MCSO Announces The Passing Of K-9 Gunner

Monmouth County: It is with deep regret that the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of K-9 Gunner, beloved partner of Sgt. Kurt Kroeper. The nine-year-old Labrador retriever, who specialized in narcotics detection, passed away unexpectedly on December 7, after being diagnosed with cancer.

“Gunner was an outstanding member of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “He had an important role in combatting the proliferation of drugs in Monmouth County. Gunner will be missed and never forgotten for his unwavering loyalty and commitment to the job.”

Gunner came to the sheriff’s office upon graduating from US K-9 Unlimited in Louisiana. He began service in 2015 with Sgt. Kroeper and was due to retire soon. Throughout the course of their work, Sgt Kroeper and Gunner seized an excess of more than three million dollars in cash, a result of numerous drug investigations. The K-9 team also located a significant amount of narcotics including heroin, cocaine and marijuana, which led to the arrests of hundreds of individuals. Gunner was a familiar face throughout Monmouth County as he and Sgt. Kroeper conducted K-9 demos at schools and community events throughout the year.

“Gunner and I shared a special bond, we worked together, lived together and protected one another,” said Sgt. Kurt Kroeper. “I’m grateful to have had such an incredible partner by my side for the past nine years.”

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit presently consists of 8 sheriff’s officers/K-9 handlers and dogs which include one narcotics detection team, two explosive detection teams, two patrol/explosive and three tracking teams.

Please see the tribute to Gunner throughout the years.