AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Police Department (APD) announced the death of one of its longtime K-9 officers, marking a significant loss for the department.
Jax, a Belgian Malinois, died over the weekend after suffering a medical complication. APD said veterinarians attempted to treat him, but his condition continued to worsen.
“Despite the efforts of dedicated and talented doctors, his condition was beyond recovery,” the department said in a statement. “Although he was deteriorating quickly and could barely stand, he made one last trip around the room, hoping someone would throw his beloved Kong one final time. Jax passed away shortly after 7 p.m. surrounded by his loving family.”
Jax began training with APD in August 2016 and served alongside officers for nearly a decade. During his career, he assisted in more than 200 arrests, including 11 cases involving suspects wanted for murder.
APD officials said Jax became the first patrol K-9 in department history to die while still on active duty.
The department had planned to retire him in less than two weeks.
“Thank you for your service, Jax,” APD said. “We’ll take it from here.”