Active ALEA K-9 unexpectedly dies, officials say

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WRBL) — Officials with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency shared that an active duty K-9 unexpectedly suffered a medical emergency and died earlier this week.

The ALEA said active duty K-9 Bella died Tuesday in the arms of her handler, senior trooper Seahorn, and her family.

“This is, without a doubt, one of the hardest times of my life,” Seahorn said in a statement. “Not only was Bella my faithful partner, but she was also mine and my family’s best friend. From family vacations and simple trips to the store to sitting on the sidelines of a school ball game, she was with us every minute of every day. She enjoyed life to the fullest and taught us to do the same.”

According to the ALEA, throughout her career, Bella was instrumental in the capture of many criminals, the seizure of large quantities of narcotics, including fentanyl and the confiscation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit assets.

The ALEA stated her efforts saved countless lives and helped make Alabama communities safer.

“This has been an exceptionally difficult month for our K-9 Unit, as we mourn the loss of two
active K-9s and one retired K-9,” stated Colonel Jonathan Archer, director of the ALEA Department of Public Safety. “Like the others, Bella was not just a working dog; she was family to her handler and to all of us. These K-9s give their all in service, and in return, their handlers give them the utmost care, love and respect. We extend our sincerest condolences to Sr. Trooper Seahorn during this time. Bella will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

Bella was 7 years old.