Honoring Wake County’s Fallen K-9 at National Police Memorial

TL/DR –

K-9 Santos from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, who died in the line of duty in May 2023, was honored at the National Police K-9 Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. The dog had been accidentally shot by a Knightdale Police Officer while assisting in tracking a suspect. The memorial service, organized by The National Police Dog Foundation, paid tribute to law enforcement K-9s who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023.

Wake County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Santos Honored at National Police K-9 Memorial

Honoring fallen heroes, K-9 Santos of the Wake County Sheriff’s Office was remembered at the National Police K-9 Memorial Service in Washington, D.C. last Saturday. Santos died in the line of duty during May 2023, making his service unforgettable.

Master Deputy Maria Fuentes, Santos’ handler, commemorated her partner by laying a rose at the memorial. Santos was accidentally shot by a Knightdale Police Officer while assisting in tracking a suspect.

Fuentes expressed deep emotion, stating, “Santos was my best friend, an exceptional partner, and a beloved family friend. Everyone adored him because he was a sweet, 85-pound boy.” She wiped away tears as she spoke of her fallen partner.

Wake County’s Longest Serving K-9

Santos joined the Wake County Sheriff’s Office in 2016, earning the title of their longest-serving K-9. His tragic death in the line of duty instigated support and a reevaluation of the K-9 vest policy.

The National Police Dog Foundation annually organizes the National Police K-9 Memorial Service. This year, the service at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial honored law enforcement K-9s, like Santos, who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2023.

—
Read More US News; North Carolina News