23: K9 Hurricane
The Most Highly Awarded K9 Dog in US History
Born: 26 April 2009, Location Unknown
Died: 12 February 2025, Alexandria, Virginia, United States of America
Hurricane is most well known for protecting the Obama White House from an intruder in October 2014. The intruder scaled a fence around the White House property and was first attacked by another K9. The man was able to fight off the first dog, named Jardan, badly injuring Jardan in the process. Then the intruder ran into Hurricane. Hurricane was able to quickly tackle the man to the ground and hold him until Secret Service agents could arrive and apprehend the suspect. The intruder was only about 100 yards away from then-president Obama and his wife Michelle.
Sadly, Hurricane was injured during the attack, which left him with damaged hips, swollen legs, and interfered with his ability to jump as high as he had before. The injuries ultimately led to his retirement two years later, in 2016. After being awarded the Top Dog of 2016, all of his medical bills were covered for the rest of his life.
Hurricane was a Belgian Malinois who joined the USSS Emergency Response Team Tactical Canine unit in November of 2012. He protected President Obama, as well as then-Vice President Joe Biden, their wives, and other visiting dignitaries to the White House.
Hurricane was fifteen years old when he died. Among the numerous awards Hurricane received were the Department of Homeland Security Award for Valor, the United States Secret Service Award for Merit, the PDSA Order of Merit, AMC's Top Dog in 2016, and one of the first spots in the Guinness Book of World Record’s recently added category, the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.
Hurricane’s longtime handler (who adopted Hurricane after his retirement), Marshall Mirachi, founded and run’s a non-profit called K9 Hurricane’s Heroes.
Hurricane is buried at the National War Dog Cemetery in Glen Cove, New York.
"Rest easy Hurricane. You were a damn good boy." -From Hurricane's official tribute after his death.
Badges Earned:
Find a Grave Marked
Sources:
https://www.k9hurricanesheroes.org/meet-k9-hurricane
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_(dog)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/280103626/secret_service_k-9_officer-hurricane