Central City Police officers gathered on Nov. 9 to say goodbye to a trusted friend. Captain Kilo was a K9 unit for the department, and died on Nov. 1.
The Belgian Malinois served as a McLean County K9 for eight years, and one year with Central City Police. He was born on Oct. 21, 2013.
Police Chief Jason Lindsey said a few words about the dog, noting his skill at finding contraband at work, and his impact on everyone who worked with the department. “He would put his life on the line for any one of us,” Lindsey said.
Kilo’s handler, Officer Tim McCoy, said he was a best friend. McCoy recalled their first meeting, and life in those first days as partners. “Every night at work, he rode with me. We had long conversations, believe it or not,” McCoy said. “And anytime I tried to eat something, I had to share.”
McCoy said the people working at McDonalds new it was Kilo whenever he would drive through and order a cheeseburger with just meat and cheese.
The department honored Kilo by partaking in a prank once played on the K9 and his handler. Early in Kilo’s career, a co-worker who enjoyed Vienna sausages snuck some to Kilo. McCoy said they had quite a night after those sausages. Central City Police all raised a sausage to Kilo.
Kilo had been retired from the force, and was followed by K9 Bono in September. The German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix is also handled by McCoy.
The short service was followed by an escort through Central City to Bremen where McCoy lives.
