Holly MatkinBuckingham County, VA – Virginia State Police (VSP) K9 Odin died in the line of duty on June 26 after a fire ignited inside his handler’s patrol vehicle.
The four-year-old Belgian Malinois was waiting inside his crate in the patrol vehicle while his partner stopped by the VSP’s Buckingham County office while they were out on patrol, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
While his handler was away, a fire ignited inside the vehicle.
The exact cause of the fire has not been released.
K9 Odin’s handler returned to the patrol unit to find his partner suffering from severe smoke inhalation.
He rushed K9 Odin to a veterinary clinic in Farmville, where the police dog later passed away, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
The beloved K9 served the VSP for three years.
Hundreds of people offered their condolences in the wake of the VSP’s Facebook announcement of K9 Odin’s tragic death.
“With the name you carried, you truly belong in the halls in Valhalla K9 Odin,” one message read. “Job well done pup..your presence on the thin blue line will be missed…condolences to the VSP in this loss…and to his partner and his family.”
“This broke my heart when my Son told me about it,” another person wrote. “He is also a K-9 Trooper with VSP. Prayers for his handler, and all of the VSP family. Rest in peace K9 Odin, and thank you for your dedicated service.”
Many people described K9 Odin as a “great officer” and community “hero.”
Always remember: K9 Odin, Virginia State Police, Virginia https://t.co/W93a0hOpcw pic.twitter.com/A6isosJfSp
— Rob Festenstein (@robfestenstein) July 4, 2022
-A four-legged detective with Virginia State Police has passed away. K-9 Odin was inside of his crate when a fire sparked in his handler's vehicle late last month. Odin suffered smoke inhalation and he died at an emergency vet. He spent 3 years with VSP.
— Brandon Simpson (@Blsimpson3) July 6, 2022
“So very sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed not only as a partner fighting crime but as a close friend,” another message read.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Virginia State Police in the loss of K9 Odin.
Sandy Malone
