Such sad news. The Kent County Sheriff’s Office has announced the passing of one of their K-9s, Axel, who died in the line of duty while tracking a home invasion suspect in Sparta on Saturday afternoon.

The incident  was reported in the area of Glen Park Court and Country View Drive.

After the home invasion, and as Sheriff's deputy's were arriving, the suspect made off into a nearby wooded area, and Axel, doing his duty, began tracking the suspect. Suddenly, Axel had a medical emergency and went down. He was transported to the Animal Emergency Hospital where he sadly died.

Fox17 reported the Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young said, "The entire Kent County Sheriff’s Office is heartbroken. A K9 is a partner to their handler and an incredibly special member of our KCSO family. We will forever be grateful for Axel’s service to the residents of Kent County."

To honor Axel, a procession was held from Plainfield Avenue to Cedar Springs, where Axel’s personal veterinarian is located at Cedar Animal Hospital. Multiple agencies participated in the procession, including the Grand Rapids Police Department, the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office, the Wyoming Police Department, Michigan State Police, and the fire departments for Plainfield Township and Cedar Springs, the sheriff’s office says. A real hero's recognition.

Axel served with KCSO since May 2019, and was their only dog specialized in detecting explosives.

The sheriff’s office says they are still investigating the Sparta home invasion but the suspect is likely not a threat to the community.

 

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