“When duty called, K9 Hudson didn’t hesitate to run toward the gunfire that killed him. He’s a true hero and deserves honor and thanks.”
“For it is not just those with two legs who are born with a soul that has the courage to wear the Badge,” Nessie for True Blue Warrior.
All gave some, some gave all. In this case, K9 Hudson of the Kane County Sheriff’s Office gave his life while serving in the line of duty on May 24, 2023.
The incident began after officers attempted to stop a carjacking suspect. The suspect had allegedly stolen a Honda Accord and had previously refused to stop and had fled from authorities.
Around 2 p.m., the sheriff’s department was again in pursuit of the suspect but this time in Geneva when he crashed at the busy intersection of Randall Road and Fabyan Parkway, with police surrounding the vehicle.
After the crash, the suspect got out of his car holding a handgun and that’s when gunfire erupted. It was then the decision was made to deploy K9 Hudson. Tragically, the suspect shot K9 Hudson, who died of his injuries. An exchange of gunfire ensued and the suspect was also shot and later died at a local hospital.
About the loss of K9 Hudson, Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain said:
“This is a big loss for us, but he’s an absolute hero today, along with our deputies who brought this to a successful close without injury to any innocent civilians,” said Kane County Sheriff Ron Hain.”
No other officers or civilians were injured in the incident but the loss of K9 Hudson deeply touched the entire department, community, and the nation.
K9 Hudson is a true hero. The Dutch Shepherd was named after another hero, a fallen Illinois State Trooper. He was assigned to the narcotics detection unit, where he served for three years.
“We have a very large K9 unit, the largest outside of Cook County, and it’s a very close-knit family,” said Hain. “This is a big loss for us. He was a great dog.”
The department is making sure K9 Hudson’s final act of heroism is never forgotten. According to ABC 7, “Hundreds of law enforcement personnel from across the Chicago suburbs, both human and K-9, met at Harter Middle School in Sugar Grove to honor Hudson’s life. Community members laid flowers at a Kane County Sheriff K-9 unit, draped in bunting.”
K9 Hudson is a true hero and is responsible for saving many lives, getting illegal drugs off the streets, and deterring many crimes. He was an invaluable member of the department and will never be forgotten.
Please feel free to share his story to honor his service and sacrifice.