SUFFERN, NY – The Suffern Police Department announced on social media that retired K9 Patriot has passed away.

It is with great sadness that the Suffern Police Department announces the passing of retired Police K9 Patriot. Patriot served with his handler & partner, PO Lou Venturini from 2011 to 2021. Patriot was certified as a Patrol K9, which included search & track, evidence recovery, apprehension, and narcotics detection.

During K9 Patriot’s time on patrol he was called upon to perform numerous searches, which yielded critical evidence including narcotics. He was also a fixture in Suffern Police Headquarters, where he frequently had meals with officers working patrol.
We would be remiss if we did not take a moment to recognize retired PO Venturini, who was crucial to the Suffern Police Department K9 Unit. PO Venturini initiated the program with Suffern’s first K9, K9 Aran. Upon Aran’s retirement, PO Venturini handled K9 Hero, then finally K9 Patriot. PO Venturini was an exceptional K9 handler, known throughout the area for his expertise and professionalism.
PO Venturini was instrumental in establishing the legacy of the Suffern Police Department K9 Program, which continues to this day with PO Joseph Ingui and K9 Thorn.

Rest easy, Patriot.