Died – 7/29/24
Handler – Sgt. Justin Francis
Marion, Ill. police K-9 dies 3 days before retirement
Marion Police report the passing of a beloved K-9.According to a release from the Marion Police Department, Loeki, a 14-year-old Belgian Malinois, was with the department for more than 12 years. They say she died Monday morning, July 29.“It was initially planned for Loeki to officially retire effective August 1, 2024; however, she decided that today would be that day,” they said in the release. Loeki was with Sgt. Justin Francis for her entire career with the department. Before joining the department, Loeki graduated from the K9 School of Von Liche Kennels, Inc. in Denver, Indiana in June 2019.During her time with the department, Loeki had 25 apprehensions, approximately 326 successful tracks and helped in the seizure of approximately 2,700 pounds of narcotics and close to $275,000 in cash.