Hundreds Pay Tribute To Fallen Police Dog ‘Ike’
Desert residents, police officers from all over Southern California and fellow police dogs came together to say an emotional goodbye to four-legged member of the Palm Springs Police department, Ike.
The German Shepard died after an early morning gunfight between police and a wanted parolee on April 17. The suspect died on scene and the officers sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Ike is the first police dog in the history of the Palm Springs K-9 unit to die in the line of duty. “Ike was my hero,” said Palm Springs resident Steve Garey. “Ike was our hero in Palm Springs.”
Those in attendance heard stories from those that knew Ike best while other police dogs lined the aisles, an emotional sight for all. “I had a lot of make up on when I first got here, I have none on now,” said Leslie Garbis. “It was very heartwarming … very, very heartwarming. And they did an excellent job as far as the entire program, and the speakers.”
“Absolutely beautiful,” said Garey. “The pageantry … everything was magnificent. But it was a tear jerker from beginning to end. God bless Ike.”
City leaders also shared remarks in honor of Ike. “It’s hard to express,” said Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet. “Today was a very moving service and I’m just moved that so many people came to celebrate his life and what he did. He died saving the life of another officer.”
Ike was cremated and his remains will remain with his partner. Riverside County Sheriff K9 officer Chad Stahl speaks about the bond. “Even though I didn’t know Ike personally, it still affects us all, because we know the bond between dog and dog handler and how important it is.”
The Palm Springs police department set up a memorial in honor of Ike. If you’d like to donate, you can get more information in the ‘Seen on 3’ section of our website.
