Junction City, Kansas – On Monday, July 6, the Junction City Police announced the death of a K9 Service Dog who died in the line of service on July 6. According to the agency’s July 7 press release, K9 Vethos, a Belgian Malinois, died from heat exposure in a patrol car.
K9 PSD Vethos was found unresponsive in a K9-equipped patrol vehicle.
Preliminary findings indicate the cause of death was heat exposure.
The police department requested an independent third-party investigation from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The department said, “In accordance with departmental policy, JCPD placed K9 PSD Vethos’ handler on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Vethos joined the department in 2024 and served in the Investigations Division. His loss continues to be felt deeply across JCPD and the City.
Rest in peace Vethos.
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