Former OPD Officer Starts Fundraiser for Fallen K9 Memorial

Police officers put their lives on the line day after day to protect their jurisdiction, and their four-legged friends are often not far from the danger. Now, the a former Oxford officer is looking for a way to honor them after they’re gone.

Officer Jake Abel and Baraka

Former Oxford Police Department officer Jake Abel created a GoFundMe page to raise $2,500 for a memorial and burial site for all K9 officers. The current burial site is at the Lafayette County Law Enforcement Range that serves the officers and agents in the LOU community.

The department recently lost former officer Baraka, owned and handled by Abel. Baraka served as an officer with the department for more than nine years before his retirement.

After they finish serving, they are sold to their handler to house them for the rest of their lives. The dog was more than an officer with OPD — he was part of Abel’s family, protecting Oxford citizens during the day while being a watchdog and typical family pet at home.

“These four-legged officers give what their best years in service to our community and we are looking to give them a respectful final resting place,” Abel said.

While many see K9 officers as terrifying, vicious creatures, Abel said the dogs often see their work as more of a game than anything. When a dog is sniffing for illegal drugs and finds some, they immediately expect a treat as a reward for solving the puzzle and finishing the game.

Funds donated will go toward purchasing a headstone for the burial spot and possibly a fence around the area. The marker will read:

My eyes are your eyes to watch and protect you.
My ears are your ears to detect evil minds in the dark.
My nose is your nose to scent the invader of your domain.
So that you may live — my life is yours.

To donate, visit Abel’s GoFundMe page.

Amelia Camurati is editor of HottyToddy.com and can be reached at amelia.camurati@hottytoddy.com.