Fallen K-9 officers memorial honored in Palm Harbor | Community Spirit

Clearwater, Florida -- A special service was held for fallen K-9 officers at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens on Tuesday, April 24.

K-9 units from the Clearwater PD and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office were there to remember dogs from their agencies that have died.  

At this year's memorial event, three canines were honored:

• K-9 King, 1972-1984, Years of Service: 1973-1978  Handler: Ray Poole (Retired Lieutenant), Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
• K-9 King was one of the original PCSO Canines
• K-9 Nitro, 2001-2011, Years of Service: 2002-2009  Handler: Deputy Robert Cahoon, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
• K-9 Mako, 1997-2011, Years of Service: 1998-2005 Handler: Sergeant James Hall, Clearwater Police Department

Curlew Hills has one of the state's only authentic pet cemeteries and donates burial plots to all service animals from Clearwater Police and the sheriff's office. There are over 30 service dogs cremated and buried in the pet area now.  

Curlew Hills President & CEO Keenan Knopke said, "We are extremely proud that we can offer this memorial service to the brave officers and loyal dogs who give so much to our community."