Elizabeth Borough police K-9 Colt was given a police escort on his last patrol Friday.
Police cruisers from Westmoreland and Allegheny counties lined the streets as officers paid their final respects to a K9 officer and companion.
PHOTOS: Local K-9 Officer Colt
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"We’re with these dogs more than our family, and your family becomes attached to them, you become attached to them. He's been with Colt for 9 and a half years,” Elizabeth police K-9 handler Garrett Kimmel said.
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Colt and his handler, Bill Sombo, worked the streets of North Huntingdon until both retired in 2015. But soon after, the two joined on with Elizabeth Borough police part-time.
K-9 Colt came down with a severe heart condition Tuesday, and Officer Sombo was forced to make the decision to put him down
"He's with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We always make the joke - most officers can take their uniform off, but I can't get rid of my dog. He's always with me, always around and that's where that bond comes from,” Kimmel said.
After nearly a decade serving the community, K-9 Colt was recognized with full police honors, taking his last and final ride on patrol.