((Photos: FCPS, Kellen Bakovich/CSU)

The Fort Collins Police Department on Wednesday held a special motorcade to honor the memory of K9 Officer Ivo.

During surgery on Ivo on November 12, veterinarians discovered the police dog had been infected with a widespread and rapidly developing cancer. Ivo died peacefully during surgery, according to a post on the Fort Collins Police Services Facebook Page. the post went on to say:

On November 13, the FCPS K9 Unit and motorcade escorted Ivo from the CSU James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital. He was honored by Fort Collins Police Services, Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State University Police, Longmont Police, UCHealth EMS staff, Poudre Fire Authority, Colorado State University Veterinary Hospital staff, and City of Fort Collins leadership.

“The bond between a handler and K9 is significant,” said Sgt. Sean Giddings, who leads the FCPS K9 Unit. “This morning's display of support from our first responder partners and CSU veterinary staff was a fitting tribute to an unforgettable dog. Though his life was short, he served our community with distinction.”

Ivo was a four-year-old Belgian Malinois who came to FCPS from Holland. He joined the agency in December 2017 as a dual-purpose K9 trained in patrol work and narcotics detection. When not working, Ivo lived at home with his handler and family. He will be missed by many.

 

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