K9 Handler’s Wife Delivers Heartfelt Message During Tribute for Service Dog

FISHERS, Ind. – Hundreds gathered to honor K9 Harlej of the Fishers Police Department, and during the tribute, K9 Harlej’s handler’s wife delivered a moving message. The tribute took place on Wednesday night at Fishers High School. Law enforcement officers and K9 handlers from across the state attended to pay their respects.

K9 Harlej was killed in the line of duty on November 13th while tracking two suspects involved in a car chase. The 5-year-old Belgian Malinois had served with the Fishers Police Department since 2015, with Officer Jarred Koopman as his handler.

While Ofcr. Koopman did not speak at the service, his wife, Kim, delivered a heartfelt message that moved many to tears. She recounted the events of the night Harlej was killed, as reported by WTTV.

“You wait for both of them to come home together,” Koopman said in her message. “So, when your husband calls you at 3:30 in the morning and starts the conversation with, ‘I am okay but Harlej is gone,’ a part of you crumbles. The loss feels unbearable.”

She continued, speaking directly to Harlej, “Harlej, there are no words one can say for how one little pup could impact so many people. For the countless lives that you saved today, and for the loyalty and love you shared with your guy and us your family. It has changed us.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, a procession took place to the George Kehl Police Station in Fishers. The community mourns the loss of K9 Harlej, remembering his service and sacrifice.

K9 officers and their handlers stand at attention to pay their final respects to Officer Harlej. pic.twitter.com/BxMhe6TqG6 — Courtney Crown (@CrownJournalist) November 21, 2019