Burbank police dog Spike honored with memorial and procession

The Burbank police dog Spike was honored in a Wednesday memorial ceremony and procession after he was shot and killed in the line of duty last month.

K-9 Spike was a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois and had been with the department for nearly two years when he died after being shot multiple times after confronting a suspect who fled from police during a routine traffic stop on Nov. 22.  

As Burbank Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle near the Buena Vista Street offramp to the northbound lanes of the freeway, a man jumped out of the passenger seat, ran to the onramp and fled over an embankment wall into heavy brush.

A search for the suspect using a helicopter and K-9 Spike ensued, with Spike finding the suspect hiding in the brush. The suspect shot Spike multiple times, and the dog was pronounced dead at a local emergency veterinarian.

"Spike's courage gave our officers critical time and awareness, time I am certain that protected lives," Burbank Police Chief Rafael Quintero said at Wednesday's ceremony. 

In an attempt to get the suspect to surrender, police fired less-than-lethal munitions and the suspect fired back, striking several police cars. Officers returned fire on the suspect, and he died at the scene. 

"Spike served with courage, he served with loyalty, and above all else, served with devotion that reflects the very best part of the K-9 program and our department," Quintero said.

The formal memorial ceremony honoring Spike's service, sacrifice, and dedication took place in front of the Burbank Police and Fire Headquarters, starting with a police procession from the Burbank Animal Shelter to the station, where uniformed police, K-9s, city leaders, and community members joined together for the event. 

The chief read a message from Spike's handler, Officer Corey Salas, during the ceremony:

"Spike was so much more than just a dog…he was an irreplaceable part of our family. He slept inside every night in his cozy bed, and was surrounded in love every single day. His passing has left an unimaginable void in our hearts that can never truly be filled. When you think of Spike, please remember him as the hero that he is. He was brave, courageous, protective, and bursting with energy. His spirit was fierce, and he brought joy and loyalty into our lives. Though the weight of our loss is heavy, his heroism will echo through our memories and the lives he touched, far beyond the day he left us." 

Spike will also be honored on Burbank's Rose Parade float, which will be showcased in the New Year's Day parade.