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Died 1/24/17
Handler – Deputy Blake Arrant
Grant Parish K-9 remembered at memorial service
Cpl. Blake Arrant responded to a call about a year ago during which he had to perform CPR on a young child, who later died. He pulled his Grant Parish Sheriff’s patrol unit off the road after leaving the scene, overcome by what he’d witnessed. But comfort came when a paw rested on his shoulder from the unit’s back seat. It was his K-9, Turbo, who sensed that his handler was upset. “He was more than a dog,” said Grant Sheriff Steven McCain, while an emotional Arrant stood nearby. A crowd gathered on a overcast and windy Thursday afternoon for a memorial service for Turbo, who died on Jan. 24. He was 5-and-a-half years old. Autopsy results are pending, but it’s believed that Turbo suffered from either a brain tumor or bleeding on his brain. The Belgian Malinois had received awards from multiple K-9 organizations, including the United States Police Canine Association. He assisted in hundreds of narcotics and other felony arrests and was a member of the office’s SWAT since joining the department in 2013. He also worked in surrounding parishes in various operations, and also participated in several Joint Task Force operations in five parishes. As the service began, a procession of nine patrol units with lights flashing drove down 2nd Street to stop outside the sheriff’s office. An honor guard composed of Grant and Rapides deputies removed a small casket with Turbo’s remains from the lead unit, and then escorted it to a table in front of a podium. Arrant, whose birthday was Thursday, led a line of K-9 handlers and deputies behind the honor guard. He wiped tears away as McCain and Grant Parish Coroner Dr. Dean Nugent spoke about the dog and their partnership. “Y’all need to realize, Turbo was a child, a pet and a partner, 24 hours a day,” he said. “Their lives depended on each other. Turbo learned a lot from Blake; Blake learned a lot from Turbo. “And I know his heart aches.” Nugent presented Arrant with a crystal statute engraved with photos of him, Turbo, an American flag and Turbo’s badge. After Nugent spoke, taps was played and then McCain presented Arrant with the flag that draped Turbo’s casket. The polished wood of Turbo’s casket was engraved with his name and end-of-watch date. McCain led a prayer before Turbo’s last call, saying that law enforcement isn’t an easy task. “All that matters is that he was one of us, serving wherever needed, from the richest mansions to the darkest alleys, confident and proud, highly honored by the people’s trust,” he prayed. “May time never erase the sacrifices that were made. May those of us still serving remember well the job that he did. May his memory stand forever, and give Blake the strength to carry on, to care and to simply trust your word.” As Turbo’s last call was broadcast, nearby dogs began to bark. “… a partner, a friend and dedicated deputy. GPSO K-9 Turbo, end of watch, January 24, 2017.”
