WEST PALM BEACH, FL — Hundreds of people turned out Thursday to honor a slain Florida police K-9. Cigo was killed Christmas Eve and the people of this South Florida community wanted him to know that he left his paw prints on their hearts forever.

Deputies of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office credit Cigo’s bravery with saving two deputies and helping to take down two suspects at the Wellington Green Mall parking lot on Dec. 24. One of the suspects was wounded by deputies while Cigo passed away at an animal hospital.

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“I think it’s also important for us to remember that we had two deputies in armed combat,” said Sheriff Ric Bradshaw at the outset of the service. “If it hadn’t been for Cigo doing his job, we might have had two deputies killed. That’s why we’re here today.”

Watch the heartfelt memorial below at the Coral Sky Amphitheater.

“Cigo went out a hero. He did his job to save lives,” declared Lt. Mike Kletzky, commander of the K-9 unit with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. “Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten.”

Image and video courtesy Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office