Hundreds mourn Kane County K9 Hudson who was killed in action
KANE COUNTY, Ill. (CBS) – Dozens of police departments, hundreds of people, and even more spectators online mourned at the funeral for fallen Kane County K9 officer Hudson.
He was killed in the line of duty during a shootout with a suspected carjacker last week. CBS 2's Sara Machi was there for the funeral with full police honors.
There were the unmistakable marks of a full police funeral: bagpipes, flags, flowers, and crowds.
"I was thinking, maybe there would be a couple cars, but seeing this, I am overwhelmed," said Lorraine Chidester, a Kane County employee. "I can't imagine what the sheriff's office is feeling right now."
But this funeral featured a special band of brothers who brought an unmistakable howl that hit you straight in the heart.
A K9 Hudson's funeral, partners in blue brought his four-legged peers.
"They really are a part of your family once you get them and take them home for the first time," said LaSalle County Sheriff's Deputy Logan Bima.
Bima was representing the LaSalle County Sheriff's Office one day before his own Dutch shepherd, Miko, graduates from the academy. The two were there after they trained with Hudson and his handler.
"You never know. You could have a great day on Monday and Tuesday could be your last day alive or your dog's last day alive," Bima said. "It just really drives on the point to stay up on training and really just take things for what they are and make the most of them."
Investigators said Hudson was killed after a police chase and crash that shut down an intersection near the border of Geneva and Batavia last Wednesday. Police released Hudson on a suspected carjacker when he reportedly got out of the stolen car with a gun. Hudson first bit the suspect before he was hit by a bullet.
Hundreds packed a school gymnasium for the funeral and brought bouquets and took photos. A gun salute and procession topped off their final farewell.
Even in his short career, the department said Hudson accumulated some impressive numbers. He helped in more than 100 suspect searches and missing person cases, saving lives along the way.
The carjacking suspect was also killed in that shooting last week.
