FLORIDA – Fallen K9s in Florida and across the nation will be honored on National Police K-9 Day with a nationwide run event.
K9s United, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for and supporting K-9 law enforcement officers, is holding its fourth annual virtual Fallen K9 Memorial Run on National Police K-9 Day, Friday, Sept. 1. The nationwide event will honor the bravery and perseverance of 25 working dogs who lost their lives on the front line in 2022.
Fallen Florida K9s include K-9 Blue of the Niceville Police Department, K-9 Drago of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and K-9 Max of the Lake Wales Police Department.
“Through our Fallen K9 Memorial Run, we aim to honor the valor and sacrifice of the courageous working dogs who stood fearlessly on the front line,” said Debbie Johnson, president and founder of K9s United.
“Join us as we run, virtually, together in celebration of the 25 fallen K-9 heroes who served with unwavering loyalty. Together, we can support these four-legged crime fighters and make a lasting impact to improve their safety. Let’s run, let’s remember, and let’s unite for the K-9s who give it all to protect us.”
The nationwide virtual run includes a challenging 9K, classic 5K, and one-mile fun run options. Athletes and dog lovers are encouraged to sign up in support of four-legged crime fighters by registering online.
Registration is $25 for children and $35 for adults (plus applicable fees). The final deadline to register is Thursday, Aug. 31.
The 2023 Fallen K9 Memorial Run will honor 25 K-9 heroes who honorably served:
- K-9 Axel, Charleston Police Department (West Virginia)
- K-9 Beni, Heflin Police Department (Alabama)
- K-9 Blue, Niceville Police Department (Florida)
- K-9 Bluz, Kings County Sheriff’s Office (California)
- K-9 Cannon, Fountain Valley Police Department (California)
- K-9 Ciro, Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office (Tennessee)
- K-9 Dash, Shepherdsville Police Department (Kentucky)
- K-9 Drago, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (Florida)
- K-9 Drago, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office (Kentucky)
- K-9 Exo, Pascagoula Police Department (Mississippi)
- K-9 Figo, Georgia State Patrol
- K-9 Frankie, Massachusetts State Police
- K-9 Hannes, Kern County Sheriff’s Office (California)
- K-9 Jack, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (California)
- K-9 Jedi, Seattle Police Department (Washington)
- K-9 Jinx, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (Colorado)
- K-9 Lux, Delaware Department of Corrections
- K-9 Major, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (North Carolina)
- K-9 Maya, West Jordan Police Department (Utah)
- K-9 Max, Lake Wales Police Department (Florida)
- K-9 Mina, United States Department of Homeland Security – Customs and Border Protection
- K-9 Nitro II, York County Sheriff’s Department (Nebraska)
- K-9 Odin, Virginia State Police
- K-9 Pepper, Greenville Police Department (North Carolina)
- K-9 Rocket, Metropolitan Police Department (Washington D.C.)
Athletes and dog lovers can also win prizes by posting their finishing time, fun videos, and photos of their experience on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @K9sUnited and using the hashtag #2023FallenK9MemorialRun. Prizes will include K9s United t-shirts, bandanas, and hats.
Every dollar donated to K9s United supports its mission to educate, train, and provide vital equipment and services to K-9 teams. To help K9s United support law enforcement and their K-9 units and build safer communities for generations to come, join the K-9 Corps to make a lasting impact.
About K9s United
K9s United is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting K-9 law enforcement officers who detect, protect, and serve our communities by giving them the best equipment, amenities, and quality of life and memorializing those who give the ultimate sacrifice.
For more information or to donate, visit www.k9sunited.org.
