Touching Surprise Procession for Fallen Hero K-9 Dog
April 17, 2014— -- A K9 dog who died saving the life of his police officer partner during a shootout was given an impromptu motorcade procession to the vet 's office, flanked by police, firemen and canine units.
Mick, a K9 dog fresh out of training, was shot and killed by an armed robbery suspect who was among three men trying to burglarize a police uniform store in Southwest Portland, according to police.
The dog's K9 officer, Jeff Dorn, was shot in both legs. He is currently recovering from non-life-threatening injuries in hospital, a police spokesman said.
Authorities found the alleged shooter with the help of a police helicopter and 911 calls from neighbors, police said.
The 20-year-old suspect surrendered at gunpoint and was taken by medics to a hospital, although it remains unclear if he was shot.
Mick suffered at least one fatal gunshot wound and was found dead beneath a hedge after an intensive search.
An impromptu procession brought the K-9’s body from the scene of the shooting to the veterinarian’s office in Southeast Portland on Wednesday.
The procession involved members of the police force, fire department and other K-9 handlers and their dogs.
Dorn told fellow police officers that Mick undoubtedly saved his life, according to ABC News affiliate KATU in Portland, Ore. The dog-handler team had just completed the 400 hours of training together required for Mick to graduate as a fully-fledged K-9 officer.
A Milwaukee police officer, Russ Hall, and his K-9 companion were among those that came out to pay their respects.
“You become emotionally attached to them,” Hall said. “They’re loving animals, they’re good dogs, you get a bond with them.”
"In this situation, the dog was doing its job. It was protecting our community. It's tragic that we lost the dog," said Portland Police Chief Mike Reese. "As far as a handler, my heart goes out to him and his family,” said Hall. “It’s almost like losing somebody close to you, like a family member almost; I mean they’re part of the family, they live with us."
