Hawai‘i Police Department honors life, service of K9 Archer with private memorial

Hawai‘i Police Department had a private memorial service Sept. 30 at the Police Memorial Wall in Hilo to honor the life and service of K9 officer Archer, a valued member of the department’s Vice Section that died at the beginning of September.

“Archer was more than a working dog,” said Interim Hawai‘i Police Department Chief Reed Mahuna said during the ceremony, according to a police department release. “He was a partner and protector who played an important role in keeping dangerous drugs off our streets. Everyone who knew Archer could see his drive and his heart.”

The K9 officer was deployed 169 times and conducted more than 3,200 screenings throughout his 5-year career.

Archer’s work directly supported Vice operations that resulted in:

• Nearly 26.4 pounds of methamphetamine.
• More than 1 pound of heroin.
• Nearly 3 pounds of cocaine.
• More than 194 pounds of marijuana.
• 95 grams of illicit fentanyl, enough to potentially kill 47,500 people.
• $77,360 in cash tied to drug activity.

“When he was working, Archer was laser-focused,” Capt. Edwin Buyten of the Vice Section said during the memorial service, according to the police release. “Off duty, he had a playful side and loved chasing tennis balls.”

Tuesday’s ceremony was limited to police personnel, invited dignitaries, K9 handlers and guest speakers.

Archer died Sept. 4 after being left unattended in a police vehicle. Administrative and criminal investigations into the circumstances of his death are ongoing.

Mahuna acknowledged the community’s concern surrounding Archer’s death.

“The loss of Archer has deeply affected our department and our community,” he said. “We remain committed to transparency, and as soon as we are legally able, we will provide an update on the outcome of the investigations.”

Hawai‘i Police Department thanks the community for its support as it mourns the loss of a loyal and dedicated K9 officer.