A law enforcement officer who dies in the line of duty, from an illness, or other cause, is always honored with a final Last Call. But that tradition isn’t just reserved for human officers.
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For nearly 10 years, a German shepherd named Argo worked as part of a K9 unit with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office in Texas. Trained in narcotics detection, he served beside his partner, Lieutenant Frank Guerrero, and is credited with helping to remove thousands of pounds of illegal substances from the community.
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Unfortunately, in 2015, K9 Argo was diagnosed with bone cancer, but he never let it slow him down, even after it began spreading and causing him to suffer. That fall, when his pain became noticeable, Frank made the difficult decision to end his suffering.
But the officer wouldn’t let his loyal companion pass without honoring his years of remarkable service. Frank and his family, along with Argo’s brothers in blue held a Last Call ceremony at the veterinarian’s office.
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As the dispatcher came over the radio, Argo, who appeared to be resting, perked right up. He heard his name and the familiar sound of the radio and we can only imagine, he thought it was time to work.
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The tradition calls for the dispatcher to call out the officer’s name three times, as if trying to contact him or her. When the calls go unanswered, the dispatcher acknowledges she isn’t getting a response and the that the officer is retiring or has fallen. In the video, the dispatcher ends her call with, “End of watch for K9 Argo on October 10, 2015. Rest in peace, K9 Argo.”
Argo’s memory lives on, though, not just in the hearts of all those who knew and worked with him, but in tangible form.
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Shortly after this heartfelt ceremony, the local crime stoppers community watch group got permission from the sheriff’s office to create a mascot in Argo’s image, and he now attends community events to promote peace and safety in the community.
Watch the video to see the ceremony and don’t forget to share Argo’s story to thank him and all the other K9 units around the country for their years of service. Officer Argo, may you rest in peace.
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