WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three fallen K9s from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) were honored during the National Police K9 Memorial Service on May 11, held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
K9s Wick, Kodak, and Bumi were among 21 police dogs from across the country recognized for their service and sacrifice. Each of the K9s died in the line of duty in 2024, and the ceremony paid tribute to their bravery, loyalty, and vital role in public safety.
Honoring K9 Heroes
The solemn memorial service featured a wreath-laying ceremony, a moment of silence, and individual remembrances for each of the fallen police dogs. K9 handlers, law enforcement agencies, and supporters from across the nation gathered to commemorate the dogs who gave their lives while serving alongside their human partners.
Representing Richland County, K9 Specialists Samantha Ramirez, Zaid Abdullah, and Alan Ware attended the ceremony to honor their fallen partners. Each officer placed a rose in memory of their respective K9s—Kodak, Wick, and Bumi—as their names were called during the service.
A Difficult Year for RCSD
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department was the only law enforcement agency from South Carolina to lose multiple K9s in 2024. Their presence at this year’s memorial was not only a tribute to their K9 partners but also a moment of reflection for a department that experienced significant loss.
RCSD joined fellow officers from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and Lee County Sheriff’s Office, who were also in attendance to pay their respects.
“These K9s are more than working dogs—they are partners, protectors, and family,” said one RCSD official. “Their loss is deeply felt within our department and throughout the community.”
The Role of Police K9s
Police K9s like Wick, Kodak, and Bumi are specially trained to assist officers in high-risk operations, including tracking suspects, detecting narcotics and explosives, and protecting officers in the field. Their training and loyalty often put them directly in harm’s way, making their contributions both critical and courageous.
The National Police K9 Memorial Service is held annually to recognize the unique and irreplaceable role that these animals play in law enforcement. The service is a chance to reflect on the bond between handler and K9 and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
A Lasting Tribute
For the families and officers who work alongside police K9s, the ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that service and sacrifice take many forms. Wick, Kodak, and Bumi’s names now join those of other K9s memorialized in Washington, D.C., where their legacy will continue to inspire honor, courage, and service.
To learn more about the National Police K9 Memorial or to support fallen K9 families, visit nleomf.org.
Leave a Reply