National run will honor lost police dogs, including K9 Bane

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (KSNW) — A national organization that advocates for and supports K9 officers and their handlers is hosting its fifth annual virtual Fallen K9 Memorial Run.

The nationwide event, a partnership between K9s United and GORUCK , will take place on Sunday, Sept. 1, National Police K9 Day. It will honor 26 K9s who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023, including K9 Bane with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office.

K9 Bane was killed by a robbery suspect hiding in a storm drain on Nov. 17, 2023.

“Our fifth annual run is a tribute to the unwavering bravery that led to the ultimate sacrifice of 26 heroic police dogs,” says Debbie Johnson, president and founder of K9s United. “These courageous dogs protect us in our communities – and while we travel, attend concerts or enjoy sporting events. We call on all athletes and dog lovers across the country to join us as we run together to honor their legacy of selfless service and sacrifice.”

The other 25 K9 officers being honored include:

1. K9 Aron, Houston Police Department (Texas)
2. K9 Barrett, Montville Police Department (Connecticut)
3. K9 Broko, Connecticut State Police
4. K9 Champ, Kansas City Police Department (Missouri)
5. K9 Chase, Cobb County Police Department (Georgia)
6. K9 Deebo, Harris County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia)
7. K9 Dexter, Idaho Department of Fish and Game
8. K9 Duke, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office (California)
9. K9 Falco, Gary Police Department (Indiana)
10. K9 Fredy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection
11. K9 Fredy, Orange County Sheriff’s Office (Florida)
12. K9 Fury, Franklin Police Department (Ohio)
13. K9 Graffit, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (Colorado)
14. K9 Harrie, Shreveport Police Department (Louisiana)
15. K9 Hudson, Kane County Sheriff’s Office (Illinois)
16. K9 Kenzo, Pima County Sheriff’s Department (Arizona)
17. K9 Kuno, Forest Heights Police Department (Maryland)
18. K9 Lenin, Baytown Police Department (Texas)
19. K9 Max, South Fulton Police Department (Georgia)
20. K9 Rico, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
21. K9 Rio, Georgia Department of Natural Resources
22. K9 Rudy, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (California)
23. K9 Santos, Wake County Sheriff’s Office (North Carolina)
24. K9 Sir, San Diego Police Department (California)
25. K9 Waro, Clayton County Police Department (Georgia)

The organization says this year’s race includes a challenging 9K, classic 5K and one-mile fun run options and rucking opportunities. Those who want to participate will need to register in advance here .

Registration is $30 for children and $40 for adults. Those who register by midnight Friday, Aug. 9, will receive a free limited edition K9s United Fallen K9 Memorial Run t-shirt.

The registration deadline is Aug. 31. Participants are encouraged to post their photos and videos from the race to social media, tagging @K9sUnited and using the hashtag #2024FallenK9MemorialRun.

K9s United says it uses every dollar raised to support education and training, provide equipment to K9 teams, and advocate for strengthening laws protecting working K9s. They also provide each K9 handler with a unique, hand-painted portrait of their fallen K9 partner.

For more about K9s United, click here .

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