Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow) – Sept. 11, 2024 – A retired Bay Police Department K9 died Wednesday.
K9 Sergeant Fredo retired in January 2024 after an 8 year career with BPD and Assistant Chief TJ Burns.
Burns said in a Facebook post on Wednesday “He crossed the rainbow bridge and took his last ride in a Police truck today, September 11,2024 at 10:20am.”
“If you look up Police K9 in a dictionary, you will see Fredo. He was the epitome of what a Police K9 should be.”
Burns told JRN that Fredo’s lifetime apprehension, arrest, and bite stats were lost during a hard drive failure, but he knew that Fredo was responsible for multiple felony arrests and apprehensions in several different jurisdictions. He added that they were very fortunate to be able to help other departments whenever needed
Reminiscing about their time together, Burns said, “From a distance, he may have looked like a force to be reckoned with, but to know him was to understand a true love from a dog that would give his life to protect you.”
When asked if Fredo ever bit any suspects, Burns told JRN, “He had one! Everyone else gave up!” speaking to the inherent security and support that a K9 can lend to an officer and apprehension effort. Sometimes, simply having a K9 present can force a suspect to “give up” before being bitten.
“He was exceptional in every aspect of his duty and inspired me to be a better Officer,” said Burns, “He never ceased to amaze me in training, qualifications, on duty, and then how quickly he could ‘turn it off’ and let someone just scratch his ears and love on him.”
Burns and Fredo were partners for eight years.
“Fredo, you will be sorely missed. We knew this day was coming, and I hope that I’ve given you the best life you could have asked for. Thank you for protecting me, for all of the late night conversations, for stealing my leftover Q49 brisket when I forgot it in the truck on a dispatch, and for driving me absolute nuts when any motorcycle would go by,” Burns added. “Take your place in heaven with all the other goodest boys and girls.”
