BARTLETT, Tenn. — The Bartlett Police Department honored one of its own on Friday.
On Thursday, the department made the announcement that K9 Pico would take his last ride.
According to reports, the 4-legged officer had been battling cancer and to keep him from suffering any further, the decision was made to finally let him rest.
“Around 2 pm on Friday, May 29 Pico will take his last ride in his squad car while being escorted with full honor,” the department wrote on their Facebook page. ” He has enjoyed the last year and a half of his retirement, living with Ofc. Chris Schaumburg and his family, where he became a treasured part of their family. Rest well.”
A caravan of Mid-South Law Officers took part in a procession for Pico.
Dozens of cars and motorcycles escorted the canine officer.
But it wasn’t just the police department who came out to show Pico how much they loved him and appreciated his service.
Many from the community took to social media extending their condolences and some even lined the street as the veteran passed by.
“It was with great honor and sadness that we were able to attend Pico’s last ride,” said the City of Bartlett Animal Shelter. “It was very touching to see the support from our community as well as surrounding police departments. Rest easy Pico. We send our condolences out to Officer Schaumburg and his family.”
“On behalf of the Bartlett Police Department and our K9 unit we want to extend a sincere thank you to all the agencies and individuals who assisted in making K9 Pico’s last ride possible. It was with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye but the outpouring of love and support not only to K9 Pico but also to our agency made this day a little easier.”