The United States has lost its most celebrated canine hero, a Belgian Malinois named Hurricane. The 15-year-old dog, who served more than ten years with the Secret Service, passed away recently. Renowned for his bravery and loyalty, Hurricane gained national fame in 2014 when he tackled an intruder at the White House.
The intruder, Dominic Adesanya, had managed to breach the White House gate and was on the North Lawn. Initially, he was confronted by another Secret Service dog, Jordan. However, when that didn't stop him, Hurricane leapt into action, successfully subduing Adesanya. This heroic act occurred while former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama were in the White House, watching a movie just a short distance away.
Despite sustaining injuries to his legs and hips during the incident, Hurricane showed remarkable resilience. His handler, Marshall Mirarchi, recalled how Hurricane bravely persisted despite the severe beating he received.
Starting his service in 2009, Hurricane was a special operations canine in the Secret Service from 2012 to 2016. His exceptional bravery earned him several awards, including the Award for Meritorious Service from the Secret Service in 2014, the Secretary's Award for Valor from the Department of Homeland Security in 2015, and the Distinguished Service Medal in 2022.
Upon his retirement in 2016, following the injuries he incurred during the 2014 attack, Hurricane was adopted by Mirarchi. He was lauded for embodying the Secret Service's core values: Duty, Honor, Loyalty, Justice, and Courage.
Mirarchi paid tribute to Hurricane's unique qualities, noting that despite the ferocity he displayed on duty, he was an incredibly loving and gentle soul at home. Before his passing, Hurricane had the opportunity to visit the White House one last time and bid farewell to his former team. His legacy as a true American hero will be remembered for years to come.