The following is a press release from the Bellefontaine Police Department regarding the passing of retired Bellefontaine Police K9 Boodik.
The Bellefontaine Police Department and K9 handler Officer Hostetler are mourning the loss of one of their own, retired K9 Boodik. K9 Boodik passed away yesterday in the arms of his handler and surrounded by other handlers, department staff, and friends, following a short battle with cancer. K9 Boodik served the citizens of Bellefontaine from 2019 to 2024.
Throughout his career, K9 Boodik was deployed hundreds of times, along with being utilized by surrounding agencies on mutual aid requests. Although Boodik was not known for being friendly, he was known for being a great patrol dog. K9 Boodik was responsible for hundreds of misdemeanor and felony drug arrests, illegal firearm seizures, and 49 suspect apprehensions. K9 Boodik was also a member of the department’s Special Response Team, where he assisted with dozens of narcotics-related search warrants, barricades, and high-risk warrants.
K9 Boodik was awarded a Medal of Merit for an incident on March 20, 2021, where an officer was assaulted and knocked unconscious during a drug interdiction stop. K9 Boodik and his handler arrived to find the suspect running from the scene. K9 Boodik was remotely deployed and apprehended the suspect, along with his handler, who was successful in apprehending a violent, combative suspect.
K9 Boodik ensured Officer Hostetler made it home after every shift and saved his handler’s life multiple times. K9 Boodik was a special dog and will be greatly missed.
Please join us in keeping K9 handler Officer Hostetler and BPD staff in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest easy, good boy. You will never be forgotten.
