The above header is a composite from photos taken by professional photographer Alex Vucha.(Source: vuchaphotography.com/police-fire-ems)

Last month in the Chicago Northern suburb of Geneva, Illinois—K9 Officer “Hudson” (a Dutch Shepherd) was fatally shot when he engaged with an armed carjacking suspect, who had been leading police on a car chase with a stolen vehicle.

Once the suspect crashed the stolen car, in the attempt to escape, he produced a gun and fatally injured K9 Hudson, while also shooting at law enforcement. The suspect was fatally injured after law enforcement opened fire.

A parade line of Troopers & their K9 charges stood at salute as Hudson’s body was removed from the crime scene.

For further reading on this incident, we recommend reading local news channel ABC 7 Chicago‘s report made on the day of the incident: Police chase from South Elgin to Geneva ends in crash, shootout; suspect, K9 officer killed (May 24, 2023).

In a statement, police officials said “He served with honor, pride, and unwavering bravery. He will be deeply missed”.

May 27, 2023 Official Press Release From Kane County Sheriff’s Office

K9 Hudson Funeral and Procession

The outpouring and support from his community included acts of kindness such as donations from a lemonade stand in North Aurora and the Kendall County Animal Control and Adoption Center among many other entities. And hundreds of humans & animal mourners, from around the United States, in attendance at his funeral service.

A recording of the LiveStream from Hudson’s funeral and procession, along with a tribute are available to watch on the Kane County Government YouTube channel.

K9 Hudson received a full honor police funeral on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove. A public walk through began at 11:00 AM (CST), followed by a K9 walk through at 11:30 AM (CST) afterwich the funeral services began.

Hudson was born in 2018, sworn into police duty on October 16, 2020 and left behind him a stellar career, as a valuable member of the Kane County Sherriff’s Department. He helped track over 100 criminal offenders, missing persons, and other heroic actions in his short career. Including assisting in the apprehension of several violent offenders. And most notably, he assisted DEA officials in the confiscation of over 100kg of dangerous narcotics and $5M in proceeds from drug trafficking.

Kane County’ K-9 Fund In Honor Of Hudson

The Kane County Sheriff’s Department made a statement on May 26, 2023 that donations can be made towards the K-9 Fund in honor of Hudson via their Official Venmo Canine Fund Account. Alternatively, checks can be sent to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office at 37W755 IL Rt 38, St. Charles, IL 60175, which must be made payable to the County Sheriff’s Office with K-9 Fund in the memo.

For more information, visit kanesheriff.com

Tributes can made online to K9 Hudson’s Memorial Page at odmp.org/k9/1888-k9-hudson.

Police chase from South Elgin to Geneva ends in crash, shootout; suspect, K9 officer killed