Posted on 08/03/2006 8:26:06 AM PDT by RDTF
Police dogs from across the state on Wednesday helped Rocky Mount salute Danny the K-9 cop, a fellow four-legged officer killed on duty while helping his human partner.
In a formal ceremony replete with police honors, Rocky Mount Police Chief John Manley Jr. said Danny made the "ultimate sacrifice." The five-year veteran of the force was shot last month while helping two officers hunt a felon.
Danny's partner, Cpl. Chris Hicks, said Danny was a German shepherd with a zeal for justice: He sniffed out illegal drugs, located crime scene evidence and cornered bad guys.
"He'd work all day," Hicks said Wednesday in an interview. "All he wanted was a rubber ball and a pat on the head."
Dozens of law officers and area residents attended the ceremony, some cooling themselves with hand-held fans in the stifling heat. More than two dozen dogs of various colors and breeds stood beside their handlers, panting and occasionally tugging at leashes.
A police honor guard in dress uniforms opened the service by raising flags to half staff. The mournful notes of taps closed it. The dogs twitched their ears at the strains of bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace."
Speakers made it clear the service honored an officer.
"He had a badge, and he went out on patrol every day with Cpl. Hicks," Mayor Fred Turnage told the crowd outside Rocky Mount City Hall.
Manley said the dogs are more than partners. Handlers take the dogs home, he said, and they become "an important part of their immediate family."
(Excerpt) Read more at newsobserver.com ...
Sad ping.
Woof, bark, noble dog. R.I.P.
I AM A WORKING DOG
My eyes are your eyes,
to watch you and
to protect you and yours,
My ears are your ears,
to hear and detect evil mind in the dark,
My nose is your nose,
to scent the invader of your domain,
And so you may live,
My life is also yours.
Cicero
Angela Hicks comforts her husband, Cpl. Chris Hicks, during a memorial service for Danny, Hicks' canine partner
"Danny... was shot and killed July 21 by a fleeing drug suspect. The bullet was intended for Danny's handler, Cpl. Stephen Hicks.."
http://www.nbc17.com/news/9617703/detail.html
That picture says it all. RIP, Danny. You were a noble dog.
Penalty for killing a police dog should be getting fed to condemned vicious pit bulls as a last meal.
Excellent video here:
http://www.newsobserver.com/1181/story/466887.html
This has got be very hard to take.
Felons who do this should face a long term in prison - maybe life.
Dave that tribute was wonderful - thanks for pointing us towards it.
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