Roanoke Police Department says goodbye to K-9 Officer

ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Mans’s best friend, a K-9 officer for the Roanoke Police Department, and a hero were a few words to describe K-9 Knox.

“He faced danger head-on, never hesitating to put himself in harm’s way to protect his fellow officer,” Roanoke Police Chief Scott Booth said.

He was a three-year-old German Shepherd who served two years with RPD. During his two years on the job, Knox went on 209 calls, helped catch 65 suspects, and sniffed out more than 7 kilos of drugs, according to police. His accomplishments at work are part of what made Knox special.

Friday, the department gathered at the Berglund Center to pay their respects and honor their fallen officer.

“On April 18th, we were punched in the face, and it hurt. Trials will absolutely come in this career,” Chaplain Gareth Stephenson said. “It’s what we do with them that defines us, and guides us, and directs us.”

On that Friday, Knox was in pursuit of a suspect when a fellow officer hit him.

Knox’s handler, Officer W.R. Frosell, was in attendance and wrote a letter to an officer with a powerful message.

“Today, I want to publicly say that I have and will continue to forgive my brother for this accident,” Officer Frosell wrote. I wish this accident never happened, especially to you. Please know that my family loves you and forgives you, and we will move past this together."

“You will be profoundly missed and forever honored, K-9 Knox. Your watch has ended. Rest easy; we have it from here.”

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