10/04/2026
EOW- Retired HPD K-9 Axe
August 4, 2014 – October 3, 2026
It is with profound respect and deep sadness that we honor the life and service of K-9 Axe, born Apacs v. Haus Gilice, on August 4, 2014, in Romania.
At two years of age, Axe was imported to the United States and began his law-enforcement training at the K-9 Training Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. In April 2017, he was partnered with his handler and given the name by which he would become known throughout his distinguished career: Axe.
In May 2017, Axe and his handler successfully completed their certification and returned to Hamilton, Alabama, where Axe began his service as a police K-9. He was certified in narcotics detection, tracking, and apprehension.
Axe faithfully served the citizens of Hamilton, Marion County, and surrounding communities. Throughout his career, he worked alongside municipal, state, and federal law-enforcement agencies, contributing to more than 200 arrests and numerous investigations, with much of his work involving the detection of illegal narcotics.
Axe’s service extended far beyond statistics and arrest numbers. He was a highly trained law-enforcement partner whose abilities, courage, and unwavering loyalty made him an invaluable member of the team.
He worked long shifts, searched difficult locations, tracked suspects, assisted officers during dangerous apprehensions, and responded whenever his service was needed. On multiple occasions, Axe’s actions helped protect his handler and fellow officers from harm.
To his handler, Axe was more than a K-9.
He was a partner.
He was a protector.
He was a trusted friend.
Together, they experienced the successes that come with police work, the difficult calls that remain long after a shift has ended, and the moments when their training and trust in one another mattered most. Through every assignment and every challenge, Axe remained steadfast at his handler’s side.
Axe earned the respect of the law-enforcement community and became well known throughout Marion County and the surrounding area. His reputation was built through years of dedicated service, discipline, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the mission.
While his work brought him into contact with many officers and agencies, his greatest partnership was with the handler who stood beside him from the beginning of his career until the end.
The bond between a K-9 and his handler is unlike any other in law enforcement. It is built through countless hours of training, shared experiences, complete trust, and an understanding that often requires no words. Axe and his handler exemplified that bond.
On October 3, 2026, Axe’s watch came to an end.
The members of the law-enforcement community, his handler and family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him will forever remember his service and sacrifice.
Axe gave his all in service to others. His legacy will live on through the officers he worked beside, the communities he helped protect, and the countless lives made safer through his work.
K-9 Axe, your service was honorable.
Your loyalty was unwavering.
Your contribution was significant.
Your presence will never be forgotten.
Rest easy, partner.
Your watch is over.
K-9 Axe
End of Watch — October 3, 2026
-Lieutenant Webb
