K9 Hurricane, the most decorated dog in U.S history, has died

An American hero is no longer with us.

K9 Hurricane, a 16-year-old Belgian Malinois, was a former Special Operations Canine with the United States Secret Service. Known for his bravery, he became the most decorated dog in U.S. history for taking down a White House intruder in 2014 when President Obama and his family were inside.

Following his heroic act of bravery, K9 Hurricane was medically retired in 2016 due to the injuries he sustained during the incident.

In recognition of his valor, Hurricane received numerous honors, including the USSS Award for Merit, the DHS Award for Valor, the PDSA Order of Merit, and AMC Top Dog. He also made history as the first dog to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal, which earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Hurricane and his handler, Marshall Mirarchi, were also awarded the Secretary’s Award for Valor by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson for their efforts in protecting the Obama family.

After his retirement, Hurricane’s legacy lived on through the foundation “Hurricane’s Heroes,” established in his name to help cover medical expenses for retired working dogs.

Since 2020, Hurricane’s Heroes has cared for over 150 retired military and government working dogs.

PHL17 reached out to Hurricane’s owners to express our condolences. “As much as we knew this time was coming there was no way to prepare. We miss him so much. A huge hole that can never be replaced.” said Marshall Mirarchi.

Hurricane was honored by Southwest Airlines on “Freedom One” as they flew him back home to DC on a special honor flight.

Hurricane was also reunited in the White House with his old USSS working team. They presented Hurricane with a plaque and an American Flag which flew at the USSS K9 Training Center.

In honor of Hurricane’s life, the non-profit Hurricane’s Heroes will continue to raise funds to cover the medical expenses of retired K9 heroes.

“Our nonprofit which is Hurricane’s legacy is more important to us now than ever before,” said Marshall.

PHL17 viewers will remember Hurricane from the multiple segments we’ve done with him in the past.

All of us at PHL17 are honored to have had the opportunity to meet Hurricane and share his incredible story. We will always miss him.