He was more than a working dog, he was a dedicated part of the Team.

Preacher, a four year old Belgian Malinois on the Maine State Police K-9 unit has been killed in the line of duty, according to a Press Release.

Photo Courtesy of Maine Department of Public Safety
Photo Courtesy of Maine Department of Public Safety
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On Monday, February 3, 2025, Preacher's Team engaged in an operation in Portage, Maine.  It was a call for a domestic dispute that led to an armed standoff that lasted for several hours.

Steven Righini, the suspect who had shot an Aroostook County deputy, had attempted to flee.  At that time, Preacher was deployed to apprehend the suspect and the K9 was shot in the abdomen.

After being taken to a veterinarian for emergency surgery and despite the efforts to keep him alive, Preacher passed away.

So Sad for Preacher's Handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell

 

Preacher and his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell attended the Maine State Police K9 Patrol school in the fall of 2023, according to a press release.  That's where the bond between the two began.

Preacher was surrounded by Sgt. Russell and other members of his Team when he crossed the rainbow bridge.

Maine State Police Says Preacher Was More Than a Working Dog

Maine State Police Colonel Ross said in a press release:

 

K-9 Preacher was more than just a working dog—he was a dedicated partner, a protector, and a hero.  Most people will never understand the sacrifices made by our K-9 teams, but last night, Preacher made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others from harm.

 

Maine State Police K9 Unit

The dogs for the K9 unit are trained for practical training, agility and confidence.  They have over 200 acres available to them for training as well as a 1300 square foot classroom and a 7,800 square foot training building.

The K9 Teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and respond to many different calls such as locating missing persons, searching for drugs or other evidence.  Some K9's are trained to seek out explosives.

On the K9 Cadaver Team, the dogs are trained to search for human remains.

Sad situation all around.

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