Final arrangements for the K9 killed in the line of duty have been announced by the La Vergne Police Department.
Officers met at noon Thursday at the Animal Medical Center at 234 River Rock Blvd. in Murfreesboro to pay respects to K9 Sjaak (pron: Jacques). At 1 p.m., Sjaak was escorted to Faithful Friends Pet Memorial Services at 2611 Eugenia Ave. in Nashville.
“This is a difficult time for not only Officer Darby and his family, but for our entire department,” Interim Police Chief Chip Davis said. “Sjaak, and the other K9s, are a part of our family. We appreciate everyone who has taken time to reach out to our department in one way or another to offer their prayers and condolences.”
“We are encouraging everyone to line up in support of Officer Darby and Sjaak,” says PIO Anne Smith. “The procession route will go through La Vergne along Murfreesboro Road to give Sjaak a final ride through the city that he’s served dutifully since 2014.”
Sjaak is the first line of duty death for the La Vergne Police Department. He was shot three times on Tuesday, Nov. 17 after a man opened fire on his handler’s patrol vehicle. His handler, Officer Justin Darby, was not injured in the shooting or subsequent chase. The TBI is the investigating agency and will release all information regarding the shooting investigation.
Sjaak will be buried with full honors. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.