K9 Memorials

We accept donations in loving memory of those who watch over us from Heaven!

Donations allow us to purchase K-9 Armor spike and bulletproof vests to give for free to protect the police dogs who lay down their lives to protect us.

Call (415) 265-9371 to arrange a donation in loving memory to honor the fallen by protecting the living

Riverside Sheriff K9 Rudy EOW 04-14-2023 shot and killed chasing a fugitive who opened fire on Rudy and the Deputies

Memorial to Riverside Sheriff K9 Rudy, EOW 04-14-2023 by Officer Rose Borisow GrafX
Rudy won top honors at K9 Trials and he was a champion on the streets of Riverside County defending our homeland, a true K9 Hero!
Help us keep the Riverside Sheriff K9 Heroes protected to honor the loss by Deputy Shane Day, who was devastated by the death of his beloved Rudy

Special Enforcement Bureau Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (seblasd) K9 Jack was shot and killed on 12-22-22
Donations on K9Armor.com protect his fellow LA County Sheriff K9 warriors and all the California police dogs still facing bullets ... but without a bulletproof vest

Memorial painting of LA Sheriff K9 Jack EOW 12-22-2022 by Officer Rose Borisow GrafX

Rest In Peace, K9 JACK....we Honor your Dedicated Service and we Pray for the comfort of your Handler while he deals with your sudden loss!

“K9 Jack was shot and killed while attempting an apprehension during a barricade in the 1800 block of West 145th Street in Gardena.

The barricade started the previous morning after a man shot at a neighbor's car during a dispute.
The man then remained barricaded inside his condo as negotiators attempted to communicate with him.
K9 Jack was shot by the man as the agency's SWAT team entered the condo in an attempt to take him into custody.
The man was shot and killed when deputies returned fire.

K9 Jack had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for four years
and had previously served as a military working dog, assigned to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group.”

- Officer Down Memorial 12-12-22

In loving memory of Riverside Sheriff K9 Sultan - End of Watch: January 21 2015

Memorial to Riverside Sheriff - San Jacinto PD K9 Sultan by Officer Rose Borisow GrafX

Suzanne Saunders, K-9 Armor co-founder and Riverside Sheriff Deputy - San Jacinto PD Officer Mark Wallace and K9 Sultan RIP.

Thank you to the family foundations and estates who donated from heaven

The family and friends of Jane McPhee of Riverside County, donated in loving memory of Jane to help protect the Riverside Sheriff K9 Heroes

The Estate of Victoria McDonald in Riverside

The Estate of Kathy Coldewey in New Jersey

Thank you to those Angels who spoke their last command, go forth and vest our K9 Heroes

Name: Sultan
Handler:Riverside Sheriff Deputy - San Jacinto PD Officer Mark Wallace
Breed: Belgian Malinois - German Shepherd
End of Watch: January 21 2015

Sultan was killed by a bullet to the neck, laying down his life to save his partner.

We salute your sacrifice Sultan, you were a true K9 Hero.

Our sympathies and prayers to Deputy Wallace and the Riverside Sheriff K9 Association.

We are honored to protect your K9 Heroes.

Memorial by Riverside Sheriff:

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of our canine partners, P.S.D. Sultan. Sultan was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a dangerous suspect on 01/21/15. By his sacrifice, he saved the life of his handler and other deputies who were also searching for the suspect.

Sultan and his handler, Deputy Sheriff Mark Wallace, are assigned to the San Jacinto Police Station where they patrolled the city together since November of 2013. Sultan was a two-year-old Belgian Malinois / German shepherd mix, and was cross trained for apprehension and narcotic detection. Sultan and Deputy Wallace were already a well-seasoned canine team, successfully locating and assisting in the arrest of over 70 felons. Sultan will not only be sorely missed by his handler and family; he will also be missed by the patrol officers and citizens; he kept safe on a nightly basis.

