A Chula Vista Police Department mourns the unexpected passing of Ranger, a 4-year-old-K9 whom the department called “one of its brave and loving K9 heroes”.
The Belgian Malinois began his police service when he was sworn into the department in November 2020, working to keep his police partners and communities safe. According to Ranger’s handler, Police Agent Gen Murofushi, Ranger was the happiest dog he had.
“He absolutely loved me and my family. My life and my family’s life were blessed to have had him in it. He is and will be missed,” Murofushi said.
Members of Chula Vista and National City Police K9 teams joined Agent Murofushi on Saturday morning to bid their final farewells as he was taken to the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility. The department drapped an American flag over Ranger in honor of his service.
“Although we will miss him, Ranger will never be forgotten and will always be a part of our Chula Vista Police Department family,” said Chula Vista Police Chief Roxana Kennedy.
According to CVPD Sgt. Anthony Molina, K9s, and their handlers train and operate in very serious and often dangerous environments.
“The K9s bond with their handlers and integrate into their lives and families, becoming another member of the home,” Molina wrote in a statement.
