Former McAlester police K-9 officer put to rest

The City of McAlester and the Police Department regretfully announce that Hunter, the Belgian Malinois who served more than 7 years as the K-9 officer, was put to rest Nov. 30, 2023 after complications from a recent stroke.

Hunter served MPD for 7 years and 4 months with his handler, Sgt. Chuck Sutterfield, before his retirement earlier this year. The duo made multiple misdemeanor and felony arrests for drug-related crimes, attended many community events, and protected local public schools together. City officials voted earlier this year to surplus Hunter, so the Sutterfield family could keep him at home after his retirement because they had grown so close.

Sutterfield and Hunter made a traffic stop in 2016 that netted the biggest heroin seizure in McAlester, with a Michigan woman being arrested for transporting about five pounds of heroin, two pounds of cocaine and about 1,000 ecstasy pills.

MPD acquired Hunter in 2015 through various donations to cover costs of the dog, training, special equipment, a cement slab for the dog’s kennel, and more.

Hunter also received recognition in 2020 as the Association of Oklahoma Narcotics Enforcers Region 3 K9 Officer of the Year.

The City of McAlester and MPD are proud of the accomplishments that Sgt. Sutterfield and Hunter were able to achieve as a team. Thank you, Hunter, for your service to our community.