SUBJECT: End of Watch: K-9 Kylo
DATE: August 21, 2026
GENERAL NARRATIVE
The Kingsport Police Department shares with great sadness that retired K-9 Kylo died on Friday, August 14, 2026. K-9 Kylo began his watch with the Kingsport Police Department in 2017 and retired in 2024. Kylo’s first handler was officer Caleb Clawson, his second was officer Wesley Hite, and then his last handler was officer Robby Hughes. K-9 Kylo remained in the care of his last handler for the past two years before he suffered a medical episode last Friday.
K-9 Kylo was a dual-purpose narcotics K-9, which means he performed both patrol duties (such as suspect apprehension, building searches, and handler protection) and narcotics detection (identifying substances like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine). K-9 Kylo assisted in numerous narcotics arrests and apprehensions. Kylo received a police escort to Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home, where he was cremated.
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Arnold
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749
