Words such as hero, life saver and guardian angel were used Friday to describe the sacrifices of a Mount Airy K9 officer recently dying in the line of duty after cornering a double murder suspect.
But perhaps the most profound terminology to sum up Draco’s actions — credited with preventing the deaths of local human officers during that encounter — came from city Police Chief Dale Watson.
“Draco was a warrior,” Watson said during a Friday “end of watch” memorial service at Blackmon Amphitheater for the beloved German shepherd.
“He died a warrior’s death and that’s how a warrior wants to be remembered,” the chief added regarding a shootout on Oct. 16 off Riverside Drive which led to the suspect being killed and Draco fatally wounded.
“Everyone knows more lives were in jeopardy,” had it not been for the heroic K9, Watson related.
“Draco remained steadfast until the end.”
The violent incident capped a series of events beginning with the Oct. 15 homicides of two men in Cumberland County and the deadly showdown between local officers and the Fayetteville suspect who’d made his way here and been tracked by Draco.