Azi, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois, died attempting to apprehend a suspect on March 13.
MCKINNEY, Texas — A funeral for a fallen police officer took place Tuesday in the parking lot of the McKinney Police and Fire Departments, an honor reserved for a lost colleague and friend, even if that trusted co-worker was a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois named Azi.
“To remember and celebrate the life of a most reliable friend,” Pastor Louis Rosenthal said in his opening prayer to McKinney Police officers and representatives from other departments across North Texas.
Azi, deployed as many as 62 times in his brief K9 career, died March 13. Police say an armed suspect barricaded in a North Central Expressway hotel threatened all of the officers who responded. When that suspect came out of a hotel room with a gun in hand, Azi was sent to apprehend him. McKinney Police say gunfire killed the suspect and Azi too.
“And making the ultimate sacrifice, Azi saved lives,” said McKinney Police Department dog handler Brad Williams. “Because of him, dozens of McKinney Police officers returned home to their families that night. “
“For such a young canine his contribution was truly nothing short of extraordinary,” said McKinney Mayor George Fuller. “Although he served a short time, his legacy will live on in the lives he protected and the hearts he touched and in the example he set.”
According to the National Police Dog Foundation, there are more than 50,000 police K9s deployed across the United States. Police K9s become trusted and loyal members of their handler’s families. At the end of Tuesday’s service, Azi’s ashes were given to his partner and handler Justin Blair.
“Azi your actions exemplify the words bravery, courage, and selfless service. Let us forever keep your sacrifice as an inspiration to us all as we continue the mission of peacekeeping,” said McKinney Police Chief Joe Ellenburg. “Rest Easy Azi. Your watch is ended and we will continue the mission from here with the memory of your actions on our hearts. God bless you, Azi, and may you rest in peace.”
McKinney Police say the Texas Rangers are conducting an investigation into the shooting.
