ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — A procession was held for fallen Rockford Police Department K-9 Nyx on Tuesday. She lost her life in a shooting a few days prior. Members of the community grouped up along the 8-mile procession.
“Just supporting the Rockford PD, you know, it’s a tragic thing that happened. I’m an animal lover,” said Susan Herraot a Rockford resident. “Just especially thinking about, like, his handler, Officer Vargas, I think his name is. It’s got to be really hard for him and his family.”
The Winnebago Boone County Task Force is still investigating the shooting that killed Nyx. Officer John Vargas, Nyx’s handler found the K-9 shot. Malik Trotter was the gunman, he was shot and not yet charged.
“She saved her handler that day and probably some other officers on the scene,” said Andrea Cox, cousin of Jamie Cox who was the last Rockford Officer killed in the line of duty. “I think it’s important that we show them the same respect that we do, the human officers, the same honor she gave her life for our city, just like our human officers.”