Burbank community members and police officers came together Wednesday for a procession and memorial service to honor and say goodbye to their beloved police dog that was shot and killed during a tense standoff with a gunman last week.
Spike the K-9’s flag-draped coffin was led in a procession from the Burbank Animal Shelter to the Burbank Police Department as other K-9s and their handlers from different law enforcement agencies joined the community in paying respects to the police dog.
More than 30 human officers stood behind the pictures of Spike at the entrance of the police headquarters during the memorial service, with the Belgian Melanois’ handler, Officer Corey Salas, and family members wiping away their tears during the memorial service.
“His passing has left an unimaginable void in our hearts,” Burbankd PD Chief Rafael Quinter read from Officer Salas’ statement. “Spike was so much more than just the dog, a tool or even a partner. He was an irreplaceable part of our family.”
Spike’s handler also called the K-9 a hero, describing him to be “brave, courageous, protective and bursting with energy.”
“His spirit was fierce, and he brought joy and loyalty into our lives,” Office Salas’ statement read.
“Rest easy, our dear Spikey. You will always be loved and forever missed,” Salas added.
The Salas family also expressed gratitude to the community that has been dropping off toys, treats, balloons and cards in front of the police department to honor Spike since the dog’s death.
“We have read every card sent to us and seen every drawing made by the kids,” Officer Salas said. “The outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming, and it means the world to us.”
Burbank Mayor Nikki Perez also said countless community members have reached out to the city and police department to express their support as many brought food and baked goods to the police department.
Karineh Begijani, one of the neighbors who came out to attend the memorial service, said she found it heartbreaking that Spike had to die.
“It’s heartbreaking to see a dog in this situation. My neighbors and i have been crying since Day 1,” said Begijiani while holding her dog, Toto with a patriotic bow-tie.
As Spike’s memorabilia was being sold on the Burbank Police Foundation’s website, a donation drive was also put together to support the department and its K-9 team.
Spike, the Belgian Malinois, died at the age of 4 after serving with Burbank police for two years. He was shot by the man who was trying to run away from police during a traffic stop off the 5 Freeway on Buena Vista Street on Nov. 22.
Jose Domingo Ayala Alas, 37, was later identified as the man who fired his weapon at the K-9 and officers during the hours-long standoff.
Spike was wearing a special bulletproof vest made for K-9s, but it wasn’t enough to save him. Right after a bullet struck him, the K-9 retreated to his handler before being rushed to an emergency veterinarian.
Ayala Alas was later shot and killed by police.
The gunman, a documented 18th Street gang member, had prior arrests for possession of weapons, including firearms, police said.
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