When many police officers go to work, it means putting their lives on the line. Even the four-legged ones. The job of a K-9 police officer can be just as dangerous as the job of a human officer.
And that’s why K-9 officers like Kondo are put to rest with the same respect as their human counterparts.
Hondo was shot in the line of duty while he and fellow officers were attempting to apprehend a fugitive in Salt Lake City. Hondo, a 7-years-old Belgian Malinois, was an officer with Herriman City, Utah’s police department. Hondo was shot in the sternum and passed away at a local veterinary hospital. Before becoming a police officer in 2015, he had been trained in Europe.
Hondo and his handler, Sgt. Ben Ricks, were considered to be one of the top K-9 teams in Utah, according to CNN.
Hondo is responsible for helping to take hundreds of pounds of narcotics off of the streets and assisted with more than 100 felony arrests.
“PSD Hondo was a true warrior,” said Herriman City Police Chief Troy Carr holding back tears. “And his actions last night assured his loving friend and partner Ben would be able to return home to his wife, children and HPD family.”
Hondo’s fellow officers were determined to give him a proper send-off. That started with a call to Rawtin Garage, a company that specializes in motorcycles and classic car designs. The Herriman City PD asked if they were able to create a custom casket for their fallen four-legged officer.
Their request was fulfilled within 24 hours. The company custom-designed a handpainted and airbrushed portrait of Hondo in his police harness with the backdrop of a flag and a Herriman City Police K-9 logo.
“What an honor it was to paint a hero’s casket,” the garage posted on Facebook.
Hondo was laid to rest in a ceremony attended by officers from across Utah and Las Vegas, as well as members of the public.
“He’s part of our family,” Herriman City Manager Brett Wood said during the event. “He paid for his life by doing his job. Today is going to be very emotional.”
“No words could ever adequately describe what a police dog really is, and Hondo was so much more,” said Herriman City Police Department Deputy Chief Chad Reyes. “We’re going to miss him.”
Though it was a solemn event, there still was a few laughs.
“On the way into battle, you’ll never hear I wish we had a cat,” said Sergeant Luis Lovato with the Unified Police Department.
Police said that Hondo was chasing the fugitive when the fugitive pulled out a gun. Both Hondo and the fugitive ended up being shot and killed during the pursuit.
Herriman City’s officers asked that Hondo’s life be celebrated in addition to being mourned.
“Celebrate that though Hondo paid the ultimate sacrifice, he paid it doing what he loved. Doing his job. Protecting his community,” Lovato said. “Because of Hondo’s sacrifice, not only was evil taken off the street that night, but Ben was able to come home to his wife and children.”
When Hondo wasn’t fighting crime, he loved to play with Ricks’ children and play the part of the family dog.
These are the badges police and fire personnel wore during @HerrimanPolice K9 Hondo’s funeral. We’re doing a story about the funeral for @KSL5TV tonight at 5. #ksltv @HerrimanCity pic.twitter.com/eSLQbpjFjL
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) February 29, 2020
“He loved pillows. He would always have pillows thrown everywhere. He had to be comfortable wherever he was,” said Rick’s son Preston Ricks.
“He would lick me on my face at 6 a.m. every morning to wake me up so I could feed him,” Ricks’ other son Damien Ricks said.
Hondo was given a full law-enforcement end-of-watch service and a final ride through Herriman before being laid to rest.
“Good boy. We will never forget you,” Lovato said. “Godspeed.”
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