Memorial service held for WCSO K9 officer Santos
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- A memorial service was held for Wake County Sheriff's Office K9 Officer Santos.
The Wake County Sheriff's Office K9 was accidentally shot and killed by a Knightdale police officer during a search for a suspect last month.
Santos' handler Master Deputy Maria Fuentes cried a few times while delivering his eulogy.
"Many don't understand the bond between a handler and his or her canine, but once you have had the privilege, understand it's like no other," she said.
Fuentes spoke about the search in Knightdale and when Santos was injured.
"This night he was tracking differently. Usually, he drags me. This night he was slow and methodical," said Fuentes. "I flashed my light and Santos located the suspect. I was excited and so proud of Santos that we achieved another tracking find this year. In a blink of an eye, my heart was broken instantly."
The Wake County Sheriff's Office says the German shepherd had an extremely successful career.
He conducted hundreds of searches and helped bring more than a thousand pounds of drugs off the streets. He also provided the priceless act of raising spirits within the Wake County Sheriff's Office.
"(He had a) good personality, always a happy dog, always willing to come up and play with you . . . to put you in a better mood a lot of times actually," said Sgt. Jason Bordeaux.
"(He was a) loving fellow, enjoyed all of the Sheriff's Office staff," said Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe. "He's just an extended member of the family and when it was time to go to work, he knew how to roll his sleeves up like everybody else and get out and do the job."
The Knightdale Police Department launched an internal affairs investigation following the shooting. The officer involved in the shooting is on leave pending the investigation.
WATCH | News Conference after Wake County Sheriff's Office K9 Deputy killed
