The death of K-9 officer Jon-Jon was a traumatic event for Douglas County law enforcement officers and residents alike.
Jon-Jon was locked in his patrol car when a short circuit set the car on fire, killing the lovable Labrador in one of the worst ways we can think of.
Many people in this Valley and around the state were horrified by Jon-Jon's death, which brought peace officers from all over to mourn him.
Out of Jon-Jon's death has come something worthwhile. Residents rallied to help the sheriff's office purchase and train new dogs. They also raised the money to install a device in patrol cars to make sure the new dogs are protected in case of emergency.
We feel installation of the device should be a requirement for all K-9 patrol cars in the state. The $1,000 a car price tag is much less than the cost of finding and training a new dog.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, in Lampe park, the public will get a chance to meet the dogs and see the device in action as a thank-you from the sheriff's office for all the support.
In the meantime, we're relieved that there will never be a repeat of the incident that so tragically ended the life of K-9 officer Jon-Jon.
