PIMA COUNTY, AZ – K9 Kenzo, a member of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, was killed in the line of duty while assisting deputies with an arrest on Friday. The department announced the dog’s death and expressed condolences for Deputy Chris Rodriguez, Kenzo’s handler, with whom the dog had formed a strong partnership.
Kenzo was stabbed while helping deputies take two suspects into custody. Details surrounding the incident and the suspects involved are not yet fully disclosed, pending further investigation and departmental review.
Last weekend, both Kenzo and Deputy Rodriguez were recognized for their effective teamwork during a meeting in Arizona. The loss has struck the law enforcement community, as K9 officers like Kenzo play an essential role in various operations including search and rescue, narcotics detection, and apprehension of suspects.