McKinney Police Department K9 Azi will be recognized alongside 22 other law enforcement dogs in a national virtual event commemorating those who died in the line of duty. K9s United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting police canines and their handlers, is organizing the seventh annual Fallen K9 Memorial Run.
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1, which is designated as National Police K9 Day. Participants across the country are invited to join the virtual run to honor the 23 K9s who lost their lives in the previous year. Azi is one of the dogs being remembered for his service with the McKinney Police Department.
Jay Nix, president of K9s United, stated that the participating dogs answered the call without hesitation and remained with their handlers until the end. He described the run as an opportunity to honor their courage and ensure their legacy continues. Nix noted that whether people run, walk, or participate in other ways, they are helping to recognize heroes who gave everything to protect communities.
The virtual event offers a 9K, a 5K, and a one-mile fun run option. Organizers stated that individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Registration is available online through Monday, Aug. 10. The cost is $32 for children and $42 for adults. The registration fee includes a limited-edition K9s United Fallen K9 Memorial Run T-shirt.
Participants are encouraged to share their finish times, photos, and videos on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @K9sUnited. The 23 fallen K9s honored this year served departments in 14 states. In Texas, the run also honors K9 Kai of the Bristol Police Department and K9 Chico of the Boerne Police Department, in addition to Azi.
K9s United has supported more than 600 law enforcement agencies across 46 states. The organization has provided customized training at no cost to more than 1,400 K9 officers and EMS professionals. It has contributed more than $2 million in training and equipment, including leashes, bulletproof vests, vehicle heat alarms, and K9 containment systems.
The nonprofit has also provided more than 200 memorial portraits to handlers who lost K9 partners.
