Maine
'Profound reminder' of courage: Maine police K-9 shot, killed in the line of duty
A Maine man was killed by authorities after fatally shooting a Maine State Police (MSP) K-9 named “Preacher” in the line of duty.
The 4-year-old Belgian Malinois was killed on Monday during a tactical team operation in Portage.
Preacher and his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell, were deployed to a domestic dispute that led to an armed standoff involving 29-year-old Steven Righini, who shot an Aroostook deputy, according to a statement from MSP.
Preacher, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed on Monday during a tactical team operation in Maine. (Maine State Police)
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The standoff lasted several hours before Righini attempted to flee the home around 8 p.m., according to the statement.
Officials said Preacher was shot in the abdomen after being deployed to apprehend Righini.
Following the shooting, Righini was engaged by Sgt. Russell and specialist Andrew Hardy, who returned fire, according to MSP. Righini was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preacher, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed on Monday during a tactical team operation in Maine. (Maine State Police)
Preacher was immediately rushed to an emergency veterinary clinic in Presque Isle, where he underwent surgery, according to authorities. Despite the efforts of veterinary staff, he died early Tuesday.
He was surrounded by Russell and several members of the tactical team when he passed, MSP wrote.
“K-9 Preacher was more than just a working dog—he was a dedicated partner, a protector, and a hero,” said MSP Col. William Ross. “Most people will never understand the sacrifices made by our K-9 teams, but last night, Preacher made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others from harm.”
Maine State Police shared the loss of K-9 Preacher on social media on Tuesday. (Maine State Police)
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Russell and Preacher attended the MSP K-9 Patrol School in Fall 2023, where they became a certified patrol team, according to the statement. The pair served the greater Southern Field Troop area and the MSP Tactical Team.
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“The Maine State Police extends its heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Jonathan Russell and the entire K-9 Unit,” MSP wrote. “The loss of Preacher is a profound reminder of the courage and dedication of our law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners.”
The Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition says over the past two weeks its immigrant defense hotline has seen an uptick in reported ICE detentions.
They say this corresponds with a national shift in ICE activity, including bids for local businesses to cooperate with ICE.
In Maine, the arrests follow a broader trend of targeting Black and brown immigrants, including people navigating immigration proceedings.
The coalition, which represents more than 100 organizations, says it’s ready to protect civil and human rights and is urging immigrants to prepare themselves and their families.
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They suggest having the defense hotline ready in case you witness ICE activity, making sure you have important personal documents in case of detention, and reviewing rights around judicial warrants in private spaces, like your home or workplace.
It wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without a stop at the florist.
According to Fox Business, about 154 million flowers are sold during the week of Mother’s Day. So it’s safe to say it was a busy day for stores like Estabrook’s Maine Garden Center and Nursery.
Plenty of families stopped by to pick out flowers on Sunday, looking to choose the perfect bouquet for their moms.
“I think Mother’s Day is tradition, you know, and so it’s great to see families here. We have a lot of new families that have come today for the first time with their young children and their mother. Watching the young kids and seeing how excited they are—their eyes light up at all the beautiful flowers,” Tom Estabrook, president of Estabrook’s, said.
Estabrook says Mother’s Day tends to be a great kickoff to the spring season.
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