Most Decorated Dog in US History, Hurricane, Dies at 16

Hurricane, a Belgian Malinois and the most decorated K-9 in U.S. history, has passed away at the age of 16. He served as a Special Operations Canine with the Secret Service from 2012 to 2016, where he played a pivotal role in apprehending an intruder who breached the White House perimeter in 2014 while then-President Obama and his family were inside. Hurricane sustained injuries during the incident, leading to his retirement in 2016, and he lived out his remaining years with his handler, Marshall Mirarchi, who established Hurricane’s Heroes, a nonprofit for retired working dogs. Among his numerous accolades, Hurricane was the first dog to receive the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal. Mirarchi expressed profound sorrow at the loss, reflecting on Hurricane's loyalty and bravery, stating, “He put his life on the line at the White House.” In honor of his legacy, Hurricane’s Heroes will continue to support retired K9s with medical expenses.