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Died – 12/31/18
Brewton Police Department mourns loss of K-9 officer
As any dog lover knows, the loss of one can often feel like losing a family member. That’s the case for the Brewton Police Department who say their K-9, Lightfoot, was struck by a car on New Year’s Eve.Lightfoot — a German Shepherd — had been working the streets with one of their officers since entering the force around 6 months ago. Lightfoot’s handler was taking him to a fenced in area to run and play Monday night when Police Chief Monte McGougin says suddenly, the dog bolted out the door and into traffic where he was struck by car. It was shocking news for Herman Bradley, Pastor of the Christ Kingdom Ministry in Brewton for the last 40 years.”To me, that was a great tragedy. A great loss because they are very, very valuable. So we’re really sad to hear that,” said Bradley. Bradley says not only is the loss of Lightfoot sad for the police department, but for area residents due to the good work the K-9 did for the community. “They help take drugs off the streets, they help search for criminals that get up and run. So I’m hoping that, even though you can’t replace that one, we could get another one real soon,” Bradley said. Authorities say, although the K-9 had only been on the force a short time, he was already a valuable member inside the department and in the community. In November Lightfoot was honored, receiving donated body armor including a bullet and stab protective vest. “That’s sometimes the closest friend and closest coworker,” said Bradley. “That’s a great thing so we’ll be praying for all of them.” Chief McGougin says they plan to honor Lightfoot with a retirement ceremony and burial. There is no word yet on any plans to get another K-9.
