America’s most decorated dog, known as Hurricane, has passed away.
The Belgian Malinois served as a Special Operations Canine for the Secret Service for four years, from 2012 to 2016. The beloved pup was a critical component of then-President Obama’s security detail.
In one dramatic incident in October 2014, Hurricane, alongside fellow Secret Service canine Jordan, helped take down an intruder who breached the perimeter of the White House. The event left Hurricane with injuries that would force him to retire from the service two years later.
Hurricane would go on to live out the rest of his days with his handler and owner, Marshall Mirachi. The hero pup even became the namesake behind the nonprofit Hurricane’s Heroes, which Mirachi founded to help subsidize the costs of veterinary care for canines that served in the military or with law enforcement.
“Hurricane was a true American hero,” the White House posted on Instagram on February 19.
“The most decorated K-9 in U.S. history, he bravely defended the White House and spent retirement helping other working dogs through @K9Hurricane,” the post continued.
“His legacy of courage and loyalty will live on. Rest easy, Hurricane.”
Hurricane earned numerous awards during his life, including the USSS Award for Merit, the DS Award for Valor, the PDSA Order of Merit, and others. In 2022, Hurricane became the first dog to earn the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.
“Hurricane absolutely loved every day working at the White House. The second we pulled through the gates he would jump up and spin around from the back seat, knowing he arrived at work. He loved patrolling the grounds and loved hanging out with his brothers on the Emergency Response Team,” the official Hurricane’s Heroes account said in a reply to the White House’s post.
“We will never forget the look on his face the day he stopped the intruder. You could tell it was the proudest moment of his life. Hurricane lived to protect the White House grounds and he served that purpose. We love you Hurricane.”