Burbank police honor fallen K-9 Spike with Baker to Vegas victory
BURBANK, Calif. - The Burbank Police Department delivered a record-shattering performance at this year’s Baker to Vegas relay, fueled by a mission to honor a fallen four-legged colleague.
What we know:
Baker to Vegas is known as one of the most grueling relay races on the circuit.
Teams representing law enforcement agencies from all over brave 100-plus-degree temperatures in a 120-mile, 20-stage race stretching from Baker, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Those involved don't do it to win money, but for bragging rights and pride. Some agencies dedicate the race to fallen colleagues, including one beloved K-9 this year.
The backstory:
In November 2025, the team from Burbank PD dedicated this year's race to fallen K-9 Spike, killed when he was shot by a suspect hiding in bushes earlier that year.
Over the following months, team members trained relentlessly, logging hundreds of miles in preparation, which paid off.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Memorial held to honor Spike, Burbank K9 killed in shooting
Perhaps they were hearing barking from the sky.
For whatever reason, the Burbank PD team completed a flawless race, securing first place in the very competitive "150 category" and finishing 14th overall, out of 275 teams.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Bodycam video released in fatal shooting of Burbank K-9 Spike
Their final time, 14:49:51, nearly 25 minutes faster than their previous best.
What they're saying:
"We'll be back next year," they say, but this race will always be special, as it honored a truly special member of the department — K-9 Spike.
What you can do:
Community members looking to support the legacy of K-9 Spike or the Burbank PD’s athletic programs can follow the department's social media pages for updates on memorial funds or future community events.
The Source: This report is based on information provided by the Burbank Police Department following the conclusion of the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup. The details regarding the fallen K-9 and the team's training timeline were gathered through the department's public dedication statements and official memorial records from late 2025.