Retired Fargo police dog Falco, once named 'America's Top Dog,' dies

FARGO — A retired Fargo Police Department K9 and finalist in “America’s Top Dog” has died.

Falco’s owner, Clay County Deputy David Cochran, said in a Facebook post on Thursday, May 9, that he had to put down the dog. The Fargo Police Department said Falco was euthanized due to "health issues." The dog was 12 years old

“One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,” he said in the post. “So many things I want to say about my partner, friend and companion, but I just can’t find the words tonight. Thank you all that helped, loved and supported us over the years.”

Cochran declined to comment for this story. Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting also confirmed Falco’s death.

“The Fargo Police Department is saddened to hear of the passing of retired K9 Falco," Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski said. "Throughout his years of dedicated service, he exemplified loyalty, courage and unwavering dedication to duty. Falco’s contributions to our community's safety will forever be remembered and honored.”

The Fargo Police Department brought Falco on as a police dog in 2012, along with Bali. Falco came from the Winnipeg Police Services breeding program, according to an archived biography on the Fargo Police Department’s website.

Contributed / Fargo Police Department

“Falco is a high-drive dog that constantly needs to be doing something,” the website said. “Falco goes home with Officer Cochran each day and on his down time goes for walks and runs. He also likes to climb the ladder and climbing wall on the swing set at home.”

The Belgian Malinois was deployed hundreds of times throughout his career and assisted in roughly 50 arrests, the Fargo Police Department said in a statement. Falco also was responsible for locating drugs, according to his bio.

Some of his accomplishments were recognized nationally.

Falco competed twice in the A&E television competition “America’s Top Dog” in 2019 and 2020.

In their second appearance on the show, Cochran and Falco won their episode and earned $10,000 for the Fargo Police Department’s K9 unit and $5,000 for an animal charity. They advanced to the finale.

Josh Francis / Forum file photo

Falco retired in 2020, the Fargo Police Department said Friday. It does not appear his retirement was announced at the time.

Cochran joined the Clay County Sheriff’s Office in January 2022. Empting said Falco never worked for Clay County.