GRANTSVILLE, Utah - Grantsville Police Department said goodbye to one of their pioneer officers Tuesday.
The department’s first K-9, Zoro, passed away Monday after retiring almost two years ago. K-9 handlers from across the Wasatch Front joined to say final goodbyes to the police dog.
Zoro worked 14 years as a police K-9, first in West Valley City, then in Grantsville.
“I was never by myself. I always had a partner with me, that was willing to do whatever, to help me, to save me,” said Grantsville police Sgt. Mike Jones, Zoro’s handler.
Granstville bought Zoro from West Valley City police in 2011 for $1, a gift to set up their own unit. Jones said he spent countless hours training with Zoro; the dog always gave 100 percent.
“He had no fear of anything,” Jones said. “I went to Utah County SWAT dog, and graduated with him and in a house with flash bangs and guns and everything. He didn’t care, he stayed focused.”
Officers escorted Zoro’s body from Grantsville to West Jordan where the animal shelter donated cremation services.
“He gave a lot of years of service to the community, and to lay him to rest with honor is something that we should do for him and for us,” said Grantsville Police Chief Kevin Turner.
Grantsville does have another K-9, Chaos, who will carry the torch, but officers say Zoro will always have a special place, as the one who showed Grantsville what police dogs can do.
“Just a special relationship with him,” Jones said. “And the bond that he made with my family, he will always have a special spot in my heart.”
