Bond between handler, slain K-9 called ‘indescribable’
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – A Norfolk police K-9 was shot and killed in the line of duty Monday morning. The death of an officer like K-9 Krijger is a tremendous loss for the department, and for the handler especially.
“To lose any partner, officer, K-9, or not, it’s a heartfelt reaction felt throughout the department that no one can put into words,” said Officer Jake Clark, an eight year veteran of the police department.
Clark has been a K-9 handler in Norfolk for four years. He and his partner, a Belgian Malinois named Basco, work together all day every day.
“We do everything together,” said Clark. “We get ready for work together. We come to work. We train hard all day, and then when we go home, we go home together. That builds a bond that’s indescribable.”
Basco patrols with Clark and can be used when police need to apprehend a suspect.
“If an officer needs to locate a suspect and they fled a scene or might be hiding in a building, Basco and I find that suspect,” explained Clark.
Clark was not present for the stand-off that turned into an officer-involved shooting overnight Monday. Police have said K-9 Krijger was deployed to apprehend an armed suspect after a stand-off that last several hours. During the apprehension, police say the suspect shot Krijger. Police say the suspect then raised his gun toward police, which is when an officer fired a shot at the man.
Clark couldn’t comment on the situation but shared his reaction to the news.
“All I know is that my heart dropped,” he said. “And I feel for the officer involved, and all officers involved.”
He went on, “And I feel for this community. That K-9 officer served his community alongside his partner, and it’s a loss for everybody.”
An American flag is now at half-staff outside the K-9 training facility in Norfolk. Cpl. Melinda Wray, a department spokeswoman, said there will be some sort of service held for Krijger. However, the plan has not been announced yet. She also said, the service might be private.