Beloved Murrieta K9 Officer Dies, Police Department Mourns

MURRIETA, CA — The Murrieta Police Department announced that one of its K9 officers, Jerry, a German Shepherd, died due to surgical complications Tuesday.

"Last week, K9 Jerry was injured and underwent surgery yesterday to repair a torn ligament in his leg," a city spokesperson said. "Unfortunately, complications arose during the procedure."

Despite continued care and efforts by veterinary staff, Jerry’s condition rapidly declined.

"Unfortunately, Jerry was unable to recover from the complications and passed peacefully surrounded by his handler, family, and K9 community," they said. "K9 Jerry was more than a partner—he was family. Loyal, driven, and fearless, he served our community with everything he had."

Jerry was a 3-year-old German Shepherd, born and raised in Germany, and was a graduate of the Alderhorst Academy in Jurupa Valley, according to the city. He was assigned to Officer Troncale, and they have been a team since September of 2022.

Unit Trainer Aaron Harwick spoke with Patch on the loss of the fine K9.

"Jerry's handler and family are devastated by this," Harwick said. "While Jerry was a very competent police dog, performing his assignment at a very high level, he was also a beloved member of the family. His loss has definitely left a hole in the heart of his handler and family as well as our unit as a whole."

Jerry's favorite thing to do on his days off was to enjoy his red jolly ball.

The city's social media message has already garnered much support from residents and nearby communities.

The Hemet Police Department weighed in, as did the Irvine Police Department, who wrote: "Our hearts are heavy as we learn of the passing of K9 Jerry. Our thoughts and prayers are with his handler, their family, and the entire Murrieta Police Department during this difficult time."

The city of Menifee responded, saying, "We're so sorry to hear about the loss of K9 Jerry. Sending all our love and support to our partners at Murrieta!"

Some who knew Jerry shared their memories.

"Oh no.... Several months ago, I was stopped at a light in Murrieta and noticed a MPD vehicle next to me. It was the car Jerry used to ride in. Thank you, K9 Jerry..... you are another hero we have lost."

Another stated, "Oh I’m so sorry to hear about Jerry. He was a bad a**, very loved hero! Praying for your hearts as y’all grieve."

According to the Paws 4 Law organization that supports active and retired police K9s in Murrieta, "K9s provide a valuable psychological impact and, when necessary, can physically apprehend a suspect.

" As a tactical tool, their keen sense of hearing and smell, along with their speed and agility, are utilized to help locate people or evidence when time is of the essence.

"In high-risk situations, the canine can approach or subdue a person without endangering the officer, who would have otherwise had to deal with the incident alone."