Police Dog Pays Heartbreaking Final Respects to His Slain Handler

A loyal police dog movingly said his last goodbye to his human partner who was tragically killed in an ambush while on duty. The grieving canine placed a paw on the officer’s casket at the funeral, capturing hearts around the nation.

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Officer Jason Ellis Gunned Down in Planned Attack

On May 25, 2013, Officer Jason Ellis of the Bardstown Police Department in Kentucky stopped to clear debris from a highway exit ramp during an overnight shift. Tragically, the 33-year-old father of two young boys was met with a barrage of shotgun blasts in what investigators believe was a pre-planned attack.

Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene. The brutal murder of the well-liked minor league baseball player turned lawman stunned the small town of 12,000 residents. It also broke the hearts of his wife Amy and their two sons, just 6 and 7 years old.

Amy spoke of having to shatter the news to their boys, who idolized their dad. “He loved our boys. He loved me,” she shared through tears. “I’ve laid on the bathroom floor. I did not want to live another second without him.”

The senseless ambush marked the first time an officer had ever been killed in the line of duty in Bardstown. Police Chief Rick McCubbin stated that Ellis “made the ultimate sacrifice while doing what he loved the most – serving as a police officer.”

Officer Ellis’ Four-Legged Partner Mourns His Best Friend

Officer Ellis didn’t just leave behind a grieving family. His K-9 partner Figo also lost his beloved human handler and friend. Figo had worked closely with Ellis on the drug task force, spending nearly every day together at work and home.

At Ellis’ funeral on May 30, Figo was brought to say his final goodbye. Heartbreaking photos show the devastated dog solemnly approaching the flag-draped casket. Figo then lifted up his paw and gently placed it on the casket as if wanting to connect with his partner one last time.

Chief McCubbin called Ellis and Figo “true partners” at the heavily attended ceremony. The chief also described Ellis as a fun-loving jokester who dressed as an elf at the department’s Christmas party.

After the funeral, Figo was retired from the K-9 unit and adopted by Ellis’ widow to live with her and their two sons. The brave dog helped comfort the grieving family through their immense loss.

Fellow Officers From Across the Nation Pay Their Respects

Hundreds of police officers from over three states attended the funeral to honor the slain officer. Some stood saluting along the funeral procession route as Ellis’ casket passed by, pulled by a lone white horse.

Many in the heartbroken community came out holding American flags and signs saying “Thank you for your service.” The outpouring demonstrated how Ellis sacrificed his life protecting others from harm.

At the burial service’s conclusion, two police helicopters flew overhead in tribute. Bagpipes played “Amazing Grace” as the casket was lowered into the ground, marking Ellis’ end of watch.

The Murder Investigation Continues

While Ellis was laid to rest with full honors, the intense manhunt for his killer continued in the following weeks. Investigators believed the cold-blooded attack was carefully planned with the intent to harm any responding officer.

With few leads, authorities increased the reward for information to over $100,000. But years passed with no justice served for Officer Ellis. His murderer still walks free today, though the case remains ongoing.

Legacy of a Fallen Hero

In the decade since the tragedy, Officer Jason Ellis has not been forgotten. A large memorial featuring his photo stands outside the Bardstown police station along with flags and messages of support.

Many in the community continue honoring Ellis’ selfless seven years of service by supporting his family and keeping his memory alive. His youth baseball league retired his jersey number in a touching tribute.

Ellis gave his life protecting the public from harm’s way. Though his watch ended too soon, he remains an example of courage for all who wear the badge. Ellis continues inspiring his fellow officers to bravely carry on the mission.

And his four-legged partner Figo will never forget the human friend who meant so much. Their unbreakable bond is a lasting reminder that police dogs are more than partners — they’re officers’ faithful brothers in blue.