UPDATE: K9 Death Under Investigation

A Junction City Police Department K9 who died while on duty Monday had been found unresponsive in a K9-equipped patrol vehicle.

According to the agency, preliminary findings indicate the cause of death was heat exposure. In accordance with departmental policy, JCPD placed K9 PSD Vethos’ handler on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

JCPD requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent third-party investigation to determine all facts surrounding this incident. JCPD will cooperate fully with this investigation.

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ORIGINAL: The Junction City Police Department is mourning the loss of K9 Police Service Dog Vethos, who passed away while on duty Monday.

According to the agency the Belgian Malinois joined the department in 2024 and served in the Investigations Division alongside his partner.

The circumstances surrounding the passing of Vethos are unknown at this time. A full investigation has been launched, and more information will be made available as the investigation allows.

The agency says is on determining the circumstances of Vethos’ passing and supporting his partner through this difficult time.

Vethos was more than a working dog. He was a protector, a teammate, and a member of the law enforcment family.

The loss is felt deeply across our entire department.