Maryland State Police Introduce K9 Dailey Named After Fallen Deputy

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—The Maryland State Police's newest K9 is helping to heal a broken community.

"Dailey" is a 12-week bloodhound and she was named after fallen Harford County Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey.

Tracey Leong has more on the touching tribute.

Less than three months old, this little pup already has some big shoes to fill, given the name of fallen hero Senior Deputy Pat Dailey who was killed in the line of duty.

"Keep Pat's memory alive, not that it wouldn't anyway, his memory will be around forever," said Sgt. Rick Kelly, with the Maryland State Police.

After losing his dear friend, Sgt. Kelly wanted to honor the slain hero.

Dailey was shot in the head while on a call at a Panera Bread in Abingdon on Feb. 10.

Having this bloodhound carry on his name seemed to be the perfect tribute.

"[Dailey will] track little kids and old folks that are missing and bring them home to their families, and catch bad guys which is fitting for Pat," said Sgt. Kelly.

He tells WJZ he already sees a lot of similar traits in his puppy like his fallen friend, his sense of humor being the main one.

Like any puppy, he's curious and playful with a goofy attitude to match.

"I was like, 'Pat, give a little bit of help,' and I started thinking he's laughing, probably be laughing right now and saying, 'Pal you're on your own,'" Kelly said.

Bloodhound Dailey will soon be on the search and rescue team alongside K9  "Blair".

And while he may not know it, this little guy is also helping to heal a community after laying their hero to rest who bravely served as a Marine and volunteer fire fighter and his final 30 years with the Harford County Sheriff's Department.

"Hearing the name it really causes people to smile again which is necessary, very needed right now," Kelly says.

The department is planning on naming their next bloodhound puppy Logsdon to honor Harford County first class deputy Mark Logsdon, who died moments after Deputy Dailey in Abingdon.

K-9 Dailey will be out ready to begin working this September.