Hurricane was a Belgian Malinois and the most decorated K-9 in White House history. He was born in 2009 and worked as a Secret Service dog from 2012 to 2016. He had an impressive service during his 4-year career as a K-9, protecting the White House and the people inside.
His Training
To become the hero that we know and love today, Hurricane had to go through specialized training where discipline was a key principle. This training allowed him to stay focused in high-stress environments and still show obedience.
Early Service
Hurricane became a member of the Emergency Response Team branch of the Secret Service in 2012. His early service quickly showed that he was a brave and empathic dog that would foreshadow his actions just two years into his service.
Heroism
In 2014, Hurricane made his handlers proud when he managed to catch an intruder named Dominic Adesanya, who had gotten onto the White House grounds by climbing over a fence. Hurricane showed great courage in the process of protecting the people on the grounds.
Awards
For his actions, Hurricane received multiple awards. In 2014, he was given the award for Meritorious Service, and in 2015, he received the Secretary’s Award for Valor. Both these medals reflect how dedicated he was in the line of duty.
Recognition
Hurricane’s recognition wouldn’t stop after his service had ended. In 2019, he received the PDSA Order of Merit and was the first international recipient of the award. The award recognizes the dedication an animal has to their owners.
A Service Medal
In 2022, a new award called the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal was created for exceptional animals that have shown exceptional merit in service to the United States of America. Hurricane was one of three dogs to be awarded this medal.
Retirement
Hurricane’s efforts to protect those that he needed to in the line of duty didn’t come without consequences. He had to retire in 2016 due to injuries from his exertions protecting the White House. He was adopted by his handler and enjoyed a well-deserved retirement.
K9 Hurricane’s Heroes
Despite Hurricane retiring, he was still the face of a nonprofit called K9 Hurricane’s Heroes, which helped retired service dogs get necessary vet treatment to make sure they had the best life they could after their service.
An Inspiration
Hurricane has become an inspiration for many who and has shown the bravery and loyalty a dog can have even when the stakes are high. He is seen as a public hero and his nonprofit is still going strong, helping other retired dogs.
His Personality
Despite doing everything that he needed to do with discipline, Hurricane still has his own unique personality. He was known for being an affectionate and kind animal, which showed a contrast from when he had to stay focused during his duty.
One Last Visit
Before Hurricane passed away, he was transported to the White House in a very special plane – Air Force One. When he arrived, he was reunited with his former team. The visit let them say goodbye to an amazing K-9 that won’t ever be forgotten.
Leaving Behind A Legacy
Hurricane passed away in February, 2025, at the age of 15. The White House account on X posted a memoriam for him on Wednesday, “Hurricane was a true American hero. The most decorated K-9 in U.S. history, he bravely defended the White House and spent his retirement helping other working dogs through @Hurricane_K9. His legacy of courage and loyalty will live on. Rest easy, Hurricane.”
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