SOUTH PORTLAND – Members of law enforcement gathered in South Portland on Wednesday to pay their respects to Maine State Police K-9 Preacher, a four-year-old Belgian Malinois police dog killed in the line of duty.
Preacher was shot as police tried to apprehend a suspect following a standoff in Portage on Feb. 3. A deputy was wounded and the suspect killed in the incident.
Preacher underwent surgery but died early the following morning. He was with Sgt. Jonathan Russell -- his handler -- and several members of the state police tactical team when he died.
"I can tell you right now that Preacher, he knew that night he did good. He knew he did his job," said Col. William Ross, who leads the Maine State Police. "When he left us, I hope that's what was going through his head -- that he's a good boy."
Ross said that the state police’s K-9 of the Year award will be renamed in honor of Preacher and Russell.
“Jon [Russell] will have other K-9 partners in the future but never another one like Preacher,” Maine State Police Sgt. George Neagle said.
Preacher and Russell served the Southern Field Troop area with the Maine State Police Tactical Team. The two attended the Maine State Police K9 Patrol School in the fall of 2023, where they became a certified patrol team.
Russell spoke highly of Preacher’s intelligence and determination.
“Preacher, I want you to know from the first night I’ve had you, I knew you were special,” said Russell. "I am eternally grateful for your courage, your sacrifice and everything you did when duty called, and you will forever be my hero.
“I love you, Preach."
