Portland Honors K-9 Kylo at Memorial Service

Portland Police Bureau held a procession and memorial for K-9 Kylo, who was killed in the line of duty during an arrest.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Portland Honors K-9 Kylo at Memorial Service

Portland Police Bureau held a procession and memorial Wednesday at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley for K-9 Kylo, who was shot and killed on September 24 during the arrest of a man wanted by U.S. Marshals. Kylo tackled the suspect to the ground when officers said the man pulled out a gun, and was hit as officers fired.

Why it matters

Kylo's death highlights the risks police K-9 teams face during arrests and the close bonds between officers and their dogs. The memorial marks the loss of a service animal who was set to retire the same day he was killed.

The man Kylo was helping to arrest was a wanted suspect taken into custody by officers after the shooting, though the source does not specify current charges or court dates. The Portland Police Bureau's internal handling of the incident has not been detailed beyond the memorial service.

The players

Portland Police Bureau

The Portland Police Bureau is the municipal law enforcement agency for Portland, Oregon, responsible for the K-9 unit that included Kylo.

Bob Day

Bob Day serves as Chief of the Portland Police Bureau and spoke at the memorial service for Kylo.

The details

Kylo tackled the suspect when officers said he pulled out a gun, and the dog was hit and killed as officers shot the suspect. K-9 Officer Benjamin Davison read a letter from Kylo's handler and partner of four and a half years, and Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day spoke at the service.

September 24: Kylo was shot and killed during the arrest of a wanted man.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Procession and memorial held at Camp Withycombe in Happy Valley.

Legal Context

Police service dogs killed in the line of duty are documented by departments as part of broader K-9 program records. Kylo's death adds to that record at a time when K-9 teams continue to be deployed in arrests against armed suspects.

Residents of Portland may see continued K-9 deployments during arrests, which police handle as part of routine operations. The memorial underscores the risks to officers and animals in those encounters.

The takeaway

Police service dogs often face the same dangers as their human partners, and their losses are felt deeply by the teams they serve. Kylo's memorial reflects the bond between handlers and the animals they rely on.