Portland, Ore. – On Wednesday, the Portland Police Bureau gathered at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley to say a final goodbye to K‑9 Kylo, the beloved police dog who lost his life in the line of duty.
Kylo’s heroic sacrifice
Kylo was killed on Sept. 24 while assisting officers in the arrest of a man wanted by U.S. Marshals. According to the bureau, the suspect drew a firearm after Kylo tackled him to the ground. As officers opened fire on the armed suspect, Kylo was struck and died on the scene.
Kylo had been slated to retire at the end of the day, marking the end of a distinguished career that spanned more than four years. His handler, K‑9 Officer Benjamin Davison, served alongside Kylo for four and a half years, forming a partnership built on trust, training, and mutual respect.
Service and reflections
After the procession, Officer Davison read a heartfelt letter addressed to Kylo. “Thank you for being a hero that fateful day and keeping me and our partners safe. I’m sorry you didn’t make it home,” the letter said. “I hope it’s true when they say all dogs go to heaven. I hope we’ll see you soon. Goodbye for now, Kylo, we love you.”
Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day also spoke, emphasizing the lessons Kylo leaves for every officer. “We can learn three things from Kylo: be excellent at your job, be a good friend, and finish every job well, because every day counts,” Chief Day said.
Community response
The ceremony drew fellow officers, city officials, and community members who gathered to honor Kylo’s service. Many expressed gratitude for the K‑9 program’s role in keeping neighborhoods safe and highlighted the deep bond that forms between handlers and their canine partners.
Portland’s K‑9 unit continues to train and deploy dogs for search, detection, and suspect apprehension. While Kylo’s loss is felt deeply, the department reaffirmed its commitment to the program and to the safety of both officers and residents.
Looking forward
Chief Day concluded the service by reminding attendees that the dedication shown by Kylo and his handler exemplifies the values the police strive to uphold every day. The bureau will honor Kylo’s memory by continuing its mission to protect and serve the Portland community.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