Handlers develop special bonds with their canine partners, and the loss of a member of our team will remain with us forever. That bond cannot truly be understood until one spends almost as much time with their canine partner as they do with their own family. These canine handlers, especially those who worked closely with Sultan, are the most affected. As a patrol officer, I know that Sultan’s sacrifice meant that other patrol officers could go home to their family instead of being another heartbreaking headline. As a citizen, I admire Sultan’s profession and all that it entails while silently lamenting the circumstances that lead to the death of this fine canine. As a handler, I am hit the hardest when I sympathize with Sultan’s handler and family, and I imagine the hole in my life that would be left by the loss of my canine partner.

Ultimately, Sultan’s sacrifice and circumstances similar to it are at the forefront of every handler’s mind during a deployment of his canine. To save the lives of their human partners, it is sometimes necessary to place our canine partners into higher-risk situations. While we as handlers recognize that risk and the necessity thereof, it does not dull the pain of losing our partner. We saw understanding of this bond last night in the support of our fellow canine teams and fellow officers across Riverside County who responded to the scene to stand vigil with us over our fallen comrade. To our canine handler brethren out there, thank you for everything you do and do not be disheartened by news of our loss. Take with you, instead, a heightened awareness about the dangers inherent in our profession and continue keeping your partners and citizen's safe.

The enormous amount of support that has been offered by neighboring agencies, cities, and the general public has been greatly appreciated during our time of grieving. A fund has been established from which the proceeds will be used in Sultan’s memory (Tax I.D. #95-620-3844). Any person wishing to donate towards this fund may send check or cash to Riverside Sheriff’s Association, 6215 River Crest Dr. #A, Riverside, CA 92507. In the “memo” field, please write Sultan for fund identification purposes.

Information regarding services for Sultan will be released shortly to neighboring agencies and will be posted on this website. Please check back for further information and be patient with us during this time of mourning.

Sultan, we are very proud of you and humbled by your sacrifice. We miss you very much, and we are better for having worked with you.

Memorial to Stanislaus County Sheriff Deputy Robert Paris, EOW 04-12-12 by Rose Borisow

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Deputy Sheriff Robert Paris
End Of Watch: 04-12-12

Memorial to Deputy Paris by Stanislaus County Sheriff's Dept:

April 12, 2012 Modesto, CA – It’s with a heavy heart that Sheriff Adam Christianson announced earlier today the tragic death of Deputy Robert Paris. Deputy Paris was shot and killed in the line of duty, while serving an eviction notice in the 2100 #Blk of Chrysler Drive, in the City of Modesto. Deputy Paris is a sixteen year veteran of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Paris served his community with pride and admiration.

“This is a tragic day for law enforcement and public safety,” said Sheriff Adam Christianson. “Deputy Paris paid the ultimate price, sacrificing his life, while protecting and serving the citizens of Stanislaus County.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s family, the community, our sheriff’s family and all the law enforcement personnel from every jurisdiction in the central valley who come to our aid today.”

Deputy Paris is survived by his parents, brother and two adult children. This is a tremendous loss for the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and the community.

Carol Dunn donated to dedicate a bulletproof K-9 Armor vest to Stanislaus County Sheriff K9 Sam in loving memory of her dear friend, their Deputy Robert Paris, killed in the line of duty EOW 04-12-12.

Photo by Stanislaus County Sheriff's Dept.

Stanislaus County Sheriff K9 Cody and Cody Moore (photo by Moore family)

Cody Moore's family donated to provide K9 Cody to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Dept. They named him K9 Cody in loving memory of Cody Moore, who died while a member of the Armed Forces in 2010. Cody's father called K9 Armor to ask if we would donate a vest in his son's honor.

Stanislaus County Sheriff's Dept. K9 Ike, Fons, Rex and Sergo, Jan 27, 2007

With the help of our Facebook fans, we donated a K9 Armor bulletproof vest to two more Stanislaus County Sheriff's dogs in memory of Cody Moore and Deputy Paris.

K-9 Armor donated a bulletproof vest to Stanislaus County Sheriff K9 Sam in memory of Deputy Paris.

