Deputy, Service Dog Honored During Emotional Memorial Service.

I just felt compelled to cut/paste this story. I am a former member of the Herald Dispatch Editorial Board in Huntington, WV.

Herald-Dispatch.com
PINEVILLE, Ky. — Sean Pursifull had a simple answer when faced with a challenge on the job as a deputy sheriff in rural southeastern Kentucky: “let’s go.” Often, the Bell County deputy Pursifull was joined by his K-9 service dog King. The two became popular figures at local schools, educating students about the dangers of drug use and making 69 arrests during their three years together. On Sunday the two were laid to rest side-by-side at Fuson Family Cemetery following an emotional service at Bell County High, as hundreds of mourners — many of them fellow law enforcement officers — paid their final respects.

Pursifull and King were killed early Thursday morning when their parked cruiser was struck by a car driven by David Poppiti, 17. Poppiti and Eric Gerren, 16, were trying to elude police after a gas station drive-off. They have been charged with murder and assault of a service animal. The teens pleaded not guilty during their closed arraignment in district court Friday according to head public defender for Bell County Linda West.

Over 900 people packed the high school during the service, hundreds of them law enforcement officials from the tri-state area. A sea of uniform hats filled the gymnasium, while the funeral procession was packed with law-enforcement vehicles.