Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com

K9 Bandit crosses the rainbow bridge

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office shared on Monday morning that they are mourning the loss of a beloved agency K9, Bandit.

The nine-year-old Malinois had worked with handler/owner Deputy Joel McLaughlin for seven years before passing. Deptuy McLaughlin chose Bandit from Von Liche Kennels in August 2017 and began training together right away. After 10 weeks of training with the Wichita Police Department K9 Section, they were certified by the Kansas Highway Patrol in October 2017.

Bandit’s training didn’t stop there – he went on to become certified with the Kansas Police Dog Association, most recently as a dual-purpose patrol dog this past April.

The duo worked together at the Andover Police Department, (APD), from August 2017-September 2023. From there, Bandit was purchased from APD by the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and placed with Deputy McLaughlin in December 2023. He remained on the Sheriff’s force until his passing on May 18, 2025.

It was reported that Deputy McLaughlin had gone out to give Bandit his breakfast for the morning when he found him unresponsive, passing away from natural causes.

The bond between a K9 and their handler is very close and deep. This loss of life comes as a huge devastation for the agency, Deputy McLaughlin, and his family members who also loved the K9 dearly. The family has decided to proceed with a private burial for Bandit and request privacy during this difficult time.