Kingman police’s K9 Amigo dies after rescuing hikers in Arizona

A Kingman (Ariz.) police department K9 named “Amigo” died Saturday at the Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care facility in Las Vegas.

Agency spokeswoman Jennifer Sochocki said the dog suffered heat exhaustion while helping locate two hikers who were rescued from the White Cliffs mountain range Wednesday. Amigo was immediately taken to a Kingman veterinary clinic before transported for advanced care in Las Vegas.

“Amigo’s condition was improving, however, according to his attending Veterinarian, he suffered a sudden medical event and passed away about 10:30 a.m.,” Sochocki said. Amigo had been assigned to officer Adam Simonsen. The 3-½ year old Belgian Malinois served one year with the department.

“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 police Chief Bob Devries. “While these are working dogs, these animals 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.”

Amigo has been credited with numerous narcotics seizures, including a 50 kilogram cocaine bust in February. The department will conduct a public memorial service sometime next week.