EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KKTV) – The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) announced K9 Mako, a 5-year-old dual-purpose German Shepherd, has died Wednesday.
EPSO said K9 Mako was diagnosed with a “rare and aggressive” form of cancer and following his diagnosis, he was medically retired from service. This allowed him to spend his remaining time at home with his handler and his family.
“His final days were filled with treats, belly rubs, and time with those who loved him,” EPSO said in a social media post.
EPSO welcomed K9 Mako to the team in July 2025 after his career with the Fountain Police Department, where he served from April 2023 through May 2025.
During his time at EPSO, the sheriff’s office said K9 Mako assisted with 19 drug searches, contributing to the seizure of more than one pound of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine.
K9 Mako also helped secure two peaceful surrenders, EPSO said, participated in a large-scale field research and performed duties assigned to the Specialized Patrol Unit.
Before joining the sheriff’s office, EPSO said K9 Mako was deployed 85 times for narcotics detection with the Fountain Police Department. His work resulted in 71 seizures and 42 arrests, including the recovery of about 187 grams of methamphetamine, 25 fentanyl pills, seven grams of cocaine and one gram of heroin.
K9 Mako also completed four patrol deployments, assisted with three arrests, located two firearms and helped locate four individuals.
“Mako was an exceptional K9 and a valued member of our Sheriff’s Office family,” El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal, said. “Although his time with our agency was far too short, he made an impact through his service, his dedication, and his partnership with Deputy Richardson.”
K9 Mako was born on June 24, 2021, when he was imported from the Czech Republic by Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania, EPSO said. He achieved national certification in patrol and narcotics through the National Police Canine Association.
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