By Joanna Putman
Police1
ROCKFORD, Ill. — A K-9 officer has been shot and killed while protecting her handler, according to the Friends of Rockford Police K-9 nonprofit.
Rockford Police Department K-9 Nyx was fatally shot on Jan. 28.
“K-9 Nyx paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting this community. I ask that you all keep K-9 Officer Vargas, the entire K-9 Unit, and Nyx in your thoughts and prayers,” Rockford Chief of Police Carla Redd stated.; “K-9 Nyx is family and we are truly thankful for her service to the Rockford Police Department.”
The shooting occurred when officers responding to a call were searching for a suspect, WREX reports. When the suspect was located, they exchanged gunfire with officers. The suspect fatally shot K-9 Nyx.
Nyx was trained in narcotics detection, evidence recovery human tracking and apprehension, according to the Friends of Rockford Police K-9 nonprofit.