K-9 Krijer was laid to rest on Jan. 19 after being killed in the line of duty last week

NORFOLK, VA. — The Norfolk Police Department held a memorial service to remember fallen K-9 Krijger, who died in the line of duty last week.

According to police, 58-year-old Keith Richardson shot and killed Krijger after a 7-hour standoff on Land Street. An officer then shot Richardson, who died the day after the standoff.

Norfolk Police say the beloved dog served his department for three years and faithfully gave his life last week.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers braved the bitter cold Tuesday to pay their last respects to a fallen hero.

During the ceremony, Norfolk Police Chief Michael Goldsmith said, “It’s no small thing to have to lose your partner in the line of duty.”

Of the ceremony Norfolk Police Officer Jake Clark said, “Now it’s going to be our time to let our feelings out and grieve.”

Of Krijger, Chief Goldsmith said, “This was no just mere dog. This was officer’s [inaudible] partner. Somebody that he went to work with, someone that fought with, somebody that backed him up every time he got out of the car.”

Officers from all over Hampton Roads, other parts of Virginia and even Maryland gathered to pay their last respects.

“I know it’s a tough, tough thing to go through. We are hoping for the best for them. Our hearts are with them,” Officer Sammy Hernandez of the Richmond Police said.

Krijger’s handler and his family sat at the center of the ceremony, while the K-9 lay resting in a flag draped coffin nearby.

The full Norfolk Police K-9 unit along with K-9s from other departments were in attendance.

The flag outside the Norfolk K-9 range flies at half-staff to honor Krijger’s ultimate sacrifice. Krijger’s name is etched in a memorial stone.

Officers escorted the flag-draped casket with Krijger’s remains to the burial site.

Source: WAVY