K9 Hero

K9 Rip

Salem County Sheriff's Office — NJ

Heatstroke Belgian Malinois

Service Record

End of Watch May 29, 2026

Age 4

Gender Male

K9 Profile

Breed Belgian Malinois

Cause Heatstroke

Agency

Department Salem County Sheriff's Office

Location NJ

Incident

K9 Rip and K9 Boomer died from heatstroke after being left in a patrol vehicle for seven hours at the Salem City County Courthouse Complex at 92 Market Street.

When the officer returned to his vehicle, K9 Rip and K9 Boomer had passed away. The vehicle had experienced an air-conditioning malfunction and was awaiting repair. The emergency alert system had not been activated.

The officer has been charged with recklessly causing the death of two police dogs.

K9 Rip had served with the Salem County Sheriff's Office for three years.