REMEMBERING THE FALLEN HEROES: A Powerful Tribute to California’s Hero K9s 
They don’t choose the badge, but they wear it with a level of loyalty and bravery that words can barely describe. On June 16, a deeply moving and emotional gathering took place as the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the UC Davis Police Department hosted the Faithful Partners K9 Memorial. Law enforcement units from across California came together to honor 27 courageous canine officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty between 2012 and 2025.
The grassy area near the bronze memorial statue on campus became a sanctuary of remembrance. Beautiful photos lined the walkway, listing each hero dog by their name, their department, and their tragic End of Watch. Led by the Sacramento PD Honor Guard and the City of Sacramento Pipe Band, the presentation of colors moved everyone to tears as the haunting notes of bagpipes echoed through the air.
“To us, these K9s are not simply a resource or a specialized tool. They are partners. They are members of our law enforcement family,” shared UC Davis PD Chief Joseph Farrow. “When a K9 serves this department, that service deserves to be remembered with the same respect and gratitude we extend to every member of our agency.”
The deep, unbreakable bond between a handler, their family, and a K9 partner was brought to light in a touching testimony by Fairfield PD Sergeant Michael Peña. Standing on stage alongside his wife, Laura, and holding a photograph of his late partner, Cort, Sgt. Peña recalled the painful history that brought them to UC Davis for emergency veterinary care over the years. Cort had survived multiple stab wounds and severe bites inflicted by a suspect, and had his teeth repaired from line-of-duty damage. Tragically, in April of this year, at the age of 12, the family had to say their final goodbye to Cort due to severe heart complications. 
Veterinary professionals Drs. Michael Mison and Bruno Pypendop also shared profound insights into what happens behind the scenes. Dr. Mison, who previously performed life-saving surgery on a wounded K9 named Murph, reminded the crowd that behind every hero dog is a massive, dedicated team of handlers, families, and medical experts sharing the weight of that sacrifice. 
But amid the heartbreak, there is a beautiful silver lining. Thanks to the “Faithful Partner Compassionate Care Fund” established at the school in 2015, the medical costs for treating K9s and search-and-rescue dogs injured in the line of duty are completely covered by donor generosity.
“Veterinary trauma care is expensive… Because of the generosity of our donors, that gap doesn’t matter,” Dr. Pypendop explained. “When a K9 comes through our doors, the only question we ask is what that dog needs—not who’s going to pay for it.”
The ceremony reached its emotional peak as Police Captain Mark Brunet and Dr. Mison solemnly read aloud the names of the 27 fallen K9 officers being added to the memorial. A breathtaking, final rendition of “Amazing Grace” played on the bagpipes, closing a day dedicated to ensuring these four-legged heroes are never, ever forgotten.
Please take a moment today to leave a prayer or a words of gratitude for the K9 teams who risk everything for our safety, and for the families who love them through the ultimate sacrifices.