News and Announcements

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s K-9 Duke Tragically Killed In Line Of Duty

Members of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement continue to mourn the death of canine officer Duke, who was stabbed inside a train while trying to apprehend a burglary suspect Sunday, February 19, 2023. K9 Duke had been with the sheriff’s office for six years.

Sheriff Patrick Withrow told local news station KCRA 3 that officials are planning a procession for Duke, but a date has not been set yet.

The suspect is currently in custody, but more details are unavailable in order to protect the ongoing investigation.

In Memory of San Joaquin County Sheriff's K9 Duke
Screenshot from San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office website https://sjsheriff.org/

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement about Duke on Facebook:

Upcoming California Bill About Using K-9s For Apprehension

The Sheriff’s Office remembered the loss of K-9 Duke with the context of a proposed bill that would prevent the deployment of unleashed K-9s by law enforcement for apprehension purposes, as well as any use of K-9s for crowd control.

“Without the courageous actions of K-9 Duke and the ability to deploy on a barricaded suspect who was given the ability to surrender, it could have easily been the life of a deputy that was lost today,” the Sheriff’s Office tweeted. “We wish it wasn’t a life taken at all.”

Assembly Bill 742 was introduced last Monday on Feb. 13 and will be heard by the California Assembly Committee next month, on March 16.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheriff Withrow, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Duke’s handler Deputy Michael Stewart, and all K9 Duke’s friends and family who loved him. May he rest in peace and be remembered for giving the ultimate sacrifice.

Visit the San Joaquin Sheriff K-9 Unit page to learn more about how you can help support Duke’s team. Visit Duke’s Memorial Page to pay respects or share reflections.

Contributions can be made to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Foundation. Please include “In memory of K9 Duke” in the memo. Contributions can be made by check, made out to San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Foundation, or on the website, https://sjcsfoundation.org/.

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office

COVID Impact On Our Member Agencies - MCSA Sidebar Image

Follow Us On Twitter