The Kingman Police Department reported “with deep sadness” the death of K9 Amigo, a three-year old Belgian Malinois, near White Cliffs on Saturday.
Amigo died of heat exhaustion while rescuing two injured hikers in Kingman on Wednesday near the top of the mountain range. He had been serving with the police department for one year.
The two hikers were rescued and treated for minor injuries.
After the rescue Amigo was taken to a local vet where he showed signs of heat exhaustion. He was later transported to an advanced care veterinary hospital in Vegas where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.
"This is a very sad occasion. The bond between our handlers and their dogs is very strong and the officer is devastated by the loss," said Robert J. DeVries, Chief of Police. "While they are working dogs, these animals also become a close and important part of the individual police officer's family as well as the rest of the KPD family. Clearly, we have lost one of our own.”
Officers will escort Amigo home to rest, where, in accordance with national protocol in a K9 line of duty death, the department will host a memorial service.
