A 'Furry Member' Who Was Part of Secret Service Protected a Former U.S. President and His Family From an Intruder

Dogs could be a man's best friend as well as protectors when the need arises. The world witnessed it firsthand with startling news that came out of the White House in 2014. The news carried a story of bravery that reverberated throughout America, stated IFL Science. 

Hurricane, a Belgian Malinois was a canine employed with the U.S. Secret Service. His first tryst with fame happened as a member of the canine team that won in the Olympics. Later he was brought on as part of protective arrangements for former U.S. President Barack Obama. It was here that he showed his bravado when he tackled an intruder. The then-president and his family were at home when a man tried to make a run for the front door of the White House. The attack made by Hurricane was crucial as the President's life could have possibly been in danger. 

The intruder was later identified as 23-year-old, Dominic Adesanya, who trespassed on the North Lawn of the White House, stated the New York Post. Hurricane along with another K9 pounced on the man. During the struggle, Hurricane managed to subdue the intruder, but in turn, also received injuries from kicks and punches. The sustained wounds were so serious, that he had to medically retire from services in 2016. However, his deed did not go unnoticed and made him the most decorated K-9 in U.S. history.

Some of the awards he received include the American Medical Center Top Dog, the United States Secret Services Award for Merit, the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) Order of Merit, and the Department of Homeland Security Award for Valor. Hurricane also became the first dog to be honored with the Animals in War and Peace Distinguished Service Medal.

Hurricane shared a deep bond with his handler, Marshall Mirarchi, for the rest of his life. "He was my best friend and meant the absolute world to me," Mirarchi shared. "I was so lucky to be able to have the experience to know that my dog was willing to die for me."

The former Secret Service Special Operations Officer further claimed that the dog charged the intruder in the White House to protect Mirarchi. "He put his life on the line at the White House because he thought he was protecting me. I spent the rest of his life trying to repay him for what he did for me,” the man added.

Mirarchi established a charitable group named Hurricane’s Heroes honoring his beloved dog. The organization looks after the medical expenses of retired working dogs. "We started the charity Hurricane’s Heroes so not only would his name live on when he’s gone, but to be able to help his fellow working dogs in retirement by covering their medical expenses," Mirarchi said. "Hurricane was the most gifted working dog I ever met and his legacy will live on through the charity." Starting in 2020, the organization has taken care of around 150 retired military and government working dogs. Hurricane broke hearts worldwide when he took his last breaths in 2025 at the age of 16.