Thanks to Nicole Arbelo, author of K9 Heroes, and friends who donated to Nicole's Wish, we are able to give a bulletproof K9 Armor vest to K9 Sam, in loving memory of Deputy Paris. With your help we protected the remaining two police dogs of SCSO who needed a bulletproof K9 Armor vest.

Protect those who lay down their lives to protect us.

Stanislaus County Sheriff K9 Sam. Photo by Stanislaus County Sheriff's Dept.

Facebook fans helped us grant Wishes made by Nicole Arbelo, author of K9 Heroes, and the father of Cody Moore who asked us to dedicate a vest for Stanislaus County Sheriff K9 Cody named for his son, Spc Cody Moore, who died while serving in the Army in 2010.

In Cody Moore's honor and in loving memory of Deputy Paris, we donated three K-9 Armor bulletproof vests to Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department.

El Cerrito Police Department K9 King, RIP.

Name: King
Handler: El Cerrito PD Officer Joshua Del Prado
Breed: German Shepherd
End of Watch: February 2012

Memorial by Dogfather K9 Connections

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of "King", the El Cerrito Police Department's Police Service Dog. KING passed unexpectedly from internal malady, Unfortunately, there was nothing that could be done to save him. King was a patrol dog for the last 18 months and had served his community well by apprehending at least two suspects, locating a missing person, protecting the public ...and his trusted partner and handler, Josh. He participated in local community events and safety fairs. KING was the Dogfather's very first client and will be missed dearly by the staff and Frank. Our thoughts go out to his Partner and handler Josh in this difficult time. May you rest in peace King!

K-9 Armor would like to add Condolences to El Cerrito PD Officer Del Prado on the death of K9 King taken suddenly from illness. Sadly, the lovely lady in this picture Ginger Cava who donated to K-9 Armor also recently passed away. In loving memory of her own German Shepherd King, Ginger paid for a bulletproof K9 Armor vest for El Cerrito PD K9 King and CA Fish & Game K9 Kilo. Ginger and your King along with her own, watch over us from Heaven and will meet us at the Rainbow Bridge.

Ginger Cava with El Cerrito PD Officer Del Prado and K9 King

Richmond PD Officer Palma and K9 Ronin with Officer Avila and K9 Bosco

Name: Officer Capoot, Vallejo PD
End of Watch: November 17, 2011

Richmond PD Officer Palma and K9 Ronin with Officer Avila and K9 Bosco paid their respects at the Memorial for Vallejo PD Officer Capoot, killed in the line of duty on November 17, 2011.

Vallejo PD also lost Officer Jeff Azuar, killed in the line of duty in the year 2000.

In 2005 we were honored to meet Vallejo PD K9 Officer Scott Valentine when we measured his K9 Mojo for a K9 Armor vest. It was Officer Valentine who adopted Officer Azuar's K9 AJ after Officer Azuar's death, and we give thanks to Vallejo PD Captain West who invited us to their Vallejo PD Officer Jeff Azuar Memorial K9 Trials.

We dedicated the K9 Armor bulletproof vests presented to Richmond PD K9 Ranger and San Pablo PD K9 Tango, in memory of the brave officers of Vallejo PD.

Thank you to everyone who helps us protect those who lay down their lives to protect us!

K9 Armor President Deputy Dan Marrett and K9 Verona, Marin County Sheriff's Dept and Federal ATF
with Suzanne Saunders, K9 Armor Co-Founder, Webdiva and Treasurer at the Marin County Fair 2004

Name: Verona
Handler: Deputy Dan Marrett, Marin County Sheriff's Dept and Federal ATF
Breed: Black Labrador
End of Watch: July 2011

July 1, 2004 She was our first success story, a Vest for Verona!

Verona and Deputy Marrett searched for bombs at major events including the Olympics and World Series and protected our Marin County Courthouse. Thanks to YOUR donations, Verona received the first K-9 ARMOR vest! Verona made a public appearance on KTVU TV on July 1, 2004!

