Retired Springfield Police Officer K9 Mr. Warner to be Honored in Washington, D.C.!
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, Springfield Police Department Officer Eric Blair and family, representatives from American Medical Respince (AMR), retired Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood, and the Springfield Police Department joined on Thursday to congratulate retired SPD K9 Mr. Warner on being selected as a 2025 Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medalist.
Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced today that retired Springfield Police K9 Mr. Warner will be honored at the Fifth Annual Animals in War & Peace Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 11th and presented with the prestigious Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal.
Members of Congress will present the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal to three exemplary canines in recognition of their exceptionally meritorious service to the U.S. in a duty of great responsibility – whether on the home front or war front.
Mr. Warner and his handler Springfield Police K9 Officer Eric Blair, worked together for eight years before the K9 retired in 2021. In addition to assisting in hundreds of arrests, Mr. Warner helped train more than three hundred members of American Medical Response (AMR) to help pass Nero’s Law that allows EMT’s to respond to K9’s wounded in the line of duty. Named by students at the Warner School, Mr. Warner also worked in support of Dakota’s Law, which would provide medical coverage for retired K9’s in Massachusetts.
The Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal is awarded by Members of Congress and presented to animals distinguished by their exceptionally meritorious service to the United States in a duty of great responsibility – whether on the home front or war front. Three distinguished canines will be awarded this year, including Mr. Warner - Springfield, MA Police Department (2014-2021).
The fifth Animals in War & Peace Medal Ceremony will recognize and honor unsung animal heroes for their accomplishments in both war and peace in Washington, D.C. on March 11, 2025. The Medal Ceremony is hosted by the non-profit Angels Without Wings, Inc./Animals in War & Peace, The Livingood Group, and US War Dogs Association and continues to underscore America’s appreciation of the sacrifices and heroics of our American animals who served our country. Both the Animals in War & Peace Medal of Bravery and the Animals in War & Peace Distinguished Service Medal will be presented in 2025. The four Medal of Bravery recipients will be awarded posthumously. K9 Warner and will be present at the ceremony in March to receive his medal.
Superintendent Akers stated, “Mr. Warner has left a legacy in our department and across the Commonwealth. He is the definition of a working dog, even leading our officers to an armed suspect on his very last shift. He is deserving of this honor and truly set a standard of excellence that will be difficult to match.”
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “First of all, congratulations to K9 ‘Mr. Warner’ on another national recognition and I’m not surprised. Mr. Warner had a highly successful career working with K9 Officer Eric Blair and our SPD – boy are they a dynamic duo! Mr. Warner assisted in hundreds of arrests in his career, including firearms cases, narcotics cases, armed robberies and break-ins. Mr. Warner has also assisted numerous surrounding agencies in their investigations, including the Massachusetts State Police, with missing persons searches and other investigations. Though he retired from official service, Mr. Warner continues to volunteer to help emergency responders get trained on the Nero Law. I am deeply grateful to K9 Mr. Warner and all our brave and dedicated ‘men and women and K9s in blue’ for what they do day in and day out to keep us safe. Thank you and Godspeed.”
About Mr. Warner
Springfield, MA Police Department (2014-2021); Belgian Malinois/Shepherd mix
Mr. Warner assisted in hundreds of arrests in his 8-year career, including but not limited to over 30 firearms cases, narcotics cases, armed robberies, and assisted multiple law enforcement agencies, including the MA State Police. He is the most decorated K9 in the history of his department, and has received multiple local and national awards throughout his career. Mr. Warner also assisted in training over 300 members of American Medical Response (AMR) to help pass Nero’s Law, a Massachusetts law that allows EMTs to respond to K9s wounded in the line of duty. He also worked in support of Dakota’s Law, a bill which would provide medical coverage for retired K9s in Massachusetts. Although he is retired from the Department, K9 Mr. Warner continues to serve his community in a voluntary capacity.
Mr. Warner got his unique name after a Warner School 5th grader won an essay contest to name the department's K9 and chose his school’s name. Officer Blair added the “Mr.” to his K9 partner's name to add a more approachable and distinguished ring to it.
