The Parsons Police Department mourns the unexpected loss of beloved K9 Karim. On August 21, 2023, after working a 12-hour night shift with Officer Devin Wisdom, K9 Karim was put in his kennel, and tended to as usual. Karim was checked on during the day, and after waking, Officer Wisdom found Karim unresponsive and deceased.

Officer Wisdom is devastated at the unexpected loss, as well as the department members who have worked closely with Karim since 2021. Karim was a 4-year-old Belgium Malinois and was trained in tracking and narcotics detection. Karim was an instrumental member of the department and the inaugural member of the Parsons K9 Program.

Karim will be sent to Kansas State University School of Veterinarian Medicine for a full autopsy to determine the cause of his passing. The Parsons Police Department will be conducting a joint investigation with the Labette County Sheriff's Department into this matter to better understand the details of the incident. The Parsons Police Department is also looking to partner with the Kansas Police Dog Association for guidance in the investigation.

Details about Karim's memorial and internment will be released after the autopsy results are returned.