The city held a funeral for the German Shepherd Thursday at
the Canton Civic Center, on what would have been Jethro's third birthday.
Speakers included the Canton Police chief and the
mayor.
"Jethro's legacy is to remind us all is that bravery
and devotion can travel on four legs, and that loyalty and love can be
delivered by the playful nudge of a wet nose," Mayor Thomas Bernabei said
to those assembled.
K-9 officers from as far away as Virginia and the New York
Police Department attended the service. More than 100 K9s from various
departments walked in a five and a half minute long procession in front of
those gathered.
Jethro's partner, Ryan Davis, was presented with a flag and
a fallen officer medal honoring his four legged best friend. At 12:27 pm the
department officially declared Jethro's end of watch.
"A lot of people love dogs obviously, and they know
the dog is doing it for us and he doesn't really have a choice, so to speak, so
I think people really identify with that - that a lot of people have dogs that
they believe would do this for them," said Eric Stanbro, the Canton Police
K9 head trainer.
Stanbro said to those who may criticize giving a memorial
service for a dog, that this was the least the department could do.
"We owe it to them. I believe 100% that without
Jethro, today it's Ryan's funeral and not a dog's funeral," said Stanbro.
The suspect, Kelontre D. Barefield, received a gunshot
wound to the leg and was taken into custody after being treated. He is being
held on $5 million bond.
There is a GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/h8xbvs8s account
to pay for Jethro's vet bills and buy new K-9 vests for the department.
"I absolutely think Jethro is a hero. The dog did his
job and it's tough to take. And for that
some officers went home safe," said Tim Wilmoth, a canine handler
and retired police officer.
The Canton Police Department is not actively seeking
donations. However, those that wish to donate can make a check out to the
Canton Police Department and write K9 donation on the memo line. Donations and
condolences can be sent to the Canton Police Department at 221 3rd St. SW,
Canton, OH 44702.
Jethro's Procession
K-9 Jethro is Laid to Rest
