A Maine man was killed by authorities after fatally shooting a Maine State Police (MSP) K-9 named “Preacher” in the line of duty.

The 4-year-old Belgian Malinois was killed on Monday during a tactical team operation in Portage. 

Preacher and his handler, Sgt. Jonathan Russell, were deployed to a domestic dispute that led to an armed standoff involving 29-year-old Steven Righini, who shot an Aroostook deputy, according to a statement from MSP.

Preacher, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, was killed on Monday during a tactical team operation in Maine. (Maine State Police)

Russell and Preacher attended the MSP K-9 Patrol School in Fall 2023, where they became a certified patrol team, according to the statement. The pair served the greater Southern Field Troop area and the MSP Tactical Team. 

“The Maine State Police extends its heartfelt condolences to Sgt. Jonathan Russell and the entire K-9 Unit,” MSP wrote. “The loss of Preacher is a profound reminder of the courage and dedication of our law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners.”