Shreveport, La. – The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office gathered on Thursday to honor three of its fallen K‑9 partners with engraved headstones supplied by the U.S. War Dog Memorial. The ceremony highlighted the dedication of the working dogs and the gratitude of the deputies who served alongside them.
Memorial headstones installed
Clint Symons, president of the U.S. War Dog Memorial, and Vice President Kristi Symons traveled from Milford, Michigan, to Caddo Parish to personally install the headstones. The memorials mark the service of two K‑9s that had recently passed away. The War Dog Memorial provides these engraved markers at no cost to the handlers or agencies, emphasizing the organization’s mission to recognize the sacrifice of law‑enforcement and military dogs.
During the visit, the sheriff’s office received word that a third retired K‑9, named Samos, had also died. The Symons and the memorial team extended the ceremony to include Samos, ensuring that all three dogs received the same dignified remembrance.
Sheriff’s Office expresses gratitude
The sheriff’s office thanked the Symons and the War Dog Memorial for traveling to Caddo Parish and for their dedication to honoring the canine officers. “Your kindness and dedication mean more to our handlers and the entire Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office than words can adequately express,” the office said in a statement.
“Our K‑9s dedicate their lives to protecting their handlers, our deputies, and the citizens of Caddo Parish,” the statement continued. “When their watch ends, they deserve to be remembered with the dignity and respect they earned through a lifetime of service.”
Remembering the fallen
The ceremony underscored the vital role that K‑9 units play in public safety, from drug detection to suspect apprehension. By installing permanent headstones, the department ensures that the contributions of these animals will not be forgotten by future generations of deputies and community members.
Deputies present at the event shared brief recollections of the dogs’ training, work ethic, and the bond they formed with their handlers. While the memorials are a somber reminder of loss, they also serve as a celebration of the unwavering loyalty and bravery that K‑9 officers bring to law enforcement every day.
The U.S. War Dog Memorial continues its nationwide effort to provide similar recognitions for other agencies, reinforcing the broader community’s appreciation for the service of working dogs across the country.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
