Border Patrol grieves loss of K9 colleague shot and killed in the line of duty
Just like their human counterparts, K9s with the U.S. Broder Patrol out their life on the line every day. Border Patrol K9s face many of the same dangers that their handlers and fellow officers do and sometimes even more so as they are often at the front line of defense when patrolling our nation’s borders.
A Border Patrol K9 is killed in the line of duty
One dog to lose his life is K9 Officer Bulder with the Border Patrol in the El Paso, Texas area. At 5 years old, the Belgian Malinois has been with the agency for about a year. At the time of his death, Bulder was the sixth K9 officer shot and killed by hostile gunfire this year alone.
Bulder was a hero to the end
Tragedy struck when Bulder was aiding in the execution of a search warrant to a suspect. Agents had been given a search warrant to search the suspect’s property concerning federal firearms violations and was suspected to be involved in dealing and manufacturing firearms. Border Patrol agents on the scene also had a warrant for his arrest.
The 62-year-old suspect was initially confronted in his backyard by agents, which included Bulder. It was at this time that the suspect fired several shots, one of which struck Bulder, killing him. The agents returned fire, striking and killing the suspect.
According to El Paso Police Sergeant Robert Gomez, “It happened in a second.”
Bulder is to be buried with full honors
Officials with the Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC), which is the tactical unit of the U.S. Border Patrol, says that Bulder will receive a burial with full honors.
According to U.S. Border Special Operations Chief Patrol Agent Tim Sullivan, “Please let the public know that this K-9 agent and his partner, without a doubt, saved other agents from significant injury and possibly death.”
The role of Border Patrol K9s
As a part of their duties, Border Patrol K9s are taught to perform a variety of duties, including detecting illicit substances and concealed humans, performing search and rescue operations, tracking or trailing suspects, firearm detection, and to assist fellow agents while on patrol.
Border Patrol K9s also play a crucial role in the fight against terror. They do this by helping to detect and apprehend potential terrorists as they try to enter the U.S. at its various border crossings. The Border Patrol says that the K9s it employs are crucial in this mission.
Also, as a part of their duties, Border Patrol K9s constantly put themselves at risk when dealing with criminal elements along our nation’s borders. In 2019 alone, 27 K9s have died in the line of duty, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.
Popular Border Patrol K9 breeds
The Belgian Malinois breed, which is what Bulder was, is just one of the many breeds used as Border Patrol K9s. Other popular breeds included in the program are German shepherds, bloodhounds, Dutch shepherds, and the various retriever breeds.
Regardless of the breed, all Border Patrol K9s receive the most rigorous training in preparation for doing their duty. Upon completing their training and being assigned to a handler, Border Patrol K9s are sent to points along the U.s borders. The video below highlights the critical role that Border Patrol K9s play in the defense of our nation’s borders.
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