SOUTH TOMS RIVER – A police K9 is back home and expected to make a full recovery after a medical crisis prompted a coordinated response from law enforcement, emergency medical crews, aviation personnel and veterinary teams.
K9 Loki was participating in a training exercise Monday afternoon with his handler, Sgt. William Kosh Jr., when the dog suddenly became seriously ill, according to the South Toms River Police Department.
Loki was rushed to Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Toms River, where staff provided emergency treatment and stabilized him. Veterinarians later determined that Loki needed to be transferred immediately to Red Bank Veterinary Hospital for advanced specialty care and emergency intervention.
South Toms River Police K9 Handler Dominick Palino contacted Toms River Police K9 Handler Christopher Inglis for assistance. Officials then requested activation of the K9 Kona Medevac Protocol through the New Jersey State Police.
The urgent transport required cooperation among numerous agencies and medical professionals. Those involved included the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center and Aviation Bureau, the JEMSTAR SouthSTAR flight team, Toms River police dispatchers, EMS community service officers and K9 handlers.
Silverton EMS, the Silverton Fire Department, Robert Wood Johnson EMS and RWJBarnabas Health paramedics also assisted with the response.
Police credited the veterinary teams at both hospitals with providing the immediate and advanced care Loki needed.
“Monday, it was our turn to show up for Loki,” the department said, noting that participants worked across jurisdictional and agency lines with a shared mission of getting the police dog to the appropriate medical facility.
Officials also recognized the close relationship between Loki and Kosh, describing police dogs and their handlers as partners and family members whose bond extends well beyond their work shifts.
After undergoing treatment, Loki returned home to rest. Police said he is expected to make a complete recovery.
