New Manatee County Monuments Honor Law Enforcement Officers, K-9s

BRADENTON, FL — Manatee County has two new memorials to honor the brave service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and K-9s.

"Our K-9s go inside of houses to make sure that the coast is clear before the officers or the deputies go inside," Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells said in unveiling the memorials during a Monday night ceremony outside the operations center. "They will take a bullet for us, to save us and they are just as important as any of us in any law enforcement agency."

A piper played "Amazing Grace" as the monuments were dedicated to serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifice made by those who serve.

The monuments were donated by Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home.

"We wanted these memorials to be present at our front door so the hundreds of people that walk in and out of here each and every day would be reminded of all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, those who have died serving in our community and communities throughout the nation," Wells said.

One monument is meant to honor the service of K-9s while the other is a tribute to the men and women who have served.

"We never forget. We have lost so many good friends and we just want to make sure that everyone else remembers as well," Wells added.