SPD posted heartbreaking photos of Sgt. Morris’ final moments with his four-legged partner.
💔Heart breaking photos of Sgt. @JakeMorris186 last moments with K-9 Kano, who died in the line of duty earlier this morning. This duo was arguably one of America’s most favorite K-9 / Officer combos. He fought hard till the end. May he rest in peace. EOW: 08-11-22 🐾 💙 🖤 🐾 pic.twitter.com/9DPYuCyAa8
— Slidell Police (@SlidellPD) August 12, 2022
“Kano died doing what he loved to do most in the world…protecting and serving the great citizens of the City of Slidell and the State of Louisiana,” the department said.
In addition to his regular duties, K9 Kano was featured on the television show “Live PD,” which gave him and Sgt. Morris an opportunity “to demonstrate their bond and dedication to service to a national audience,” the SPD noted.
Slidell Police Chief Randy Fandal said K9 Kano was an instrumental member of the SPD since joining the agency five years ago.
“[He] served everyday with a drive that we could only hope to match,” Chief Fandal said. “He stopped countless crimes and was able to catch more criminals than he missed. My heart goes out not only to Sergeant Morris and his family, but to the blue family and all of our citizens who lost a hero today!”
RIP K9 Kano! Thinking about you brother @JakeMorris186. pic.twitter.com/KGI82bqjcn
— On Patrol Live LEO’s (@OnPatrolLEOs) August 12, 2022
This is NOT what I wanted to see! Officer K9 Kano was a K9 often featured on #LivePd. It is with a heavy heart that we have to say good bye. RIP #K9Kano. You will be deeply missed pic.twitter.com/kJjlBaO5Sy
— 💙#OnPatrolBlueLine💙 (@OPBlueLine) August 11, 2022
Via K9s of Valor
K9 Kano
EOW: 8-11-2022The Slidell Police Department and the Morris family are mourning the loss of one of their own, K9 Kano. Kano passed away this morning after tracking and locating a wanted suspect. Details of his death per the department are below. pic.twitter.com/TGwCrjjFor
— ALPHA PRO 🇺🇸🇪🇺🇺🇦 (@DTMsport) August 12, 2022
K9 Kano was laid to rest on Aug. 17.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Slidell Police Department and Sgt. Morris in the loss of K9 Kano.
Sandy Malone
