![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/93110496_778805899313258_4968672647115978870_n-e1739173451761.jpg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/93110496_778805899313258_4968672647115978870_n-e1739173451761.jpg?width=600)
The world has woken up to a devastating news. But for NYPD officer Michael Finamore, it’s more of a gut-wrenching personal loss. After years of exemplary and selfless service to the New York Police Department (NYPD), a four-legged NYPD police dog has passed away at 9. This leaves behind truckloads of memories of the furry partner’s service to the department, especially at crucial sports events, like the Paris Olympics. Keeping this in mind, a hoard of mourners is now flooding in with condolences.
We are talking about the K9 Gunner, the German Shepard who was part of the NYPD’s Counterterrorism Bureau. Gunner was one of the most trusted canines in the squad, as he was part of the NYPD dog units sent to the Paris Olympics to assist in securing the French capital. No wonder the NYPD deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism, Rebecca Weiner, announced that K9 Gunner was someone who, “won hearts around the world.” Moreover, a rather emotional and moving announcement came in from Gunner’s handler, Michael.
On Sunday, February 9, the same Instagram account that documented Gunner’s chronicles around the world became the source of this shattering news. Michael Finamore, Gunner’s handler, posted the update with a carousel of Gunner’s adorable images and wrote, “Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my life. I lost my best friend, my partner, and the best thing that has ever happened to me in my life.” The gravity of the loss and the difficult situation truly echoed in Michael’s emotional words.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, he harked back into the treasure trove of memories that Gunner left behind. “From the day I met you I knew I was the luckiest K9 handler in the world. Your love, compassion, drive, loyalty, intelligence, playfulness, and courage was second to none,” wrote Finamore. He even confessed that Gunner’s loss leaves a hole in his heart. Well, we are sure it does for each of those who Gunner touched throughout his life. In the end, he tied it all together with a parting note, “Rest easy K9 Gunner, I love you big head.”
View this post on Instagram
For those who don’t know, Gunner’s life story has been nothing short of heroic. Named after the NYPD’s police officer, William T Gunn, who was shot in 1989, Gunner was a pooch who had just joined NYPD’s 67th Precinct Detective Squad right before the shooting. Thus, he was named in honor of the officer who succumbed to the accident. Throughout the years of his service, he patrolled through several important events like the Paris Olympics, the 2023 US Open, and three other US Opens before it.
No wonder this news shook many who took to the comment section to pay their respects to Gunner.
Wellwishers mourn the loss of this Paris Olympics security canine
One of the fans wrote, “Incredibly sorry for your loss. Rest easy now K9 Gunner.” While the cause for Gunner’s death remains unspecified, we do have multiple such condolences coming in. Another one was from the police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, who remained grateful for Gunner’s years of service to the department as she wrote, “His extraordinary skills played a vital role in keeping NYC safe. He will be greatly missed.”
Needless to say, Gunner was a top-notch police dog. He was among the two canines trusted to guard the all-important Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony that took place on the banks of the River Seine. How do we know? Well, the update from NYPD counterterrorism’s X handle in 2024 announced that the Opening Ceremony that brings the world’s greatest athletes together in Paris was to be secured by NYPD’s dogs Gunner & Davie and their human partners, who shall bring their expertise to the scene.
But different people remembered Gunner for different reasons. Another one chimed in with, “I’m gutted by the loss of this most perfect boy….sending Mike love xoxo.” Of course, this must be an incredibly difficult time for Mike. Gunner’s Instagram handle is a breathing travel diary, showing that the two made the most of even the smallest moments in life. Be it decking the furry friend up with a hat and shades for a stay-at-home St. Patrick’s Day celebration or spending ‘another Christmas in the trenches‘ quietly at home, they were each other’s best companions. But all that’s left now is a void.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/80885630_2665320433545207_7949773042542588740_n-e1739173560335.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Naturally, all those who stumbled across the post could not leave without leaving a good thought. “This news is so sad. Good luck to you Mike. A big thought for Gunner.” Just a silent wish helps sail through a difficult time too, right? However, others acknowledged how Gunner spectacularly fulfilled the difficult responsibilities of being a police dog. “Mike, there are no words pal. Dogs are the best and Gunnar was one of the elite! Our family is gonna miss him whether at work or home. Me and Michele are heartbroken for uou.“
Let’s take the Paris Olympics as an example. It was the largest event that France, as a country, had ever hosted. And naturally, all the eyes of the world were going to be on the French. In such a crucial time, Gunner was trusted to be part of the international effort to secure the city and was part of security sweeps, which was exceptional.
And not just that, Gunner also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. His Instagram handle flaunts multiple pictures of posing with the healthcare workers at the Good Samaritan University Hospital during the pandemic phase. Also, not to mention, he was a stress reliever for those who followed him online. Thus, the news of his loss garnered a response from one of the responders who wrote, “Nooooo. This dog was my favorite thing to see outside my old job during the COVID days. Rest easy gunner.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Go to Gunner’s Instagram handle and you’ll know exactly why another person wrote, “His beauty definitely stood out. RIP Gunner.“ Be it causally posing at Times Square, spending a hot summer day in the park, or going from a 10k run with Michael, Gunner was all about the adventure. Oh, he loved the outdoors! Unfortunately, his loss leaves this void in our hearts as we’ll miss watching him pull off a stylish scarf around his neck or be his ferocious self on duty!
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
ADVERTISEMENT
Debate
What are your thoughts on the emotional bond between officers and their K9 partners like Gunner?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
What’s your perspective on:
What are your thoughts on the emotional bond between officers and their K9 partners like Gunner?
Have an interesting take?