Austin Police Department Honor Guard

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/pflugerville-tx/eugene-blomstrom-12705824

https://www.providencejonesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/horace-hodge?sfnsn=mo

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you of the sudden and untimely passing of Patrol K9 “Jax”.

Jax, an Eastern European native Belgian Malinois, began his training with his partner Senior Police Officer (SPO) Nate Wagner, in August of 2016. Over more than nine years of service, Nate and K9 Jax made 227 arrests including nine apprehensions. Among those arrested, 11 were wanted for murder. In addition to assisting APD Patrol, K9 Jax supported SWAT, the Violent Crimes Task Force, the Special Victims Unit (SVU) and the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. He also responded on multiple occasions to assist the Travis County Sheriff’s, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and Hays County Sheriff’s Office.

For those who know Nate personally, you know he is always joking around and has a goofy sense of humor. Those traits traveled right down the leash to K9 Jax. Together, they were a team that brought plenty of laughs. K9 Jax always exited the police car with his signature spin moves before he started tracking down suspects.

On December 27, 2025, K9 Jax suffered a medical complication and was rushed to the veterinarian. Despite the efforts of dedicated and talented doctors, his condition was beyond recovery. Although Jax was deteriorating quickly and could barely stand, he made one last trip around the room, hoping someone would throw his beloved Kong one final time. Jax passed away shortly after 7 p.m. lying next to Nate and his wife, Andi.

K9 Jax is the first APD Patrol K9 to pass away while still actively working. He was scheduled to retire in less than two weeks, on January 8, 2026. K9 Jax can rest easy knowing that his nine K9 Fur-Brothers will continue to follow the scent to find dangerous criminals and keep each and every one of us safe.

Please keep SPO Wagner, his family and all of Patrol K9 in your thoughts during this difficult time.