KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The Kent County Sheriff's Office held a memorial service on Saturday to publicly honor their canine officer, Axel.
The event took place at Cedar Springs High School at 11 a.m. on the school's football field.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office encouraged the public to attend to help remember Axel and his service to Kent County.
Deputy Krystal Stuart, who Axel was assigned to, lead the service. Deputies and other K-9 officers were in attendance. American flags were waved at the entrance and during the memorial.
Axel's memorial service
Police say Axel was working leading up to his untimely passing on Aug. 28.
Officers were dealing with a fleeing felon from a home invasion in a nearby township. Axel was sent to the scene to locate the suspect.
Soon after the incident, Axel suffered a medical emergency. Dep. Stuart was with Axel until his last breath.
She says Axel did what he was born to do.
"He was a rockstar," she said.
"As an agency, we are heartbroken," said Sheriff LaJoye-Young. "We will forever be grateful for Axel’s service to the residents of Kent County.”
The KCSO K9 Unit is self-funded. If you'd like to learn more, or offer a donation to help, click here and you'll go directly to their website.
Related video: 'HE WAS A ROCKSTAR': Kent County Sheriff's deputy mourns sudden death of K9 partner
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