San Diego police dog “Sir,” killed in the line of duty, will be honored at a national memorial service

WASHINGTON DC, DC – Police canine units are vital to law enforcement, but just like their handlers, they don’t always make it home safely.

Sir, a police dog with the San Diego Police Department, was killed in August 2023 and will now be part of the National Police K-9 Memorial Service taking place this weekend in Washington DC.

Sir is one of 26 other dogs killed in the line of duty in the United States in 2023. These K-9s will receive a proper farewell for their contributions to the force.

“You are not just an animal, you are this officer’s partner. These dogs are a miracle, these dogs are amazing. “I can’t imagine where we would be without them,” said Judi Reilly, president of the National Police Dog Foundation.

Reilly said police departments across the U.S. consider their canine teams to be members of the department. They ensure the safety of their caregivers and have incredible skills.

“They just want to be there to make you happy. And yes, they feel very proud when they have a successful find or help capture the bad guy,” Reilly added.

From their nose’s ability to detect drugs and bombs to their bite that can take down a fleeing suspect.

Officials said Sir showed courage, commitment and dedication and undoubtedly saved lives.

“Many are the result of gunshots, some are stabbed,” Reilly said.

A four-year-old Belgian Malinois from San Diego was killed in what police believe is a traffic accident in Clairemont. They said the driver of a white Tesla then fired shots and allegedly resisted arrest – so officers sent Sir in to help arrest him, and that’s when the suspect shot the dog. Officers returned fire, killing the suspect.

“We hear about it way too often and it gets to your core and that’s why we do what we do. We are all volunteers with this nonprofit,” Reilly said.

It is the National Police Dog Foundation that honors these fallen dogs. They have helped purchase and train several hundred police dogs across the country. Reilly said, “Putting a new dog on the street costs at least $20,000.” The foundation also helps raise money for medical care for those injured on the job.

The ceremony will take place at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC, complete with bagpipes and a wreath laying ceremony.

The memorial service will be livestreamed on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. PST.

RELATED: San Diego Police Chief Speaks Out About Loss of K9 “Sir”