K-9 Sam, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, who died on the job last year from heat-related illnesses, according to a 2025 Facebook post from the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, will be honored this year at an event in Washington, D.C.

The National Police Dog Foundation is hosting the National Police K9 Memorial Service on May 11, 2026, at 1 p.m., at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, located at 450 F St. NW in Washington, D.C.

Lexington County’s K-9 Sam is one of 23 police dogs from across the country who died in 2025 who will be honored at this event.

According to 2025 reporting from the Chronicle, Sam was rushed to the vet by his handler, Deputy McKenzie Saunders, “as soon as he noticed the dog was in distress after a training track,” the Facebook post from the department read, adding that as a result, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department would be “evaluating our K-9 training program.”

Sam had started serving in early 2025 and died on July 8, 2025.

“Though early in his career, [K-9 Sam] was already more than just a partner to his handler, Deputy Saunders. Sam was a trusted teammate and a protector. His loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” the July 11 post continued. “Please keep Deputy Saunders and our K-9 unit in your thoughts as they mourn the loss of a partner and friend. Rest easy, K-9 Sam. We are forever grateful for your faithful service.”