One of the Secret Service’s greatest assets is its K-9 units. The teams consist of highly-trained Belgian Malinois and their handlers, who together, detect and prevent threats while providing the highest levels of protection to the country’s political leaders. One K-9 hero, Hurricane, was recognized for his immense bravery when protecting President Obama and the first family from an intruder who jumped the White House fence.
Retired U.S. Secret Service Special Operations Officer and Hurricane’s Handler Marshall Mirarchi discusses how he became involved in the Secret Service’s K-9 SWAT unit, the story of Hurricane’s heroism, and how his nonprofit organization, K-9 Hurricane’s Heroes, works to ensure subsidized veterinary care to retired law enforcement and military dogs.
Recognized for the fearlessness exhibited when protecting the President, Hurricane received honors including the Secret Service’s Award for Meritorious Service, the Department of Homeland Security’s Secretary’s Award for Valor, the Animal Medical Center in New York City’s Top Dog Award, and Great Britain’s PDSA Order of Merit. Hurricane was also awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, making him the first dog to ever receive the award.
After retiring from the Secret Service, Marshall Mirarchi founded K-9 Hurricane’s Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Handlers with the financial resources needed to ensure that retired law enforcement and military dogs receive medical care after their retirement.
Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno
