SAT . “HE SERVED WITH HONOR”Police Department Says Goodbye to K-9 Roger on His Final Ride

HE SERVED WITH HONOR”

Police Department Says Goodbye to K-9 Roger on His Final Ride

There is a silence that falls over a veterinary hospital when a hero takes his final breath — a silence heavy with respect, gratitude, and heartbreak. It is the kind of quiet where words no longer matter, and the only sound is a handler whispering goodbye to the partner who never once failed him.

That silence filled the city yesterday as the police department announced the End of Watch for K-9 Roger, a 9-year-old German Shepherd who served his community with unwavering loyalty for seven remarkable years.

The department shared a heartbreaking image from Roger’s Walk of Honor — a moment reserved only for those who gave their lives in service. Wrapped gently in a blanket and surrounded by flowers, Roger was wheeled through a corridor lined with officers and veterinary staff, all standing in solemn respect. At his side was the handler who walked every dangerous shift with him, now escorting his partner on one final ride.

K-9 Roger was more than a police dog.
He was a protector.
A guardian.
A hero.

For seven years, Roger rode in the patrol car without hesitation, ready for whatever awaited on the other side of the door. He helped locate missing children, detected illegal narcotics, and assisted in the capture of dangerous suspects who believed they could outrun justice. Time and again, Roger put himself between danger and the people he was sworn to protect.

“He wasn’t just a K-9,” his handler said through tears. “When I was scared in the dark, I would look at him — and he’d look back at me like he was saying, ‘I’m here. I’ve got you.’ He wasn’t just my partner. He was my protector. My best friend.”

Roger became suddenly and critically ill. Despite the tireless efforts of veterinary professionals and the hope of every officer who loved him, his condition worsened. In his final moments, Roger was not alone. He was surrounded by the officers he had protected for years — gentle hands holding his paws, the same hands that once threw his favorite ball and fastened his duty vest.

As his body was carried to the waiting vehicle, officers stood at attention and saluted. Flowers were placed beside him — a final thank-you for a lifetime of courage in a job that demands everything and gives little back.

“He gave us everything,” the Police Chief said. “He worked long hours. He missed holidays. He never complained. All he ever wanted was love and a chance to serve. We can never fully repay what he gave this department and this city.”

As Roger departed, a final radio call echoed across the city — a message no officer ever forgets:

“All units, hold traffic. K-9 Roger has completed his duty.
He is free to run in Heaven.
You were a very good boy, Roger.
We’ll take it from here.”

Today, the patrol car feels a little emptier.
The streets feel a little quieter.
And a department mourns not just a K-9 — but a fallen officer.

Rest in peace, Officer Roger.
Your watch is over.
Thank you for your service.