Officers honor police dog killed in line of duty
VANCOUVER, Wash. - A police dog killed a couple of weeks ago in a standoff was honored on Monday, with police officers from as far away Canada attending the ceremony.
Dakota was killed during a standoff in Brush Prairie, Washington, on October 23.
Officer Roger Evans, who worked alongside Dakota, tried to hold back tears as he spoke at the remembrance.
"Dakota, thank you for being a great partner, a friend, companion, police dog," Evans said. "Thank you for protecting my fellow officers and me. Thank you for being a warrior and thank you for dying a hero. Dakota, you were a good boy."
Evans was presented with a Purple Heart on Dakota's behalf.
Vancouver officials are raising money to buy a replacement K-9 and they say they will name a new eight-acre off-leash dog park after Dakota next year.