Midvale memorial Jan. 16 for K9

MIDVALE — A police dog killed in the line of duty will be given a memorial service with nearly full police honors.

The service for Koda will be held at Hillcrest High School on Saturday, Jan. 16. A memorial service was originally planned for Tuesday, Jan. 12, in the chapel at the Larkin Sunset Gardens Chapel, 1950 E. 10600 South. But by Monday afternoon, the department had received so many phone calls and inquiries about the service that a new plan to accommodate more people had to be made.

"We've had such an outpouring from the community," said Midvale police Sgt. Marcelo Rapela.

On the night of New Year's Day, Koda, a 31/2-year-old Belgian Malinois, was helping officers pursue four burglary suspects. Shortly after Koda ran ahead of his handler to get one man, police heard two gunshots. They rounded the corner to find Koda dead.

Officers returned fire on the man, hitting Tevita Talanoa Fisiitalia, who was transported to a hospital and died later that night.

The chapel where the memorial service was originally going to be held only has room for 500 people, Rapela said. Based on the inquiries his department has had, he said that probably won't be enough room.

Koda will be buried with semi-honors, Rapela said. He likely will not have a 21-gun salute, but there will be an honor guard.

"It'll be pretty close to the same as a funeral for officers," Rapela said.

It was unknown Monday if Koda would be buried in the cemetery or his ashes presented to his handler along with an American flag. The ceremony will mark the first for a Midvale police service animal.

e-mail: preavy@desnews.com