K9 Hero

Jax

Austin Police Department — Austin, TX

Medical complication Belgian Malinois

Service Record

End of Watch December 27, 2025

K9 Profile

Breed Belgian Malinois

Handler Senior Police Officer Wagner

Cause Medical complication

Agency

Department Austin Police Department

Location Austin, TX

Incident

K9 Jax suffered a medical complication on December 27, 2025 and was rushed to the veterinarian. Despite efforts, his condition was beyond recovery. Jax was the first Austin Police Patrol K9 to pass away while still actively working. He was scheduled to retire on January 8, 2026 — less than two weeks later.

Jax was an Eastern European native Belgian Malinois who began his training with his partner, Senior Police Officer Wagner, in August 2016. In addition to supporting APD Patrol, Jax also supported SWAT, the Violent Crimes Task Force, the Special Victims Unit, and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. He also assisted Travis County, Williamson County and Hays County sheriff's offices.

Over more than nine years of service, SPO Wagner and K9 Jax made 227 arrests, including nine apprehensions. Among those arrested, 11 were wanted for murder.

Source: Austin Police Department, reported by FOX 7 Austin, December 30, 2025.