Guardian of the Night
Dakota, a fantastic Police Dog was killed yesterday, October 24 near Brush Prairie, WA. The alleged killer was unruly, unrepentant as he appeared in court, but may face a life term. I have the honor of knowing his handler and loyal friend Roger Evans who took him in his arms and carried him from the scene. Our hearts and prayers go out to Roger, his family, The Vancouver Police Department and all who knew Dakota. I am reminded of something I once read: Trust in me my friend, for I am your comrade. I will protect you with my last breath, when others have left you, I will be at your side. I will gladly take up your fight for I am a Police Working Dog and together We are Guardians of the Night.
Steve from Washington
October 25th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Please pass on my heart felt condolences Roger and his family for their loss. I don’t know that most people realize that a police dog is more then a partner for an officer, they become part of the officers family. Dakota and Roger have made the world a better place for us and our children.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:38 am
This ie especially heartbreaking and heinous — that someone would strike down a noble animal trained to protect human life. God bless all who cared fot this magnificent animal, and I hope the killer suffers!
October 26th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
My heart is breaking for Roger and his loss. Please let him know and indeed the Van. Police Dept. that we are thinking of him and keeping him in our prayers.
Dakota was a loyal friend and partner. He truly remains a Guardian.
October 26th, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I am so sorry-this is a loss that many people will feel, myself included.
Dakota, and dogs like Dakota, are some of the bravest and most selfless creatures on God’s earth.
May he rest easy, and be remembered for his loyal and loving service.
Nell
October 27th, 2007 at 3:15 am
Thank you for sharing this with us. Our deep and heartfelt condolences to Officer Evans, his family, and the police force. I believe a man who would kill a police dog would have killed a man too. Dakota probably saved his partners life. Perhaps that will be some comfort to him. God bless everyone who is grieving for this courageous animal.
October 27th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
There are no words to describe the sadness I feel for you and your family. Your dog only knew love and loyalty, and sadly had more character and integrity than the dirtbag who took his life. Your dog gave more to humanity than most people, and I would like to thank you both and pass on my thoughts and prayers…May God Bless you all!!!!!!
October 27th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
I followed this story on our local news. If I have my facts right, the person who shot and killed Dakota was brought down by a second police dog on the scene. He was shown on the news being taken by stretcher to an ambulance and was laying on the stretcher face down. I hope his back side was chewed up good! My heart goes out to Dakota’s partner, Roger.
October 27th, 2007 at 8:20 pm
Dakota lost his life but at the same time put this murderer behind bars forever.Thank you for your service to your partner Roger, and for protecting your community oh BRAVE one!!
October 28th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
My heart goes out to Roger and his family. This story reminds me of one of Lt. Colonel Oliver North’s presentations on “War Stories,” where he devoted the full hour covering the outstanding bravery of canine units during WWII. The devotion of all of these dogs who serve in war, or in domestic police work to protect the public is legendary. We can now add Dakota to the list of faithful heroes. Thank you so much for sharing the sad news. The best that we can do is to pause for a moment and solemnly celebrate Dakota’s life.