Associated Press
CROWN POINT, Ind. (AP) - County commissioners paid tribute to a police dog who was fatally wounded in the line of duty. Then they presented his former partner, Officer Brian Harpp, a check for $5,000 to buy a new canine.
Commissioner Frances DuPey said Wednesday the board commended Fax, a German Shepherd who died last month after a fight with a pit bull, for “his valiant efforts and valor in the line of duty while protecting officers of Lake County, Indiana, which resulted in his sacrificing his life.”
Harpp, Officer Nathan Jazyk and Fax were investigating an intruder parked in a field near 49th Avenue and Wilson Street, when the truck driver released a pit bull that attacked Fax. Harpp was forced to shoot and kill the pit bull. Fax later died during surgery.
The pit bull’s owner, Robert Lee Dorman, 38, of Gary has been charged with criminal mischief.
“I appreciate the check,” Harpp said at the commissioners meeting Wednesday. “But it is not what I’m looking for. I think everyone knows what I want and cannot have.”
DuPey said she understood.
“I was very touched by what happened,” she said. “A police dog is like a family member. We hope this money will help toward the purchase of a new dog, which many people don’t realize the officer himself has to purchase.”
Harpp replied, “On behalf of myself and the office of the sheriff, I appreciate the support I’ve received from everyone who is helping me get through this period.”