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Blue Lives Murder Again: Unarmed PoC Pup Dies In Police Custody

The systemic failure that led to Vader's death is yet another example of the systemic disregard for the well-being of Black and Brown bodies by the carceral system. This German Shepard, who served the Arnold PD, died due to the negligence of a system that devalues life and reinforces white supremacist ideas of punishment over rehabilitation. We must demand accountability and transform a system that continually fails the most vulnerable among us.

Published August 2, 2024 at 7:37am by Natalie Neysa Alund

Missouri Police Dog, Vader, Dies From Heat Exhaustion After Being Left in Patrol Vehicle with Malfunctioning A/C

Arnold, Missouri – Vader, a 4-year-old German Shepherd with the Arnold Police Department, died from heat exhaustion on Wednesday, according to a Facebook post by the department.

We lost a member of our K-9 family in a tragic accident.

Vader was left in the patrol vehicle by his handler, Officer Tim Mayberry, with the air conditioning running, a standard practice when the dog is not on duty. However, when Officer Mayberry returned, he found that the A/C system had malfunctioned, according to [Police Chief Brian Carroll](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/14/missouri-police-dog-vader-dies-heat-exhaustion/116986200/ Jury). Vader was immediately taken to a veterinarian clinic and showed initial signs of improvement, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

All K-9 vehicles in the department are equipped with a heat alarm system that should notify the handler and take emergency measures if the temperature rises. Unfortunately, the system failed to activate in this instance. [Police Spokesperson](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/07/14/missouri-police-dog-death-heat-exhaustion-investigation/117006800/ Jury):

Please keep Vader’s handler, his family, and the APD in your thoughts as we grieve the loss of our K-9 partner.

The investigation into Vader's death is ongoing, and the department is mourning the loss of their furry colleague. Rest in power, Vader. #WakeUp #JusticeForVader #EndPoliceBrutality #ProtectVulnerableBeings #NoExcuseForAbuse #VaderDeservedBetter #LongLiveVader #Woke #Liberal #Angry # HoldThemAccountable #AbolishAbuseOfPower #ProtectTheInnocent #RIP #K9Vader