Fallen Police K-9s honored during Police Week for the first time

Washington DC — As Police Week gets underway in Washington DC, it’s with a new ceremony that officers say was much needed.

For the first time in the event’s history, fallen police service dogs were honored as part of the week of commemorative ceremonies and services. Close to 40,000 law enforcement officers are in DC to take part in events like the memorial Friday, honoring those that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Hillsboro, Oregon Police Department Officer Corey Zaugg lost his dog Billy, when a car side-swiped his patrol car.

“The K-9s, they dedicate their lives to us, and they dedicate their lives to the citizens,” Zaugg says.

Billy is one of 24 dogs that made the ultimate sacrifice in 2017.

GALLERY: Police K-9s honored as part of Police Week

There is a candlelight vigil for fallen officers on Sunday, and a ceremony at the Capitol Tuesday, where the President is expected.

The memorial service Friday included a wreath laying ceremony to honor the memory of police K-9s who have given their lives in the line of duty. Although Police Week formally starts Sunday, events are already taking place.