Press Release

J.J., the Salt Lake City Police Department’s first bloodhound, was diagnosed over a year ago with a malignant melanoma in his mouth. He was handled by K9 Officer Mike Serio for almost nine years. J.J. underwent aggressive treatment in New York City, to not only save his life, but also to prolong his career as a Police Service Dog. 

J.J.’s health declined during the past couple of weeks, and his handler recently discovered that his cancer had returned. In the early morning hours of Thursday, March 13, 2008, J.J. succumbed to his cancer. 

J.J. and Officer Serio are responsible for the apprehension of close to 300 wanted people during J.J.’s almost nine years of service to the Police Department. Since he was first diagnosed with cancer, J.J. has apprehended close to 50 suspects, with his longest track reaching almost three miles. 

J.J. is one of three bloodhounds to work with the Salt Lake City Police Department. His handler pioneered the bloodhound urban tracking program in Utah. Due to the success of this program, the Salt Lake City Police Department has since added two more bloodhounds to their K9 team. Since that time two other Salt Lake Valley agencies have added bloodhounds to their K9 teams, and others are looking to follow suit. 

K9 Officer Mike Serio appreciates the support J.J. has received over the past year from the media and members of the community. At this time he would appreciate his privacy.