LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A memorial will be held next week for a K-9 killed in the line of duty.
The "Celebration of Service" for La Vergne K-9 Officer Sjaak is set for Tuesday, December 1, at 10 a.m. at Lifepoint Church in Smyrna.
The service is open to anyone, but seating will be limited for social distancing. Everyone is asked to wear a mask.
Sjaak died earlier this month after a shootout between La Vergne Police and a suspect. The suspect opened fire at the patrol car Sjaak was in with his handler Officer Justin Darby.
Sjaak was hit three times and died later in surgery. Officer Darby was not hit.
Officials say Sjaak is the first line-of-duty death for the La Vergne Police Department.
"This is a difficult time for not only [his handler Officer Justin Darby] and his family, but for our entire department,” said Interim Police Chief Chip Davis. “Sjaak, and the other K-9s, are a part of our family."
To everyone who has sent us messages, offered condolences, and sent up prayers: thank you.
— La Vergne, TN Police Department (@LaVergneTNPD) November 19, 2020
Your love for our department and for our fallen K9, Sjaak, is helping us get through this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/DrnHSc2ZSV
