Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police mourns loss of beloved K9 Officer Cali

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved K9 officers, Cali, who passed away on August 11, 2025.

K9 Cali served with the CMPD Airport Unit for more than seven years, where her sharp instincts led to the seizure of over 23,000 pounds of illegal drugs and more than $8 million in drug-related currency, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

Earlier this year, she was recognized with the Homeland Security Investigations Task Force Officers of the Year for North Carolina Award, honoring her work with handler Detective Cerdan.

“K9 Cali served her community with unwavering dedication, courage, and loyalty. She will not just be remembered for her distinguished career but for all of the lives she has touched,” CMPD said in a released statement on Tuesday.

CMPD described Cali as more than just a working dog; she was family. “Cali was family – to Detective Cerdan, to our Airport Unit, and to the entire Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Her paw prints will forever remain on our hearts,” they said.

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