Memorial Service for Fallen K-9 Officer Held in South Carolina
PROSPERITY, S.C. — A memorial service is scheduled for K-9 Officer Coba, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty in Newberry County. The incident occurred when officers were attempting to apprehend a suspect wanted for a felony charge.
Details of the Incident
According to the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Newberry County deputies were dispatched to a residence on Gravel Road to serve a fugitive felony warrant. Upon arrival, they discovered the suspect hiding in the home of a family member. As K-9 Officer Coba confronted the suspect along with a deputy and SLED agents, the situation escalated when the suspect opened fire on the team.
In the course of the exchange, K-9 Coba was critically injured. Law enforcement returned fire at the suspect, who was later taken to an area trauma center for treatment. Coba was rushed to an emergency veterinarian clinic but sadly succumbed to his injuries.
About K-9 Officer Coba
K-9 Coba was a four-year-old Belgian Malinois mix, who joined SLED in 2021. He served on both the SLED SWAT Team and the K9 Tracking Team, participating in numerous operations that helped ensure the safety of his handlers and the community. In his three years of service, Coba was involved in various training sessions and apprehensions.
Community Reaction
The loss of K-9 Coba has touched many hearts, including that of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. He took to social media to express his sorrow, stating, “Today, we tragically lost SLED K9 Agent Coba in the line of duty during the apprehension of an armed subject in Newberry County. We are grateful for our K9s, their handlers, and all our law enforcement officers who put their lives at risk each and every day.”
Investigation Status
As of now, there are no updates on the condition of the suspect involved in the incident. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Office has been called in to conduct a thorough investigation, as is standard protocol in such cases.
Memorial Service Details
The memorial service to honor K-9 Officer Coba is set for June 19 at 10 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy located at 5400 Broad River Road in Columbia. The public is invited to attend and pay their respects to a K-9 officer who dedicated his life to serving and protecting the community.
Continued Support for Law Enforcement
The service will serve as a reminder of the risks taken by law enforcement officers and K-9 units in their daily work. Both the K-9s and their human partners face dangerous situations to uphold the law and ensure the safety of the public. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many expressing their condolences and appreciation for the sacrifices made by both human and K-9 officers.
As the investigation proceeds, details will continue to emerge regarding the incident and the fate of the suspect involved. The community, mourning the loss of K-9 Coba, will come together to celebrate his life and service.