Many thanks to Deputy Marrett and Verona for coming to shake paws each year at the Marin County Fair from 2004 to 2007. In 2008 Verona was replaced by Terry and donated her vest to protect Deputy Marrett's new partner. Verona retired to live the good life with Deputy Marrett and his wife and their little boy as the family pet until she passed away. Thanks Verona for all your years of service and for getting us started on this worthy cause to protect all the police dogs of California!

Marin County Sheriff's Dept and Federal ATF K9 Verona, RIP.

CHP Officer Ben Lis (1940-2011) and K9 Luke

Ben Lis (1940-2011)

In Loving Memory of Ben Lis and his German Shepherd, Luke.


In lieu of flowers, his family asked please send a donation on Ben's behalf for his love of dogs, especially German Shepherds and his dedication as a California Highway Patrol officer to... K9 Armor!"

Thank you so much,

- The Lis Family

Photo from The Desert Sun

Palm Springs police officer Luciano Colantuano demonstrates the jaw strength of Ike, a police dog, during a demonstration for children from Cahuilla and Cielo Vista elementary schools in January 2010. The schoolchildren held a walk-a-thon to raise money for the police dog program. / Jay Calderon The Desert Sun

Name: Ike
Dept: Palm Springs PD
Breed: German Shepherd
End of Watch: April 2011

Memorial by interim Palm Springs police Chief Al Franz posted by The Desert Sun April 19, 2011

Ike died doing what he loved and protecting those he loved.

“He was the ultimate friend, an outstanding partner, a loyal member of his handler's family, and in the end — a lifesaver,” read a statement from Palm Springs police.
The 3-year-old German shepherd, whom interim Palm Springs police Chief Al Franz called “beloved” by the department, was shot to death Sunday while rushing after a convicted felon who was trying to escape from police.
The man who shot Ike — Francisco Gabriel Durazo, 31, of Cathedral City — was killed when Ike's handler and another officer returned fire, police said.
Ike's handler was shot, but the bullet struck his body armor and he was not seriously injured.
The other officer was treated for a minor injury to his right hand from a struggle with Durazo.
The police department did not release the officers' names.
Cathedral City police officer Dwayne Hodge said he's known Ike and his handler since their first day together.
“ The dog was awesome,” Hodge said. “Absolutely one of the best dogs I've ever seen. He was very happy doing the job.”
Hodge has two retired police dogs living at his home and said he knew Ike's handler was grieving over his death.
“ These dogs mean a lot to us,” he said. “He didn't get to take his home for good.”
Four to six police dogs are shot and killed in the line of duty in the U.S. every year, said Jim Cortina, director of the Police Work Dog Association in Connecticut.
Since 1962, 128 U.S. police dogs have been killed, he said.
Ike is the third to die this year.
“ When they die, they have basically the same service as an officer,” said Cortina, who has trained police dogs for 40 years. “You can get hundreds of people who show up with their K-9.”
About a dozen states have enhanced penalties for injuring or killing a police dog, including California.
In California, a person found guilty of injuring or killing a police dog could receive up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
A trained dog can cost up to $12,000. The breeds most frequently used by police agencies are the German shepherd and the Belgian Malinois.
Today, Desert Hot Springs police will swear in a new police dog — a German shepherd.
Desert Sun reporter Nicole C. Brambila contributed.

Name: Maverick
Handler: Officer Doug Hembree, Richmond PD
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: March 2011

Memorial by Sgt Mitch Peixoto, March 5, 2011

"Canine Officer D. Hembree #968 and Canine Maverick #164 (Retired)

It is with a sad heart that I inform you that Richmond Police Department Police Service Canine Maverick #164 (retired) died on March 3, 2011. Maverick was almost 14 years old when he died. Officer Doug Hembree raised and trained Maverick from a puppy until Maverick was placed into service in January of 2000. Maverick worked until his retirement on January 1, 2011.

