It is with sadness that we let you know we lost these Pack Members in June of 2024. We salute them for their service and will never forget their contributions to our country.
K-9 Wannes
Program Member #38
It is with great sadness that we let you know K-9 Wannes has reached his End of Watch.
Wannes worked for ten years keeping the streets of Rankin County, MS safe as a Narcotics Detection Dog until he had to retire due to pain in his hips. His handler said of him, “Wannes was an exceptional dog, still is, but as far as his narcotics detection ability, one of the top dogs I’ve seen in my 25-plus years when it came to that,” Picou said. “And his attitude, that dog wanted to work all the time.”
Here is an article, published when Wannes entered our program, that tells more about his history.
K-9 Wannes had been with our program since 2019, and was our first member from the state of Mississippi. His contributions will always be remembered.
July 8th, 2007 - June 5th, 2024
K-9 Nikki
Program Member #23
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we report the loss of long time Project K-9 Hero Program Member K-9 Nikki (PK9H #23), due to medical complications. Nikki was a proud member of this program for over five years, and it was an absolute honor for our organization to serve her in retirement.
Nikki proudly served the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for eight years as an Explosives Detection K-9. Prior to being the Founder of Project K-9 Hero, Jason Johnson was extremely honored to be K-9 Nikki’s instructor when she and her Handler attended a 16-week course in Explosive Detection training at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) National Canine Academy in Front Royal, Va.
K-9 Nikki provided Force Protection to our nation's intelligence gathering community with Valor and Distinction. During her tenure, she conducted nearly 9000 searches, finding 200 weapons and nearly 92,000 rounds of ammunition while protecting a classified government top-secret facility. K-9 Nikki supported many different state, local, and federal agencies to include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the United States Secret Service. K-9 Nikki has been called upon to conduct explosive detection sweeps to protect the President of the United States, the First Lady, and other dignitaries.
Please take a moment to remember Nikki for the Hero that she was to this Country. We at PK9H will ensure that her memory is Never Forgotten, and our hearts and thoughts go out tonight to her Handler and Family!
October 24th, 2009 - June 17th, 2024
K-9 Sakar
Program Member #50
It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of long-time Project K-9 Hero Program Member K-9 Sakar (PK9H #50) yesterday from medical issues. Sakar was a staple in our organization for six years, and he will be greatly missed.
In 2018, Sakar was the very first K-9 we saved from being euthanized overseas when he was deemed unworkable in Afghanistan by the U.S. Government, due to behavioral issues. Once Project K-9 Hero was contacted for help by State Department Officials, we found Sakar a rehabilitation trainer in Melissa Schmalhorst, and a new home with handler/trainer Sam White. Both of them did an amazing job with Sakar, which allowed him to live past his 12th birthday, rather than being put down overseas at only six years old.
It wasn’t always the easiest of tasks, but Sam showed the patience, love, and dedication that was needed for Sakar to thrive in his 2nd chance at life. Please take a moment to remember Sakar today, as our thoughts and hearts are with Sam and his family on the loss of his best friend!
May 17th, 2012 - June 25th, 2024
