Retired N.J. K9 receives distinguished service medal in Washington D.C.

VINELAND, N.J. (WPHL) — A retired K9 from New Jersey has earned a medal commending his actions for saving his handler’s life.

In 2013, K9 Agir and Sergeant Louis Platania began their partnership at the Vineland Police Department. In 2015, K9 Agir’s actions saved Sgt. Platania’s life.

“I was in a physical altercation with a subject that was under the influence of PCP. During that time, we were fighting on the ground. He got both of his hands on my handgun and was trying to take it from me. I couldn’t get his hands off my gun. I tried everything I could, but it just wasn’t working,” said Retired Sgt. Louis Platania. “Agir was let out of the vehicle by another officer and came over and apprehended the subject, which, in turn, I was able to release one of his hands off of my handgun and I was able to break free from the subject’s grip, and Agir held up that bite until I told him to release, and they were able to put him in handcuffs.”

Now, nearly a decade later, K9 Agir was awarded the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Distinguished Service on March 11 in Washington D.C.

Throughout his time with the Vineland Police Department, K9 Agir worked in narcotics detection alongside Sergeant Louis Platania. K9 Agir retired from the Vineland Police Department on August 23, 2022, after 9 years of “dedicated and faithful service.” Sergeant Louis Plantania began his career with the City of Vineland on March 3, 2008 and retired from the Vineland Police Department on June 1, 2024.

After years of dedicated service together, K9 Agir and Sgt Platania continue to walk side-by-side and live together. “He just decided one day I’m just a stay-at-home dog now… but I believe if I put him out in the street right now, he’d go right to work,” said Retired Sgt. Louis Platania.

Looking back at his time working with Agir, Sgt. Platania said, “I knew very early on, especially after that incident, that this dog had my back no matter what. He just became a part of me.”

When asked about the award and what it means to see Agir rewarded, Sgt. Platania said, “to have Agir rewarded for his actions is kind of like the closing chapter of our career. This one really hits home because of the actions he took on two separate occasions, and this awards committee heard his story and believed that he deserved this award.”

Congratulations K9 Agir!