Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The First & The Last

The first to sense the hostility of a suspect,
The first to react to protect his master,
The first to enter where danger lurks,
The first to detect the hidden intruder.
The first to take action against violence.
The first to sense his master’s joy.
The first to know his master’s sorrow or fear.
The first to give his life in defense of his master.
The last to be forgotten by those who work with others like him.
They know him as a “Partner”, not just an animal.

- Author unknown -

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

March 28, 2025

RIP K9 Azi. Thank you for your service to the citizens of McKinney

Lieutenant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police
Boston, Ma. 02120

March 27, 2025

Thank you for your service.

Kash Patel 3955
Director of the FBI

March 27, 2025

We are saddened by the loss of Azi & send our deepest condolences to his handler and family at the McKinney PD, it is such a great loss. Thank you Azi, for your dedication & service, may you rest in peace. May he continue to live on through our hearts and minds as he will not be forgotten. You are a hero!

SWISD K9 Officer B. Casarez & K9 Ranger
& all Southwest ISD Police Department staff of
San Antonio, Texas.

K9 Officer Bonnie Casarez
SWISD PD

March 26, 2025

I am sad to learn of the passing of a hero in K9 Azi. I believe our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Handler, Family and all of McKinney Police Department, Texas.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

March 26, 2025

Azi, you are a hero. We will never know how many two legged officers were able to go home to their family because of your heroic work that day, but all did. JB, your hard work and dedication in everything you did with Azi shined bright on March 13th and everyday prior to that. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, your boy will be missed. Keep your head up, my friend.

Sgt. J. Woodruff
Mckinney Police Department

March 25, 2025

Rip Azi May your family in the Lord be with you on your journey to heaven we will all eventually see you there thank you so much for your service you will be dearly missed but never forgotten for you are one extraordinary k9.

Jon
Private citizen

March 23, 2025

Rest Easy, you were the best boy, unlimited treats await for you in heaven

C. M. Martinez
Haltom City Police Department, TX

March 23, 2025

Prayers to the McKinney Police Department. Thank you for your service K9 Azi.

KC, Dispatch
Clintonville PD

March 22, 2025

RIP Azi

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

March 21, 2025

We are saddened by the loss of Azi & send our deepest condolences to his family at the McKinney PD. Such a sad loss. Prayers for comfort. Thank you, Azi, for your dedication & service. Rest in peace.

Sgt Jack Geesey
Phoenix Police, retired

March 20, 2025

We are saddened by the loss of Azi & send our deepest condolences to his family at the McKinney PD. Such a sad loss. Prayers for comfort. Thank you, Azi, for your dedication & service. Rest in peace.

Sgt Jack Geesey
Phoenix Police, retired

March 20, 2025

K9 Azi, your unwavering dedication and service to your handlers and the community will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in the hearts of those you protected and served.

Office of Victim Services - Mandy Kimner
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles

March 19, 2025

Thank you for your service K9 Azi. Sending prayers and healing for K9 Azi's handler, family and the entire Police Department. Rest Easy!!!

Renee Roberts

March 18, 2025

K9 Azi, Long ago, God hung a star in the universe with no name until now. That star was saved for you! Now you will shine forever, enjoying your place in Heaven with your fellow K9 heroes. You indeed had a stellar career, shortened only because you never hesitated to give your all, never failed to obey a command and were always on alert to protect your partner. Let your partner know that you are at peace and in the loving arms of your Creator. Comfort him, your family and department. You are the exemplary hero!

Susan King
Civilian Supporter, Michigan

March 17, 2025

So sorry for the loss of officer Azi. Very beautiful dog and I know he did his best to protect all his fellow officers. He gave his life and that is something that will never be forgotten. He will always be in your hearts and memories and no one can take that away. I pray for Azi and his handler and all those officers. God speed. We will miss you Azi and thank you.

John
Citizen

March 17, 2025

My heart is hurting for Azi’s handler and his family. Dogs become part of you family quickly and I know the bond between handler and canine is very very special.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Azi’s human family and the entire McKinney PD. For there fallen hero. RIP Azi. You will be missed.

Mary Sue

March 17, 2025

Heaven has a new four-legged angel. K9 Azi, please watch over your handler, family and department from above and keep them safe.

Brian & Betsy Zielinski
Michigan War Dog Memorial K9 Salute Team Members

March 16, 2025

Thank you for your service K9 Azi.

Det. Russ Cain


Pittsburgh PD

March 16, 2025

We are so sorry to hear the loss of Azi. His legacy will always be honored & remembered. We would like the opportunity to speak to the Chief to possibly donate one of our K9 pups to the department in honor of Azi. Please reach out to us when ready. Thank you for all your service and especially to our K9 partners.

Allie & Chris Riley
K9

March 15, 2025

Dear Chief of Police Joe Ellenburg:

We were deeply saddened to hear about the loss of K9 Azi, your loyal and brave canine. I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you, K9 Azi’s handler, and your fellow officers at the McKinney Police Department. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of K-9 Azi.

It is evident that Police K9 Azi was not just a highly trained member of your team but also a beloved companion and a true asset to the community. The dedication and commitment of both the K-9 and their handler are evident in the invaluable services they provide, from tracking down suspects to detecting dangerous substances.

The bond between a Police K-9 and their handler is unparalleled, built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. Losing a K-9 partner is like losing a member of the family, and I can only imagine the sense of loss and grief the handler must be experiencing. Please know that you, K9 Azi’s handler, and your fellow officers are in our thoughts during this challenging time.

Police K9 Azi has left a lasting impact on the community through exceptional service and unwavering dedication. Bravery in the face of danger and commitment to ensuring public safety are commendable and greatly appreciated.

As you and your colleagues mourn the loss of Police K-9 Azi, please remember that you are not alone. The community stands with you, grateful for the sacrifices you make daily to protect and serve.

Having served as a Law Enforcement Professional for 45+ years, and as a law enforcement family, if there is anything we can do to offer support or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

May the memories of Police K-9 Azi and the legacy left behind bring you comfort and strength during this tough time. K-9 Azi’s service will always be remembered, and the impact K-9 Azi had on the community will resonate for years to come.

With deepest sympathy,

Don P. Jensen Sr. PGP PP PM DrE
Chief of Police (retired)

March 15, 2025

Rest In Peace! Thank You For Your Service!

Officer Pedro Rodriguez
City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police

March 15, 2025

Thank you for your service. Thoughts and prayers are with your handler, their family, the McKinney PD, and the entire NTX K-9 PD community.

Christine Watson
The Duke & Oliver Foundation

March 15, 2025

I am so sorry for K9 Azi’s handler and the entire community. I recently saw a poem I find appropriate in this case…
“I am a K9 officer. I will lay down my life for you and expect nothing but love in return. I will protect you with my life, and take a bullet for you. I find weapons and bombs, I am the first sent in and sometimes the last to leave.
I am your nose and your ears, I will protect and serve you to the end. From you, I only ask for compassion and a kind word.”

John Q. Public
N/A

March 14, 2025

You will always be a good dog and a hero.

Officer Caleb Mendez
Katy Police Department

March 14, 2025