TUSCALOOSA, AL - The Dunwoody Police Department (DPD) in Georgia, is mourning the loss of Ranger, one of the department's founding K9 officers. Ranger died after escaping an out-of-state training facility in Alabama.
Ranger was reportedly being boarded at Alabama K9, a training facility near Tuscaloosa, as part of a planned transition to introduce him to a new handler, according to 11Alive. While at the facility, Ranger escaped the property. Local animal control officers in Alabama later found him deceased nearby.
Ranger was one of the department's first K9s and a beloved member of the police force. Police have yet to release additional details regarding how Ranger escaped or his cause of death.
"Ranger was one of the department’s first K-9s and was a valued member of the Dunwoody Police Department,” the department said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the officers and staff who worked alongside and cared for him."
In Grand Island, Nebraska, the police department announced the death of one of its K9s on Thursday, October 15. In late September, K9 Cello was struck by a vehicle while off duty, KSNB reported. The Grand Island Police Department (GIPD) said that despite the immediate and exhaustive efforts of veterinary medical staff, Cello's injuries were too severe and the decision was made to put him to rest.
Cello was sworn into service in August 2024 through the support of the Hall County Crimestoppers and community. He was a proud, dual-purpose K9 certified in patrol work, narcotics detection and tracking.
Cello also carried a deeply meaningful legacy within GIPD. He was named in honor of the late GIPD Investigator Christopher Marcello, who passed away in 2022. Cello was a fiercely loyal partner, protector and cherished family member.
"We are deeply grateful for the community support that brought Cello to our department and for the love you have always shown our K9 unit. As we navigate this painful loss, we ask that you keep Officer Zumya, Cello’s human family, and our entire department in your thoughts and prayers," GIPD said in a statement.
The department thanked Cello for his dedicated service: "You stood the watch with honor, and your legacy will never be forgotten. Rest easy, buddy. We have the watch from here."
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