Charleston, W. VA – Over the weekend, a K9 with the Charleston, WV Police Department was fatally shot by a wanted man. On Sunday, the police department announced the death of K9 Axel, writing:
Our K9 officer “Axel”, gave his life protecting his handler and other CPD officers while apprehending an armed fleeing felon .. Thank You Axel for your dedicated service and this heroic act .. Prayers for his handler and all of our CPD family 🖤💙
Axel was working with his partner, Ptl. Josh Clendenin, when 50-year-old Samuel Paul Ranson shot the dog at close range. Charleston police officers returned fire, killing Ranson, a man with an active warrant for malicious wounding in a stabbing earlier this month.
Clendenin’s wife, Hanna, mournfully acknowledged Axel’s death in a touching social media post, writing in part:
Last night I got a phone call that made my heart fall out of my chest. Last night my husband’s K9 Partner was killed in the Line of Duty, saving the life of my husband and other Officers. I thank God that Josh is safe, and my children still have their father and I my husband, but my heart is shattered by the fact our Axel is gone. Each shift before my husband and Axel left for work I’d spend a few minutes with Axel and I’d always say to him, “Be a good boy. Mommy loves you, take care of Dad for me. Watch out for him and protect him.”
Flags were ordered to half-staff in the city of Charleston and Kanawha County. On Sunday, dozens of area police officers gathered to honor K-9 Axel with a touching procession as his body was transferred to Cooke Funeral Home and Crematoriums.
Rest in peace Axel.
Axel is watching over everyone . You can rest assured, Pay attention to the Nudges of you’r hearts and That little voice It will be Axel your 4 legged Angel.
rest in peace axel. what has this world become?
People, especially criminals & low life need to know K9’s are officers, they are police officers. K9’s must be respected! Too bad this vile piece of excrement was shot & killed, I would have loved the privilege of spitting in his face, even though its against the law!
Rest in peace beautiful angel. You’ll be missed by everyone… In memory of Axel, one of the best sentient and courageous beings on this earth <3
God Bless You Darling Angel K9 Officer Axel! You Truly Are a Magificent Warrior!! Thank You for Your Service!! Sending Lots of Love and Prayers to Your Family and All those who love you!!
My heart goes out to those left behind that loved Axel so much. Too damn bad that the criminal was killed because I would have loved to see him suffer BIG TIME!!! That was a felony killing that officer. May Axel R.I.P. knowing he did his job so well.
Ranson got what he deserved, Axel did not. RIP
While the officer’s wife told Axel to take care of everyone and be good she never said to him, ‘you be safe too, Axel’. Maybe it is just me but I know I would have wished for his safety too. Such a good dog who will be missed despite my bit of kvetching.
REST IN PEACE SWEET K-9 AXEL! YOU DIED A HERO! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!
Simply not right! Just like a person, they are trained to protect from murderers, thieves, etc and they must be protected at all costs, not killed because they are protecting their own! This world is upside down!!!!!
What are propóleos doing?!?!?!?
STOP IT!!!!!!
RIP Axel. And good riddance to that human garbage.
Axel was killed because he was not wearing a bulletproof vest. Please donate to Vested Interest In K9s organization. They provide bulletproof vests to police dogs.
I am embracing you in my heart, K-9 Axel. You were a great partner and much loved. family member. Society mourns your passing. I’m sorry your life was ended by that piece of human excrement. Your life mattered.
The ultimate sacrifice!😪💔🐾🙏🌈RIP with LOVE, Axel. Run free…