New York State Police Mourn the Loss of Dedicated Member

The New York State Police have announced the passing of one of its retired K9s.

The New York State Police (NYSP) has confirmed that one of its retired canines has sadly passed away at the age of 13½.

New York State Police Mourn Loss

A recent post on the NYSP Facebook page confirmed that retired K9 Wilder passed away on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025.

"With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of retired K9 Wilder, who died on August 5, 2025, at the age of 13½."

 

The post stated that Wilder, who was trained in narcotics detection, cadaver searches, and tracking, passed away from an age-related illness. Wilder faithfully served alongside Zone Sergeant Mark E. Buzzard from 2013 to 2016 and was a "valuable partner and asset to Troop D," according to the post.

New York State Police K9 Wilder Remembered

K9 Wilder was one of the approximately 85 canines working in the NYSP, who each have the honor of being named after a NYS Trooper who was killed in the line of duty. K9 Wilder was proudly named in honor of Trooper Carl T. Wilder, who was killed in the line of duty in 1928 while serving in Troop K.

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K9 Wilder is the second K9 member of the NYSP K9 division that has passed away this year. Back in May, we learned that retired K9 Longo passed away at the age of 11. Longo, who served for years alongside retired Trooper Carl W. Parow, was named in honor of Trooper Joseph A. Longobardo, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on September 3, 2006, while pursuing an escaped convict.

Thank you for your service, K9 Wilder and K9 Longo. You will not be forgotten!