The Las Vegas community is mourning the loss of a well-regarded member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's K9 unit. Retired K9 officer Hunter, who was partnered with retired Officer Jeff Corbett, passed away at the age of 14, as announced by the LVMPD. In a statement obtained by Facebook, the department expressed they are "deeply saddened to share the passing of LVMPD K9 Hunter."
Hunter's career was marked by his significant contributions to public safety. Having helped to locate and apprehend more than 200 suspects, according to a post by FOX5 Vegas, he was celebrated as one of the force's top patrol dogs and held in high esteem by SWAT teams. His dedication to duty continued despite an incident in 2019, where he was stabbed during a SWAT operation. Displaying remarkable resilience, Hunter managed to not only recover but also to return back to serving the community until his retirement.
Upon retiring, Hunter enjoyed two and a half years away from the line of duty before his recent passing. During this time, his bond with Officer Corbett remained strong. In the end, Hunter passed while engaging in an activity he was well-trained for, and while in the company of Corbett, a clear indication of the strong connection between a K9 and their handler.
The LVMPD is inviting the community to honor Hunter's legacy by supporting retired K9s in their later years. They have suggested that donations can be made to organizations such as Behind the Blue and the LVMPD Foundation, which provide necessary care for retired service dogs. To make a contribution in memory of Hunter's service, individuals are encouraged to visit the News3LV page for more information on how to donate.
In their statements across various platforms, the LVMPD emphasized their appreciation for both Hunter's service and his unyielding loyalty. "We are forever grateful for Hunter’s service, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty," the LVMPD echoed in a sentiment felt by many who knew the K9 and his partner.
