The Tampa community is mourning the loss of retired Narcotics K9 Kilo, as announced by the Tampa Police Department in a somber social media post. The seasoned K9, who reached the age of 15, served the community with distinction alongside Retired Corporal Kevin Doan and MPO Brad Simmonds, becoming a valued figure in the fight against narcotics in the area. The Tampa Police Department post recalls his significant contributions to numerous investigations and arrests over his years of service.
After joining forces with MPO Brad Simmonds in 2017, Kilo embarked on four years of unwavering service, culminating in his retirement in 2020. Even after retirement, he continued to provide comfort and enjoyment to the Simmonds family, taking on the new but no less important role of a family companion. The Tampa Police donned with sadness, implored the community to keep the K9 team and Simmonds family in their thoughts as they navigate through this period of grief in Tampa Police Department's statement.
Throughout his service, Kilo was not just a tool in the battle against drug trafficking but also a beloved member of the law enforcement team. He was a trusted figure, often partaking in public demonstrations where he would showcase his training and skills to an admiring public. The extent of his impact on the community can be gleaned through the heartwarming tributes that have flooded social media since the announcement of his passing.
In addition to his noteworthy career, Kilo's presence brought solace and joy to the Simmonds family, serving as a testament to the bond that can form between humans and their canine companions. As the Tampa Police Department revisited Kilo’s storied history with the force, they recognized the void left by a canine of his stature will be hard to fill, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of all those he worked with and served.
