K9 Jynx, whose handler (Berks County Sheriff’s Deputy Kyle Pagerly) died after being shot, has now passed away from cancer. The pair had an unbreakable bond starting from when they started working together in 2009. As part of a task force, Jynx and Pagerly took part in efforts to arrest a gunman – but what happened next would change his life forever.

Jynx becomes a hero

As Jynx and Pagerly, along with other officers, attempted to arrest the gunman, the man opened fire, hitting Pagerly. Jynx became a hero when he tried to save his mortally wounded partner by dragging him out of harm’s way. He is also credited with saving the lives of the other officers on the scene when he immediately attacked the armed suspect as soon as he opened fire.

Pagerly sadly succumbed to his wounds

While his partner ended up succumbing to his wounds, Jynx lived on in retirement with Pagerly’s widow and family. He was given a medal of honor for his actions by the Berks County Sheriff’s Department for which he worked.

Jynx was also recognized for his actions by American Humane Association, and received an award at a red-carpet gala event and award ceremony, along with seven other dogs.

Jynx has to undergo chemotherapy

It was revealed later that Jynx was suffering from cancer and so began his battle for his life as he underwent chemotherapy to stop it. He spent the last year fighting that battle.

Jynx passes away

Sadly, the hero dog has passed away, going to be with his beloved handler in the great beyond. He will be remembered in the community where he was viewed as an icon. Following Jynx’s passing, Berks County Sheriff Eric J. Weaknecht announced on the department’s Facebook page:

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of K-9 Jynx … ,” Weaknecht wrote. “Jynx, who had been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in late June of last year, was not even expected to make it till Christmas.”

Jynx will be missed

During his time with the Berks County Sheriff’s Department, Jynx undertook a variety of tasks ranging from detecting explosives to tracking down suspects, and was one of the department’s first K9 units.

“Members of the Berks County Sheriff K-9 Division and Reading Police K-9 handlers were present this afternoon to pay their respects to our Hero, K-9 Jynx,” Weaknecht wrote in another post. “Please keep Alecia, Savannah, and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve the loss of Jynx.”

Jynx will be missed by the department, his family, and the community of which he was a part. Find out more about Jynx and his nomination for the 2012 Hero Dog Awards in this tribute video below.

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Source: American Humane

H/T: Officer.com