Most Decorated Dog in US History Dies
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.
Army Suspends Blackhawk Flights to Pentagon After New Scare
May 6, 2025
2 min
Newark Airport Lost Radar and Radio Communication with Pilots for 90 Seconds
May 6, 2025
3 min
Brian Kemp Won’t Run for US Senate in 2026
May 6, 2025
2 min
Trump to Super-Charge Deportations Using Local Cops
May 6, 2025
2 min
Mike Myers, Michael B. Jordan First Celebs Named in Diddy Trial
May 6, 2025
3 min
Trump Bans Federal Funding for Gain-of-Function Research
May 6, 2025
1 min
Signal Clone Used by Govt Officials Hacked
May 6, 2025
4 min
Trump Offers Illegal Aliens $1,000 to Self Deport
May 5, 2025
1 min
Israel to Capture All of Gaza, Officials Say
May 5, 2025
1 min
Trump Announces 2027 NFL Draft Will Be in Washington
May 5, 2025
1 min
Mike Pence Receives JFK Courage Award for Jan 6
May 5, 2025
3 min
DOGE, Treasury Discover $334M in Improper Payment
May 5, 2025
2 min
Trump Orders 100% Tariff on Foreign-Made Movies
May 5, 2025
2 min
Antarctica Gains Ice for First Time in Decades: Study
May 5, 2025
1 min
Virginia GOP Rocked by Gay-Porn Scandal
May 5, 2025
3 min
Putin, Xi to Sign 'Series' of Deals in Moscow Summit
May 5, 2025
2 min
Trump Orders Reopening of Alcatraz Prison
May 5, 2025
2 min
Update: Israel Readying Massive Response to Houthis and Iran After Airport Missile Attack
May 5, 2025
1 min
Mexico President Rejects Trump Offer to Send Troops to Stop Drug Cartels
May 5, 2025
2 min
Dozens Rescued from Sinking Yacht Off Miami Beach
May 5, 2025
<1 min