Remembering K9 Draco: Mount Airy Police Dog Honored in National Memorial Run
MOUNT AIRY, N.C. — On National Police K9 Day, communities across the country paused to honor police dogs who gave their lives in service. Among them was K9 Draco of the Mount Airy Police Department, remembered in a national memorial run one year after his tragic death.
A Day to Honor Fallen Police Dogs
Monday, Sept. 1 marked National Police K9 Day, a day dedicated to honoring the contributions of four-legged officers and remembering those killed in the line of duty.
As part of the observance, the K9 Memorial Ruck, Run or Walk took place virtually across the nation. Organized by the nonprofit K9s United in partnership with athletic-wear company GORUCK, the event allowed participants to complete challenges ranging from a 9K run to a 1-mile fun run.
Remembering K9 Draco
This year’s memorial honored 21 fallen police dogs nationwide, including K9 Draco, who represented North Carolina. Draco was shot and killed in 2024 while assisting officers in apprehending a suspect.
Participants were encouraged to run in Draco’s honor, sharing their times and photos online with the hashtag #2025FallenK9MemorialRun.
Support for Police K9s
K9s United, the event organizer, works year-round to advocate for and support law enforcement canines and their handlers. The group says its mission is to ensure K9 officers receive the same dignity and recognition as human officers when they die in service.
The memorial run serves as a reminder of the risks faced by police dogs like Draco and the sacrifices they make to protect their communities. Do you believe police K9s should be given the same honors as human officers when they fall in the line of duty? Share your thoughts at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
