Fairfax Police Dog K9 Silas Dies After Multi-Year Cancer Battle

FAIRFAX, VA — K9 Silas, who came to the Fairfax County Police Department in 2013 as a puppy with is brother K9 Bolt, died of cancer Saturday, according to a post on the department's Facebook page. After receiving a year of training, the brothers joined the force together as K9 officers.

After being diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 2020, Silas began receiving radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He responded well to the treatments, living beyond the veterinarian's expectations, according to the Facebook post. He continued doing what police say he loved to do the most, tracking down critically missing persons.

"On Saturday morning, Silas's journey with cancer came to an end," the Facebook post said. "His handler knew he had run his last track and could do no more. We are grateful for the countless families he helped reunite and the smiles he brought to so many faces. Thank you for your service, K9 Silas."