ARIZONA — (News Release / Kingman PD) — It is with deep sadness that the Kingman Police Department reports that K9 Amigo paid the ultimate sacrifice and has succumbed to his injuries.
K9 Amigo passed away as a result of heat exhaustion he suffered while tracking two subjects in response to a 911 call of two injured hikers in Kingman, Arizona on August 17, 2016 who needed rescued from the top of the mountain range by White Cliffs. The two hikers were rescued and transported to the Kingman Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.
Amigo was immediately taken to a local veterinary clinic when he began showing signs of heat exhaustion. Amigo was transferred to the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care in Las Vegas, Nevada later that evening for advanced care.
Amigo’s condition was improving; however, according to his attending Veterinarian he suffered a sudden medical event and passed away at approximately 10:30 a.m. he passed away.
“This is a very sad occasion. The bond between our handlers and their dogs is very strong and the officer is devastated by the loss. While they are working dogs, these animals also become a close and important part of the individual police officer’s family as well as the rest of the KPD family. Clearly, we have lost one of our own.” stated Robert J. DeVries, Chief of Police.
Amigo, a male 3 ½ year old Belgian Malinois, had served with the Kingman Police Department for one year. Amigo was certified in narcotics detection, tracking, and handler protection. Amigo is credited with numerous narcotics seizures to include 50 kilos of cocaine earlier this year in February.
Officers and staff are en route to Las Vegas to bring Amigo home to rest. Once they reach Kingman City limits, Amigo’s body will be escorted by the Kingman Police Department to Cerbat Cliffs Animal Hospital where he will remain until laid to rest. In accordance with national protocol in a K9 Line of Duty Death, the Department will host a memorial service next week with details to follow.
The Kingman Police Department wants to thank the Kingman community and the public for the outpouring support we have received. We ask that you keep Amigo, his partner Officer Simonsen and his family, and the KPD family in your thoughts.
