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BPD K9 injured in last week's shooting has died. Will not be added to Idaho Peace Officers' Memorial

Posted at 10:21 PM, Nov 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-18 00:21:11-05

A procession of police vehicles drive away from WestVet in Garden City as the Boise Police Department is mourning the loss of Jardo; the police dog who was shot in the line of duty has passed away. Today Boise Police Chief Bill Bones calling the 6-year-old Belgium Malinois a hero. 

"And I say that with all sincerity,” said Chief Bones. “He went above and beyond what could be expected of any K9 or any patrol officers to save his fellow officers.  And I do consider this an in the line of duty death."

Jardo was shot in the chest by wanted a felon on the Boise Bench last week.  Two other human officers were also shot, one of them remains in serious condition at Saint Alponsus. The beloved police dog was trained to track down criminals and drugs.  For many, Jardo's passing comes as a complete shock. At a candlelight vigil for the injured officers, Jardo made an appearance and police announced he'd be returning to light duty. But on Wednesday night, his owners found him acting strangely. He was taken to a WestVet and suffered a heart attack. Veterinarians did everything they could to save him.

"They got into surgery as quickly as possible and were doing everything we could to keep him stabilized but before we could even get to that point unfortunately he went into cardiac arrest," explained Dr. Jeff Brourman, WestVet CEO and Veterinary Surgeon.

While Jardo was killed in the line of duty, his name will not be added to the Idaho Peace Officers’ Memorial rock in Meridian. Officials say that by federal criteria, the monument is reserved for humans only. The board of the Idaho Peace Officers’ Memorial says they have discussed adding a monument for police dogs killed in the line of duty. But how that memorial will be funded or where it would be built is still unknown.  For now, the Boise Police Department is planning a public memorial service for Jardo next week.

"Jardo has been a comfort for our department these past few days. But also for our entire community and even the nation," said Chief Bones.