Jeff Tassi

It is with great sadness that we tell you K9 Preacher was killed in the line of duty last night. Maine State Police K9 Preacher, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed in the line of duty last night during a tactical team operation in Portage. Preacher and his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell, served the greater Southern Field Troop area and the Maine State Police Tactical Team. Sgt. Russell and K9 Preacher attended the Maine State Police K9 Patrol School in the fall of 2023, where they became a certified patrol team. The tactical team was deployed in response to an armed standoff involving a suspect who had shot an Aroostook County deputy on Monday, February 3, 2025. The standoff lasted several hours before the suspect attempted to flee the residence around 8 p.m. K9 Preacher was deployed to apprehend the suspect when he was shot in the abdomen. Following the shooting, the suspect was engaged by Sgt. Jonathan Russell and Specialist Andrew Hardy, who returned fire. The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene. K9 Preacher was immediately rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic in Presque Isle, where he was stabilized. Despite the efforts of veterinary staff, he succumbed to his injuries early this morning. He was surrounded by Sgt. Russell and several members of the tactical team when he passed. “K9 Preacher was more than just a working dog—he was a dedicated partner, a protector, and a hero,” said Colonel William Ross. “Most people will never understand the sacrifices made by our K9 teams, but last night, Preacher made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others from harm.” The Maine State Police extends its heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Jonathan Russell and the entire K9 Unit. The loss of Preacher is a profound reminder of the courage and dedication of our law enforcement officers and their K9 partners. 💙