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Died 1/12/21
Handler – Trooper Eugene Duplissis
It is with an immense amount of sadness that we report the death of K9 Argus, retired from the Vermont State Police. We were honored to have K9 Argus protect the State of Vermont for a decade before his retirement last spring. K9 Argus was able to enjoy the last several months, surrounded by his family. Even as he battled cancer, he was the same sweet, adventurous, and wise dog that he always was. All that knew and loved Argus, know how special he was, and he will never be forgotten. We want to also thank everyone who donated to Lacey’s Fund to help cover his medical treatments. K9 Argus started serving the Vermont State Police in 2009 at the young age of 8 weeks old. He started in the “puppy program” and was originally fostered by VSP Lt. Cacciatore (retired) and his family. K9 Argus was assigned to Trooper Eugene Duplissis. The team began their partnership at the St. Johnsbury Barrack. K9 Argus was certified for drug detection at 7-months old. From a young age, K9 Argus proved to be a valuable addition to the K9 program when he located crack cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment before he even turned 1 year old. Argus was later certified in patrol and tracking. Throughout his decade long career, Argus had several successful tracks, including tracking a bank robber to her nearby hotel room while also locating clothing and evidence along the way. As the team’s career progressed, Trooper Duplissis was promoted to Sergeant and assigned as a patrol commander to the New Haven Barracks. While in New Haven, Argus worked with his brother, K9 Vincent, covering Addison county. Argus’ family tree clearly has exceptional qualities, because his son, K9 Burke, also works for the Vermont State Police. Sgt. Duplissis tried out for the Vermont State Police Tactical Team, and with the support of then Colonel L’Esperance, Major Goodell, and team commanders, K9 Argus and Sgt. Duplissis were the first K9 team to be assigned to a State Police Tactical Team in New England. K9 Argus was involved in numerous high-risk arrests and apprehensions throughout the state during his time assigned to this team. While assigned to the tactical team, K9 Argus worked with the New York State Police in the Dannemora search for two armed and dangerous escapees. K9 Argus searched numerous camps and routinely scouted out in front of the team during the manhunt. Over the span of 10 years K9 Argus repeatedly and fearlessly put himself out in front of his handler and other Troopers to keep them safe. He tracked violent criminals and assisted with the apprehension of numerous suspects. Because of his dedicated service, K9 Argus helped to keep the people of this great state safe. During his career, K9 Argus was awarded the lifesaving award, tracking team of the year, a citation from Governor Schumlin for his role in Dannemora, New York, and most importantly, the admiration and thanks from the brave Troopers, Officers, and Agents he was proud to work alongside.
