HERRIMAN, Utah — Members of the community have been coming by Herriman City Hall to pay respects to fallen K-9 Officer Hondo.
Last week, Hondo and his handler were working with the U.S. Marshals on a surveillance operation regarding a wanted homicide suspect when Hondo was killed in the line of duty.
“He (Hondo) did his job and he allowed the human, the officers on scene, his handler and anyone else on scene, to go home that night," said former West Valley City Detective Michael McPhie. “I can speak for my perspective that I don’t see that dog any different than the guy standing next to me in the lineup room.”
A memorial has been set up in Herriman where people have come to pay respects to the fallen K-9. Dog treats, notes and flowers have been placed on the hood of a K-9 patrol vehicle.
“It’s always tragic to hear about a fallen police officer in general," said Herriman resident Skip Roberts who brought his dog Rozy to see the memorial. "This one hit home a little bit more, because dogs are family.”
Skip and Rozy brought dog treats, which will ultimately be donated to the Utah Humane Society.
Heather Ingalls and her 9-year-old son Jacob brought some dog treats as well and a special hand written letter.
Jacob met K-9 Hondo at a Cub Scouts event this past summer. He and his mom wrote a note with a special picture drawn of Hondo and together they placed it on the hood of the car.
Herriman Police are planning a memorial for K-9 Hondo and expect to finalize the details by the end of the week.
