VIDEO: On House Floor, Harder Recognizes Police Week and Honors Fallen San Joaquin Sheriff’s Department K-9 Duke
On Saturday, Duke was honored in Washington, DC alongside 25 other canines who died in the line of duty last year
After six years of service, Duke died in the line of duty on February 19, 2023 while apprehending an armed suspect
WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Josh Harder (CA-9) took to the House floor to honor National Police Week, thank local law enforcement officers, and remember Duke, a police dog with the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Department who was killed in the line of duty last year. Duke was also honored at a national ceremony this past weekend for police K-9s killed in the line of duty in 2023.
Watch Rep. Harder’s speech HERE or read the transcript below.
Today, I rise to honor National Police Week and recognize our dedicated law enforcement officers in San Joaquin County. On behalf of all our families, thank you.
I also want to take this opportunity to bring attention to and honor a vital part of our law enforcement departments: our K-9 officers and their dogs. K-9 teams go into some of the most dangerous situations and their work quite simply saves lives.
My community has seen this bravery firsthand. On February 19, 2023, after six years of service, we sadly lost Duke, a police K-9 for the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department.
While apprehending an armed and dangerous suspect, Duke was killed in the line of duty. Duke's actions likely saved the life of one of our Sheriff's Deputies.
This past weekend, Duke was remembered alongside 25 other police K-9s who gave their lives in the line of duty last year. A worthy ceremony for a brave pup.
To all of our K-9 trainers and officers, thank you for the hard work you do.
Families in San Joaquin County and across the country are safer because of your dedication and we are eternally grateful.
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