Police Honor K9 Officer Killed In The Line Of Duty

?

Oklahoma City police name the suspect who took the life of a K9 officer. At the same time, the department is now honoring the sacrifice made by that police dog.

“It's for law enforcement,” Oklahoma City Police Captain Dexter Nelson said. “It's something that they understand. It's something the public would never hear in the first place.”

Not for civilians or the average person, it's a special glimpse, an eavesdrop of a chilling and emotional sign off - a last call.

“All units stand by for emergency broadcast,” a dispatcher said.

And standing by is what 3-year-old Kye did for the Oklahoma City Police Department. It's what he was doing when he was killed, stabbed multiple times by a man who ran from police. The suspect, Mark Salazar, not only stole a car, but he stole a life.

8/25/2014 Related Story: Metro Chase Ends In Deadly Officer-Involved Shooting

Kye's partner, Sgt. Ryan Stark, tried to stop Salazar from repeatedly stabbing Kye, but could not. Stark fired the fatal shot that ended the attack.

Kye was rushed to surgery and the next day never woke up and never answered this final radio call out. Its significance may not be understood by everyday people, but it is felt.

“Stand by for emergency broadcast. Santa Fe to K7 Kye. Santa Fe to K7 Kye. Santa Fe to K7 Kye. Santa Fe to all units. K7 Kye has answered his final call. Santa Fe to all units. K7 Kye has answered his final call. Santa Fe to all units. K7 Kye has answered his final call. End of watch. August 25, 2014.”

“Good night, buddy.”

In his short career Kye was responsible for 55 apprehensions, took drugs off the streets and located missing people. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the First Southern Baptist Church at 6400 South Sooner Road and will be open to the public.

Oklahoma City police said they have received support and well wishes from around the world regarding Kye's death. Many are also wondering if they could make a donation to the department.

However, police said as a public service, the police department cannot accept cash donations in response to the K-9’s death. The department’s K-9 unit has asked that donations be made to smaller Oklahoma police departments that may be able to accept donations, or to any K-9 search and rescue, service animal, or comfort dog organizations of your choice.

Remember to check the legitimacy of any organization to which you may choose to donate.

If you would like to send flowers, you can send them to the First Southern Baptist Church located at 6400 S. Sooner Road in OKC 73135. Cards and other correspondence can be sent to police headquarters located at 701 Colcord Dr., OKC, OK. 73102.