09/29/2026
Last Thursday morning, Gresham Police responded to a welfare check at a residence in Portland, Oregon. They discovered a 60-year man who had been shot to death inside. Detectives quickly identified and tracked the suspect to an area in Southeast Portland. The U.S Marshals Pacific Northwest Regional Violent Offenders Task Force and members of other law enforcement agencies were called in to assist in taking the male into custody. The suspect fled during the arrest attempt and officers opened fire. Both the suspect and Portland Police K9 Kylo were fatally wounded during the incident. A fi***rm was recovered at the scene.
Kylo was rushed to an emergency veterinary facility following the shooting, where despite lifesaving efforts, he did not survive his injuries. The day Kylo was killed was set to be his last shift before retirement.
Normally, I write the captions that accompany these portraits, but Kylo’s handler was gracious enough to provide this heartfelt bio about his beloved partner:
“Kylo, born September 17, 2017, came to call the Portland Police Bureau home after being acquired from the renowned Adlerhorst International K9 Academy in Riverside, California. From the moment he arrived, Kylo made an unforgettable impression on everyone he met with his charismatic personality, undeniable good looks, and playful spirit. Beneath that fun-loving exterior, however, it quickly became clear that Kylo had a greater purpose, a life of service. His mission was simple: protect the brave men and women who serve the city of Portland. In February 2020, Kylo was paired with Officer Justin Raphael, and he immediately demonstrated his exceptional abilities, proving to have a remarkable talent for locating suspects.
In December 2021, Kylo was reassigned to Officer Jerry Ables, who would become his handler and partner for the next five years. Together, they formed an exceptional team, with Kylo continuing to distinguish himself as a courageous, dedicated, and outstanding police canine.
During his nearly seven years of service to the greater Portland community, Kylo was credited with 139 captures and became known for a unique habit: whenever the police siren sounded, he would raise his voice and perfectly match his howl to the siren as he responded to calls. Kylo was more than a police dog; he was a partner, a protector, and a beloved member of the K9 Unit. One K9 Unit supervisor captured what so many felt when they simply said, “There will never be another Kylo.”
Despite his years of experience, Kylo never lost the puppy within him. His playful spirit remained, even as he grew into a wise and respected elder of the K9 Unit. After nearly seven years of service, Kylo was set to retire and enjoy the quieter days he had more than earned. But a higher power had other plans. Kylo was needed one more time. On September 24, 2026, members of the elite U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force called upon Officer Ables and K9 Kylo to assist in locating and apprehending a dangerous suspect. During that incident, Kylo made the ultimate sacrifice. In his final act of service, he placed himself between danger and the people he had spent his life protecting, saving the lives of his handler and fellow officers.
Kylo died doing what he loved, alongside the partner he trusted, and in service to the people he had spent his life protecting. He gave his life so that others could live. There will never be another Kylo, but there will always be a place for him in the hearts of those who knew him, worked beside him, and were protected by him. His loyalty, courage, and unmistakable spirit will not be forgotten. Rest easy, Kylo. Your watch is over.”
