Cops, Deputies Say Goodbye To Faithful Four-Legged Crime Fighters

CLEARWATER, FL -- These law enforcement officers may have had some weird habits, like drinking out of toilets and drooling down the windows of the police cruisers. But when it came to doing their jobs and protecting their partners and communities, they were all business.

That's why Pinellas County law enforcement agencies set aside some time on Tuesday afternoon, March 5, to pay tribute to their fallen K9 comrades.

The annual K9 memorial ceremony at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens gives K9 officers and deputies a chance to pay tribute to four-legged crime fighters and bid a final farewell to those who died during the previous year.

Among the K9s honored were Axel, Egon and Toby of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

"I experienced the best moments of my life at both work and home with Toby," said Sheriff's Cpl. Michael Blisniuk of his K9 who died two months ago. "I would not trade the experience for anything. Axel, Egon and Toby will remain in our hearts and memories forever."

Also on hand was a contingent from the Clearwater Police Department who came to pay tribute to Buck, Scout and Koa.

"Buck, Scout and Koa were all beloved members of our law enforcement family," said Clearwater Police and Fire public information officer Rob Shaw. "Beyond that, they were beloved members of the families of the officers who cared for them."

The ceremony was organized by Keenan Knopke, CEO of Curlew Hills Memory Gardens, 1750 Curlew Road, Palm Harbor.

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