The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office revealed a statue of slain K-9 officer Graffit on Wednesday. Graffit was tragically killed in 2023 near the Colorado School of Mines in Golden while chasing a suspect.
Graffit, a 10-year-old German shepherd, lost his life on Feb. 13, 2023, while in the line of duty. He was shot by a suspect near the campus where he and other deputies were on duty.
Deputy Zachary Oliver worked closely with Graffit, considering him not just a colleague but a beloved family member. Oliver acknowledged Graffit’s heroic actions on the day he passed away, crediting him with saving multiple lives.
“This memorial not only honors Graffit’s courage and dedication but also showcases the tremendous support we’ve received,” stated the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in a post on X. “We are grateful for the community’s generous contributions that made this project possible, as well as the talented artist and committed builder who brought it to life.”
The suspect, Eduardo Armando Romero, 31, pleaded guilty to various charges including aggravated cruelty to animals, identity theft, menacing, and more in connection to Graffit’s death. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison as part of a plea deal.
According to a release from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Romero’s sentence will be served consecutively to another existing sentence he is serving in Denver.
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