'Profound reminder' of courage: Maine police K-9 shot, killed in the line of duty

A Maine antheral was killed by authorities aft fatally shooting a Maine State Police (MSP) K-9 named "Preacher" successful the enactment of duty.

The 4-year-old Belgian Malinois was killed connected Monday during a tactical squad cognition successful Portage. 

Preacher and his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell, were deployed to a home quality that led to an equipped standoff involving 29-year-old Steven Righini, who changeable an Aroostook deputy, according to a connection from MSP.

Preacher, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed connected Monday during a tactical squad cognition successful Maine. (Maine State Police)

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The standoff lasted respective hours earlier Righini attempted to fly the home around 8 p.m., according to the statement. 

Officials said Preacher was changeable successful the abdomen aft being deployed to apprehend Righini.

Following the shooting, Righini was engaged by Sgt. Russell and specializer Andrew Hardy, who returned fire, according to MSP. Righini was pronounced dormant astatine the scene.

Preacher, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed connected Monday during a tactical squad cognition successful Maine. (Maine State Police)

Preacher was instantly rushed to an exigency veterinary session successful Presque Isle, wherever helium underwent surgery, according to authorities. Despite the efforts of veterinary staff, helium died aboriginal Tuesday.

He was surrounded by Russell and respective members of the tactical squad erstwhile helium passed, MSP wrote.

"K-9 Preacher was much than conscionable a moving dog—he was a dedicated partner, a protector, and a hero," said MSP Col. William Ross. "Most radical volition ne'er recognize the sacrifices made by our K-9 teams, but past night, Preacher made the eventual sacrifice to support others from harm."

Maine State Police shared the nonaccomplishment of K-9 Preacher connected societal media connected Tuesday. (Maine State Police)

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Russell and Preacher attended the MSP K-9 Patrol School successful Fall 2023, wherever they became a certified patrol team, according to the statement. The brace served the greater Southern Field Troop country and the MSP Tactical Team. 

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"The Maine State Police extends its heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Jonathan Russell and the full K-9 Unit," MSP wrote. "The nonaccomplishment of Preacher is simply a profound reminder of the courageousness and dedication of our instrumentality enforcement officers and their K-9 partners."