The State Fire Marshal’s Office says one of their K-9 officers has died today after complications from surgery.
The department says that K-9 Barry an explosive ordinance detection (EOD) K-9 officer has died Tuesday morning following a surgery to remove a large mass in his stomach.
The 10-year-old black Labrador joined the State Fire Marshal’s Office in November 2012. Before his time with SFM, Barry served two tours of duty overseas with the U.S. Marine Corps.
Barry served the Lafayette and Alexandria areas, alongside his handler Cpl. Mitch Trahan. His duties included detection sweeps at major events, public facilities, and at educational campuses. The pair was awarded K-9 Team of the Year honors in 2014.
“Just a few weeks ago, we highlighted the significance our K-9 teams have on the success of this agency’s mission to save lives. K-9 Barry was an integral member of our K-9 unit as one of only two EOD-specialized dogs,” said State Fire Marshal Chief H. “Butch” Browning, “But when an unexpected loss like this occurs, it also shows how much these K-9 officers become part of the SFM family, especially their handlers’ family.”
The Fire Marshal’s Office posted a tribute video to K-9 Barry on their Facebook page.
