Murrieta Department Mourns Passing Of K-9 Officer Kazan

MURRIETA, CA — The Murrieta Police Department announced the passing of their beloved former K-9 officer Kazan, retired since 2019.

Kazan was a German Shepard born in Slovakia. He joined the Murrieta Police Department as an 18-month-old puppy in 2011, partnered with Murrieta Police Sgt. Jay Elliott.

Elliott and Kazan worked as a team until Kazan's retirement in 2019.

"During his career Kazan worked hard for the citizens of Murrieta and took part in the apprehension and arrest of numerous suspects," a department spokesperson said over social media.

Kazan was second to none in narcotics detection and was frequently called upon by allied agencies to assist with narcotics searches.

"He was instrumental in locating narcotics all across Southern California," the department reported. He also was adept at doing demonstrations of the K-9 cops for local Murrieta businesses and schools. He also competed annually at the Murrieta K-9 trials, which draws officers from across the state.

"K-9 Kazan was a loyal partner and a faithful servant to the citizens of Murrieta," the department said in their announcement. "K-9 Kazan will be missed by all."