K9 Down

K9 Gorky
Davie County North Carolina Sheriff's Office
End of Watch: Thursday, January 23, 2014
Breed: Russian Shepherd
Age: 5
Gender: M
Tour: 5 years
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 1/22/2014

K9 Gorky was shot and killed while accompanying an entry team during a hostage situation. A subject had just taken two juveniles hostage in a mobile home on South Angell Road.

Deputies had originally gone to the man's home to serve a warrant relating to a home invasion. When they arrived the subject fled to a nearby mobile home where he took the two hostages. He then called his probation officer and stated that he would shoot officers and kill the hostages if they attempted to arrest him.

The subject released the hostages a short time later in exchange for cigarettes. At approximately 6:30 pm a team made entry into the home led by K9 Gorky and his handler. The subject opened fire with a shotgun from behind a wall, striking K9 Gorky and his handler. Gorky was able to exit the home through the front door while his handler exited through a window. As his handler exited the window he was struck by friendly fire and wounded a second time. K9 Gorky succumbed to his wounds at approximately 1:00 am.

The subject was taken into custody a short time later and charged with multiple counts.

K9 Gorky had served with the Davie County Sheriff's Office for five years.

Rest in Peace …and enjoy running the green grass of Heaven!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy