DEPARTMENT: Fairfield Police Dept.
CERTIFIED IN: Tracking & Narcotics
BREED: German Shepherd
YEARS OF SERVICE: 2017-2021
FAVORITE TOY OR TREAT: Ball on a Rope
NEW FOUND HOBBY IN RETIREMENT:

BIO:

K9 Jake proudly served the Fairfield Police Department as a dual-purpose Narcotics and Tracking K9. But his mission extended far beyond traditional police work. Named in honor of USMC Lance Corporal Jake Pettit — a Fairfield native and combat veteran who tragically lost his battle with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) in 2016 — K9 Jake became a living tribute and powerful symbol of awareness.

Born from the vision of Jake’s close friend Nick Mazurok and carried forward by Sergeant Hector Irizarry, a veteran and father to three military sons, the “K9 Jake PTS Awareness Project” was created to honor Jake’s legacy and continue his mission of helping others. With support from The Hometown Foundation and Miller Motorcars, K9 Jake joined the department in 2017 and quickly became certified in narcotics detection. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Jake and his handlers — first Sergeant Irizarry and later Officer Daniel Chase, also a veteran — dedicated themselves to sharing Jake Pettit’s story and raising awareness about the 22 veterans lost each day to suicide.

Badge #22 and Car #22 were more than identifiers — they were a daily reminder of a mission rooted in remembrance, hope, and healing.

As Foundation Dog #2 under Harlow’s Heroes, K9 Jake’s legacy continues to shine a light on the hidden wounds of service and the heroes we must never forget.