Memorial service held for K9 officer killed in training exercise

VERMILION, Ohio - The Vermilion Police Department held a memorial service for the K9 named Andy at the Vermilion Elementary School Saturday Morning.

The German Shepherd unexpectedly died during a routine training exercise. The K9's death came as tragic blow to the Vermilion and other area police departments

"We had a lot of mutual aid requests. A lot of departments and outside agencies would request him' said Chief Christopher Hartung of the Vermilion police department.

The Vermilion K9 fell to his death Tuesday night during a "catch the bad guy" type of exercise. No one saw the incident. In a police report, officers noted Andy somehow lost his balance and fell through a hole in a  floor door of the old Sandusky building where the exercise was being held.

The K9 broke his back. His handler, Corporal Scott Holmes, was able to reach the dog and fought to resuscitate him, but the K9 died from his injuries.

"Vermilion embraced Andy. We all felt he was a part of our family and our town." said Eileen Bulan, Mayor of Vermilion.

Vermilion police officers said Andy was with the department for more than a year and played a vital role in tracking-down suspects and illegal drugs. Andy was also the face of community outreach, helping to teach kids about safety.