Most Decorated Dog in US History Dies

THE NEWS

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

A former Special Operations Canine with the U.S. Secret Service, Hurricane became famous for stopping a White House intruder in 2014 while then-President Obama and his family were inside.

He was medically retired in 2016 due to injuries sustained during that takedown. Hurricane’s handler, Marshall Mirarchi, shared that the beloved dog’s death leaves an irreplaceable void.

Tributes continue to pour in, highlighting Hurricane’s bravery and the ongoing work of the foundation created in his honor.

TIMELINE

• 2014: K9 Hurricane intercepts an intruder on White House grounds, protecting President Obama and his family.

• 2016: Hurricane is medically retired from the Secret Service due to injuries from the 2014 incident.

• 2016–2020: Hurricane receives numerous accolades, including the U.S. Secret Service Award for Merit, the Department of Homeland Security Award for Valor, the PDSA Order of Merit, and the American Medical Center Top Dog Award. He also becomes the first dog to receive the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal, gaining a Guinness World Record spot.

• 2020: Hurricane’s Heroes foundation is established, helping cover medical expenses for retired working dogs. Since its inception, it has supported over 150 retired military and government K9s.

• February 11, 2025: Southwest Airlines honors Hurricane with a flight aboard its Freedom One plane, bringing him back to Washington, D.C. for a reunion at the White House. The Secret Service K9 Training Center flies an American flag in his honor.

• Late February 2025: Handler Marshall Mirarchi announces Hurricane’s passing and shares the dog’s legacy with the public.

REACTIONS

Marshall Mirarchi (Handler): Mourns Hurricane’s death, saying, “We miss him so much. A huge hole that can never be replaced.” He emphasizes how Hurricane’s Heroes, the nonprofit founded in the dog’s name, is “more important to us now than ever before.”

Secret Service Community: Remember Hurricane as a loyal partner who exemplified courage and dedication, especially during the high-stakes 2014 White House intrusion.

Public Tributes: From social media posts to formal accolades, tributes praise the Belgian Malinois for his valor and highlight his pivotal role in shaping how the public views working dogs.

WHAT’S NEXT

Hurricane’s Heroes will carry on the dog’s legacy by continuing to fund medical care for retired military and government canines.

In the wake of Hurricane’s passing, supporters are expected to rally around the foundation, potentially increasing donations and awareness.