Stearns County Sheriff’s Office Mourns Loss of K9 Jax

(KNSI) – A K9 officer with the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office has been given his angel wings and has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Stearns County Sheriff’s Office

On Monday, the department announced, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of one of our own. K9 Jax passed away last night due to unexpected medical complications.”

The online post went on to say, “This is a difficult loss for our agency. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his handler Deputy Adam Johnson, his family, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside K9 Jax.”

In June, Deputy Johnson and the Belgian Malinois were recognized with a special Quilt of Honor for demonstrating the unique bond between officers and canines and for their dedicated service to the community. The two started serving together in 2016. Jax spent the last two years as the K9 dedicated to the violent offender task force.

In the coming weeks, the sheriff’s office says it plans to honor and highlight K9 Jax and his career. The department asks that the community keep Deputy Johnson’s family in their thoughts and prayers.

The Rainbow Bridge refers to the well-known poem intended to comfort those mourning the loss of a pet. It describes a peaceful place after death where pets, restored to health, await their human companions before they cross into heaven together.

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