Fallen deputy's namesake K-9 keeps crime-fighting legacy alive

A Pierce County K-9 is keeping his namesake's legacy alive.

Deputy Daniel McCartney was killed in the line of duty just over a year ago. Now, K-9 Dan is hunting bad guys in Pierce County.

In a week, he’s helped capture eight criminals.

The streak started on an unforgettable day, Jan. 8, exactly one year after McCartney was killed in the line of duty.

“The morning of the anniversary of Dan's passing, we were able to get a capture that morning,” said Deputy Luke Baker, K-9 Dan’s handler. "It was a little bit of a tearjerker for us… The boys had mentioned that it was dad's heaven birthday, and so he probably had a little bit to do with it."

Baker and McCartney were close friends and partners in Pierce County’s Mountain Detachment for more than three years.

McCartney's sons asked to name the department's newest K-9 after their dad.

“It's been tough this last year, but just having the dog around and knowing his namesake is still catching bad guys (helps),” said Baker.

Baker got K-9 Dan right after McCartney's passing. They trained for months and started working the streets together in May. This month, they've been unstoppable.

K-9 Dan has helped track down suspects connected to stabbings, robberies and domestic violence situations in areas spanning from Lakewood to Bonney Lake.

"The type of deputy Dan was, he was very proactive, he was very hardworking, very strong, enjoyed hunting and finding bad guys, just like K-9 Dan,” said Baker. "I'm happy to say Dan is still catching bad guys in Pierce County."

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