JONESBORO, Ark. — Editor's note: The video shown above is of K9 officers in Bryant.
According to the Jonesboro Police Department, K9 Gabo died on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Gabo served the Jonesboro Police Department for 7 years and was assigned to his handler Inv Erik Johnson the entire time.
Gabo was born on July 1, 2011 in Hungary and was imported to the US at roughly one year old. This incredible K9 Team specialized in narcotics detection, patrol work, tracking, building search, handler protection and suspect apprehension.
Most notably, Gabo assisted in a SWAT callout on December 11, 2018 where he was shot five times at point-blank range. A bullet- and stab-proofvest presented to him by Vested Interest in K9s stopped the bullet that would have been fatal. Gabo returned to duty just two months later and didn't skip a beat in working alongside his partner again.
Gabo and Johnson were awarded the 2019 Officer of the Year award by the Jonesboro Police Department, and the 2019 Persons of the Year award by CrimeStoppers of Jonesboro.
He was also awarded a Medal of Valor for his courageous service and actions on December 11, 2018.