K9 Rosco

End of Watch: September 7, 2010

Cause of death: Gunfire

On Thursday, September 7, 2010, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to an armed robbery of the McDonalds, 2955 Colonial Boulevard, by two masked males.  As responding units arrived, one subject fled in a vehicle, intentionally striking Officer George Sanford's K-9 Axe who was approaching on foot.  Axe survived his injuries.  The second subject fled on foot with Officer Glenn Thompson and his K-9 Rosco in pursuit, also on foot. During the foot pursuit, Officer Thompson and the subject exchanged gunfire with K-9 Rosco leading the charge and taking a bullet headed for his trusted handler.  K-9 Rosco died on the way to the emergency animal hospital.  The subject responsible was shot and killed in the parking lot of 4415 Metro Parkway by Officer Thompson.  K-9 Rosco was laid to rest with full Law Enforcement honors.  

An extensive multi jurisdictional vehicle pursuit of the second subject ended in the subjects arrest. 

"The Working Dog's Oath"

"I will lay down my life for you and expect nothing but love in return.  I protect my officer with my life, and would gladly take a bullet in his place.  I am sent in to find lost children and fugitives on the run.  I find drugs and weapons and even bombs.  I am the first sent in and sometimes the last to leave.  I am the nose and ears of my officer.  I will protect and serve him.  I would die for him and for you.  I only ask for compassion and a kind word."