Powerful Photo Shows Cop Saying Goodbye To His K-9 Partner For The Last Time
By Dreamer
A Mississippi officer and his department said goodbye to a 10-year veteran of their force after he was unexpectedly diagnosed with a terminal illness.
On Monday morning, Solo was given a hero’s send off by the Morton Police Department and his partner, Staff Sgt. Carlos Dipuma, after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer on Friday. The 12-year-old German Shepherd had inoperable tumors pushing against his heart and spleen, according to WLBT.
“I’m gonna miss Solo. I’ve cried so many tears these last couple of days,” Dipuma said. “It’s been hard.”
The Monday memorial service for Solo, who was a narcotics dog, included a moment of silence as the department shared stories of their loyal friend, who the entire department had grown to love. One such story was of a photo of Solo purportedly driving a patrol car.
Dipuma recalled how he left the door to the truck open, only to return to find Solo waiting for him in the front seat, paw on the steering wheel and ready to go.
The memorial service ended with a call nobody wanted to hear. Officers in the department had to fight back tears as dispatch gave Solo his last call over the radio.
“Attention all units, be advised that Solo does not respond,” the department’s dispatcher said. “K-9 Solo is now deceased and will be laid to rest February 2, 2015.”
That radio call was marked by a powerful photo that was taken of Officer Dipuma saying goodbye to his faithful partner one last time after he was administered the lethal drug cocktail.
Solo had quite a career with the force, and according to Chief Nicky Crapps his legacy extends far beyond the personal bond everyone had with him.
“He supplied all of us with new automobiles, the best equipment, I mean, we’ll forever be in debt to him for that,” Crapps said. “As the mayor said, he made the most money from drug busts in Scott County history.”
Solo’s biggest bust came in February of 2010, where he helped locate over $670,000 during a pursuit. But for Dipuma, it’s not about the money or even the busts, it’s about the bond that he forged with his four-legged partner.
“It’s gonna be hard knowing when I go back in that truck again in the morning time and go 10-8, that my partner won’t be in the back,” he said.
Anybody who’s ever had a dog understands the relationship that develops with them, and when we lose them, it’s like losing a family member.
Make sure you share this story to give Solo the respect he’s earned.
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