By Cadin Sanner
Junction City Police Department - Public Information Officer
Junction City Police Department (JCPD) is providing an update on the death of K9 Police Service Dog (K9 PSD) Vethos, who passed away while on duty, Monday, July 6, 2026.
K9 PSD Vethos was found unresponsive in a K9-equipped patrol vehicle.
Preliminary findings indicate the cause of death was heat exposure.
On July 7, 2026, JCPD requested that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) conduct an independent third-party investigation to determine all facts surrounding this incident. JCPD will cooperate fully with this investigation.
In accordance with departmental policy, JCPD placed K9 PSD Vethos’ handler on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Vethos, a Belgian Malinois, joined the department in 2024 and served in the Investigations Division. His loss continues to be felt deeply across JCPD and the City.
All further requests for information regarding this incident should be directed to the KBI.