Honoring K9 Kylo
Portland K9 Kylo Dies Saving Officers
Kylo joined the Portland Police Bureau after being acquired from Adlerhorst International K9 Academy in Riverside, California. Paired with Officer Justin Raphael in February 2020, Kylo quickly established himself as an exceptional police canine with a talent for locating suspects. In December 2021, he was partnered with Officer Jerry Ables, beginning a five-year partnership that would define the final chapter of his career.
During nearly seven years of service to the greater Portland community, Kylo was credited with 139 captures and became beloved throughout the K9 Unit for his courageous nature, playful personality, and unmistakable habit of matching his howl to the police siren. One K9 Unit supervisor summed up Kylo’s impact simply: “There will never be another Kylo.”
Set to retire after a distinguished career, Kylo was called upon for one final mission on September 24, 2026, assisting the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force in locating and apprehending a dangerous suspect. During the incident, Kylo made the ultimate sacrifice, saving the lives of his handler and fellow officers. Kylo gave his life in the service he loved, protecting the people who depended on him. His courage, loyalty, and spirit will never be forgotten.
