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Nominate a Hero · $5

Explore the Map All Heroes Latest Heroes How It Works Guidelines Nominate a Hero · $5

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Animal HeroAnimal

K9 Spike

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Burbank police dog gave his life to protect officers during a dangerous manhunt

K9 Spike, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois with the Burbank Police Department, was fatally shot on November 22, 2025, while tracking an armed suspect who had fled a traffic stop into a residential neighborhood. When Spike located the gunman, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding the dog. A public memorial drew hundreds of officers and community members to Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters on December 3, 2025, where Police Chief Rafael Quintero honored Spike's sacrifice, saying his actions "ensured the safety of each one of our officers that night" and that his "legacy will remain with us always." Investigators credited Spike with protecting officers from harm. He was the first California police dog killed in the line of duty in over two years.

Honored by Map of Heroes — recognized here from public reporting. How we choose editorial honorees

Added June 12, 2026

Spotlight

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Featured nomination normally $20.

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