A new K9, on patrol in Iowa, is paying tribute to an Omaha Police officer killed in the line of duty.
K9 Orozco is now an official member of the Madison County Sheriff's Department. He had his first official night on duty Sunday, March 19.
K9 Orozco and his handler, Deputy Justin Edwards, started training together in February. The two completed five weeks of training at Canine Tactical of Iowa before being certified. The K9 will be used for narcotics detection and for search and apprehension of wanted suspects.
K9 Orozco was named for fallen Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco. The 29-year-old officer was shot and killed while trying to arrest a wanted fugitive on May 20, 2015. Deputy Edwards says naming his K9 after her is the least he could do to honor Officer Orozco's sacrifice.
"Kerrie Orozco went above and beyond for her community," said Deputy Edwards. "And I believe that her dedication to her community should be a trait found in all law enforcement officers."
Deputy Edwards says if K9 Orozco has even a small part of the dedication Officer Kerrie Orozco had, Madison County, IA will have an amazing new K9 officer.
K9 Orozco was purchases using community donations totaling over $30,000.