The following is a brief history of Maverick’s exceptional career;

Officer Hembree purchased “Maverick” a Belgium Malinois as a puppy and started training him as a Police Service Dog. Officer Hembree did this training with Canine Maverick on his own and did not attend a police dog training class. Canine Maverick completed P.O.S.T. Certification and was put into service with Officer Hembree by former Chief Samuels in 2000. Officer Hembree donated Canine Maverick to the City of Richmond at a cost saving at the time of approximately $15,000. Officer Hembree is the only person to raise, train and put into service a police dog in this department.

Officer Hembree and Canine Maverick have received numerous commendations for their performance and are a solid Canine Team in all areas of patrol work and narcotic detection.

Canine Maverick has located and found many suspects, narcotics and within the last few months of his career found seven firearms while doing article searches.

Officer Hembree has competed with Canine Maverick in 10 K-9 trails throughout the State and they have won 33 trophies. Officer Hembree and Canine Maverick have won Top Dog, Top Department Team, Judges Choice, 11 first place and 12 second place trophies. This has continued to bring prestige to the Canine Unit and the City of Richmond.

The Richmond Canine Unit and El Cerrito Canine Unit were able to see Maverick just prior to his death. I know from prior experience - if I would have known how hard it would be to put my partner down or see my canine die…I may have not taken the position.

Rest in Peace Maverick…you deserve it!!"

Richmond PD Officer Brad Moody (End Of Watch October 2008) and K9 Rico (End of Watch Oct 2010)

Name: Rico
Handler: Officer Brad Moody, Richmond PD
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: October 2010

Memorial by Richmond PD K9 Officer Joe Avila, October 2010

"Rico belonged to Brad Moody....Brad was killed in the line of duty 2 years ago...when the medics tried to remove Brad from his car....Rico protected his fallen Dad...it wasnt until another officer arrived and was able to secure Rico away from Brad could the medics get to him.....Rico protected his Dad til the end...and that makes my heart feel good.....Rico passed away last night....and now, once again, they are together....playing and having fun....I can only imagine what it was like when those two saw each other again....I know it was amazing."

Chris and Karen Tallerico donated for a whole vest in loving memory of Richmond PD Officer Brad Moody who died in the line of duty, for a bulletproof K-9 Armor vest to protect Richmond PD K9 Rasp.

Officer Moody was Chris Tallerico's best friend.

Name: Rexx
Handler: Officer Frank Romano, California Highway Patrol
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: March 2008

Officer Romano has supported K-9 Armor since 2005 helping us at K9 Events and Trials, Frank dedicates himself on the job and in his free time judges Police K9 Trials throughout California to help set the standard of excellence!

Officer Romano's first K9 Rexx, pictured left, sadly died, March 2008 End of Watch for Rexx.
Rexx and Officer Romano made a public appearance at K-9 Carnival in Healdsburg and we thank them for appearing at the 2005 Marin County Fair, hundreds of children came to shake paws!

Name: Max
Handler: Officer Rick Cox, Petaluma P.D.
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: March 2008

July 1, 2006 our sixth success, we delivered a new vest for Max!

Sadly, March 2008 End of Watch for Max.
Many thanks to Max and Officer Cox for appearing at the 2005 and 2006 and 2007 Marin County Fair, hundreds of children came to shake paws! A generous donor gave $600 so we ordered a new vest for Max!

Thanks to Officer Cox and Max for inviting us to the Petaluma K-9 Trials where we return each year, come and shake paws at our booth and say a little prayer for Max and Officer Cox who earned many trophies during Max's glory days.

Congratulations for winning Agility in 2005 and Narcotics 2006. We miss you Max!

Name: Boss
Handler: Corporal Rhonda Tuscher, Fairfax P.D.
Breed: German Shepherd
End of Watch: October 2008

July 5. 2004 Our fourth success story, a Vest for Boss!

Many thanks to Jim and Janet Mitchell for donating a whole K-9 Armor vest in 2004, helping us protect Boss!

Sadly in October 2008 Boss died of medical reasons. We miss you Boss!