K-9 Aki

Program Member #118

Aki was a Belgian Malinois from Germany that was selected in 2012 to be a narcotics-detecting Patrol and SWAT Police Service Dog. He was 2 ½ years old when he was placed with his Handler, Deputy Greg Sherwood, with Utah County Sheriff’s Office. In December of 2012, Aki was certified in suspect search/apprehension, tracking, and article detection. He was certified as a narcotic detecting dog in April of 2013. In September 2013, he attended SWAT Dog training and was certified as a Tactical Deployment Dog. Aki completed a 7 ½ year tour of duty, from 2012 to 2020, with the same handler.

In 2014, Aki’s Handler was shot in the head while pursuing suspects in the homicide of a fellow deputy. Aki played an important role during the recovery of his Handler and family. His presence was therapeutic for his Handler and his Handler’s son, who was 11 years old at the time of the shooting. Six months after the shooting, Deputy Sherwood slowly started back to work, continuing Aki’s Training. They returned to full duty 3 ½ years later.

In October of 2018, Aki fell two stories during a burglary suspect search of an industrial building, injuring his spine and shoulder. He retired from duty in April of 2020.

Aki loved to play fetch at home with his family. He spent his remaining years in comfort with those he loved most. His service to our nation will always be remembered and we are grateful to have served him in his retirement.

February 10th, 2010 - September 10th, 2024

K-9 Vader

Program Member #112

It is with extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of Project K-9 Hero Program Member #112, K-9 Vader, from Miami, Florida in the arms of his Handler.

We were honored to save this Hero’s life on December 28th, 2020 when he needed an emergency surgery from gastric torsion that cost over $6k. Since that time, Vader and his Handler have been proud member of our Pack for nearly four years.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to everyone who loved Vader, and his Law Enforcement family in the South Florida area. We at PK9H will make sure Vader’s memory and service to this country are never forgotten.

November 20th, 2014 - September 22nd, 2024

MWD Tobi (T494)

Program Member #168

It is with extremely heavy heart that we share the passing of MWD “Tobi” (T494) in the comfort of the arms of his Handler.

Tobi was our 168th Program Member, and he served in the United States Air Force for over eight years as a Dual-Purpose Patrol/Explosives Detection K-9.

He spent the majority of his career assigned to the Presidential K-9 section at Joint Base Andrews (316th Wing). There he totaled over 4,500 vehicle inspections and 147 aircraft searches for the President of the United States, as well as foreign leaders traveling to the National Capital Region.

MWD Tobi deployed in 2019-2020 to an undisclosed location with the 332nd Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia. Tobi conducted explosive detection sweeps at President George H. W. Bush’s funeral, for the Department of State in Lima, Peru, and countless U.S. Secret Service missions.

Tobi was fortunate to retire with his Handler, who is still on active duty and handling a new MWD with the USAF at Patrick Space Force Base, FL. It was an absolute honor for our nonprofit to spend a total of over $12k to save this Hero’s life, not once but twice.

Tobi accompanied our team on several high-level fundraising efforts over the last several years and for that we couldn’t be more thankful. We are grateful for his service and will always remember him. Thank you, Tobi.

November 1st, 2010 - September 30th, 2024