K9 Hurricane, the most decorated dog in US history, has died

(WPHL) – A four-legged American hero has died.

K9 Hurricane, a 16-year-old Belgian Malinois who was the most decorated dog in U.S. history, has passed away.

"As much as we knew this time was coming there was no way to prepare. We miss him so much. A huge hole that can never be replaced," his handler, Marshall Mirarchi, said Monday.

A former Special Operations Canine with the U.S. Secret Service, K9 Hurricane became the nation's most decorated dog for taking down a White House intruder in 2014 when then-President Obama and his family were inside.

Hurricane was medically retired in 2016 due to the injuries he sustained during the incident.

In recognition of his valor, Hurricane received numerous honors, including the United States Secret Service Award for Merit, the Department of Homeland Security Award for Valor, the PDSA (People's Dispensary for Sick Animals) Order of Merit, and the American Medical Center Top Dog. He also made history as the first dog to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal, which earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Hurricane and Mirarchi were also awarded the Secretary’s Award for Valor by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson for their efforts in protecting the Obama family.

After his retirement, Hurricane’s legacy lived on through the foundation Hurricane's Heroes, established in his name to help cover medical expenses for retired working dogs. Since 2020, Hurricane's Heroes has cared for over 150 retired military and government working dogs.

Before his passing, Hurricane was honored on Feb. 11 by Southwest Airlines, which flew him back home to Washington, D.C., on its Freedom One plane.

Marshall Mirarchi, former United States Secret Service Special Operations officer and “Dad” to K9 Hurricane. Mirarchi is also president and founder of K9 Hurricanes Heroes. (Credit: Hurricane's Heroes)

Hurricane was also reunited in the White House with his old Secret Service working team. They presented Hurricane with a plaque and an American Flag which flew at the Secret Service K9 Training Center.

USSS Emergency Response Team (ERT) Special Operations-K9. The team members, with whom Hurricane served, presented Hurricane with an American Flag that flew at the USSS K9 Training Center and a plaque. (Credit: Hurricane's Heroes)

In honor of Hurricane's life, the non-profit Hurricane's Heroes will continue to raise funds to cover the medical expenses of retired K9 heroes.

"Our nonprofit which is Hurricane’s legacy is more important to us now than ever before," said Mirarchi.

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