A tactical team operation took place in Portage, Maine, on Monday, during which a horrible occurrence occurred. Preacher, a Belgian Malinois police K-9 who was four years old, died as a result of the operation.
Preacher had been sent out with his handler, Sergeant Jonathan Russell, to respond to a domestic disturbance that had turned into a deadly armed standoff.
The suspect in the standoff, Steven Righini, who is 29 years old, had already shot an Aroostook County deputy earlier that day, which made the situation more urgent.
Preacher and Sgt. Russell were involved in a carefully prepared response to the situation, according to a statement from the Maine State Police (MSP). The crew labored for several hours without rest to find a peaceful solution to the situation.
However, as time went on, it became evident that Righini was becoming a more and more serious menace. Around 8 p.m., Righini tried to escape from the house, which marked the moment when the standoff, which had been going on for a long time, reached a crucial point.
Preacher, a highly trained K-9, was sent out in an attempt to catch the suspect who was trying to escape. The preacher’s job in the operation was to assist in capturing Righini and stopping him from getting away.
However, during the attempt to take Righini into prison, the K-9 was shot in the belly, which was a devastating event. Preacher was brought to an emergency veterinary clinic in Presque Isle for urgent surgery because the damage was serious and rapid action was required.
Preacher’s injuries were deadly, and he died early the following Tuesday morning, despite the veterinary staff’s attempts to save him.
“K-9 Preacher was more than just a working dog—he was a dedicated partner, a protector, and a hero,” MSP Col. William Ross stated. “Most people will never understand the sacrifices made by our K-9 teams, but last night, Preacher made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others from harm.”
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Sgt. Russell, the tactical squad, and the whole Maine State Police force all experienced a deep sense of loss when he died. Preacher was a well-liked member of the team, recognized for his commitment and courage.
After attending MSP’s K-9 Patrol School in Fall 2023, he and Sgt. Russell had just finished their certification as a K-9 patrol team.
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“The Maine State Police extends its heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Jonathan Russell and the entire K-9 Unit,” MSP stated. “The loss of Preacher is a profound reminder of the courage and dedication of our law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners.”
