Belgian Malinois Hurricane Remembered for Heroism and Loyalty to Secret Service

The Belgian Malinois, Hurricane, was celebrated for his courageous actions in protecting President Barack Obama and his family after an intruder breached the White House fence in 2014.

Hurricane gained fame over a decade ago when he apprehended a man who jumped the White House fence. As a Secret Service canine, Hurricane clamped his jaws onto the intruder's arm despite being kicked and punched. His firm grip allowed authorities to detain the suspect.

Hurricane's owner, Marshall Mirarchi, who was on duty that night as a Secret Service officer, expressed his deep bond with Hurricane, saying, "I basically had a dog that was willing to die for me."

Recently, Mirarchi mourned the loss of Hurricane, who passed away in Alexandria, Virginia, on February 12 at the age of 15. Since the 2014 incident, Mirarchi has honored Hurricane's loyalty by providing him with bacon-flavored treats and creating a nonprofit organization in his name to fund veterinary care for retired law enforcement and military dogs.

During his service, Hurricane, who retired in 2016, received multiple national and international awards, earning the status of the most decorated K-9 in U.S. history according to the White House.

Mirarchi described Hurricane as a versatile dog, capable of being fiercely protective yet affectionate. Hurricane joined the Secret Service's K-9 unit in November 2012 after extensive training focused on various security skills.

On October 22, 2014, at age 6, Hurricane responded to an intruder. The suspect, 23-year-old Dominic Adesanya, was subdued by Hurricane, who left the confrontation with injuries of his own. Despite being cleared by veterinarians the following day, Hurricane was never quite the same.

Adesanya was sentenced in 2015 for his actions, having claimed he wished to discuss spying devices in his home with President Obama while facing challenges from mental illness.

In recognition of their bravery, Hurricane and Mirarchi received the Secretary's Award for Valor from the Department of Homeland Security in November 2015. Hurricane retired in September 2016 due to health issues but continued to receive support for his medical needs.

Mirarchi, who left the Secret Service in 2017, established K9 Hurricane's Heroes, enabling retired K-9s to access free veterinary care. Over the years, Hurricane participated in numerous charity events while touched the lives of many.

In addition to various accolades, including the British veterinary charity's Order of Merit, Hurricane was posthumously honored with a Distinguished Service Medal in March 2022.

Hurricane's final journey included a heartfelt farewell at the White House, where he was honored by former colleagues. While Mirarchi has kept details of Hurricane's passing private, he affirmed his commitment to sharing Hurricane's story for years to come.

"I want his story to live on," Mirarchi stated. "If I keep telling his story, then he's always still here."