A solemn tribute to a faithful K-9 police dog named Koda was held at the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum at 1 PM Friday 8 February 2013. Koda was killed in the line of duty on the evening of 31 January 2013. He was shot by a fleeing suspect giving time for the responding deputies to return fire. Koda was rushed to the veterinarian, but did not survive the gunshot wound. Koda was labeled a hero by his Leon County Sherriff’s Office
The memorial was held in the Cord Room and was attended by many police officers, deputies, K-9 police dogs and handlers and the public. The room was gracefully donated by Mr. Devoe Moore, the owner of the Car Museum located off I-10 and Mahan. This examiner was in attendance and counted approximately 17 police dogs from all over northern Florida. An estimated crowd of 500 filled the room.
The memorial service began with a prayer for all those serving in law enforcement especially the K-9 units. Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell was choked up as the next speaker on the podium and had to pause several times to hold back the tears.
All K-9 police dogs and handlers were seated to the left of the packed room and it was a rather sobering sight as all the dogs, mostly German Shepherds, were alert and looking at the podium as if they knew why they were present. All the dogs were obvious well trained and seemed to pay homage to their fallen comrade.
This poem was read: (Author Unknown)
Guardians of the Night
Trust in me my friend for I am
your comrade. I will protect you
with my last breath When all
others have left you And the
loneliness of the night closes
in, I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all
obstacles, And search out
those who might wish harm to
others. All I ask of you is
compassion, The caring touch
of your hands. It is for you that I
will unselfishly give my life And
spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons Know that each
day at your side is my reward.
My days are measured by The
coming and going of your
footsteps. I anticipate them at
every opening of the door. You
are the voice of caring when I
am ill. The voice of authority
when I've done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly For
I am your right arm, The sword
at your side. I attempt to do
only what you bid of me. I seek
only to please you and remain
in your favor.
Together you and I shall
experience A bond only others
like us will understand When
outsiders see us together Their
envy will be measured by their
disdain.
I will quietly listen to you And
pass no judgment, Nor will your
spoken words be repeated I will
remain ever silent, Ever vigilant,
ever loyal. And when our time
together is done And you move
on in the world Remember me
with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us
undetected.
If we should meet again on
another street I will gladly take
up your fight, I am a Police
Working Dog and together We
are guardians of the night.
A tribute to Koda
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