A La Vergne K-9 officer, who was killed in the line of duty this week, was laid to rest Thursday.
Officers met at the Animal Center in Murfreesboro on Thursday afternoon to pay their respects to K-9 Officer Sjaak. From there, Sjaak will be escorted to Faithful Friends Pet Memorial Services in Nashville.
“This is a difficult time for not only [his handler Officer Justin Darby] and his family, but for our entire department,” says Interim Police Chief Chip Davis. “Sjaak, and the other K-9s, are a part of our family. We appreciate everyone who has taken time to reach out to our department in one way or another to offer their prayers and condolences.”
Sjaak died Wednesday, one day after being shot multiple times inside a patrol car during a shootout.
Sjaak was inside the car with his handler, Officer Justin Darby, when officials say the suspect pulled up beside them and opened fire into the car.
Officer Darby was not hit, but Sjaak was shot three times. He underwent surgery Wednesday but did not survive the procedure.
Officials say Sjaak is the first line of duty death for the La Vergne Police Department.
