Memorial folder cover for K-9 Reign
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – His life was short, but it was full.
Those were some of the sentiments shared today when a fair-sized gathering of people came together to pay their respects to Chehalis police dog Reign.
The memorial service for the five and half year old K-9 was held at W.F. West High School in Chehalis.
The mayor spoke, the police chief spoke.
Reign’s strength and stubbornness were recalled as well as his achievements in apprehensions and the impressive amounts of narcotics he sniffed out.
Reign served four years with his partner Officer Warren Ayers at the Chehalis Police Department beginning in May 2013. He died suddenly and unexpectedly of unknown causes while training on duty the night of June 27.
The service included a procession to the school, an honor guard, the presentation of a badge and closed with a bagpipe rendition of Amazing Grace.
Numerous K-9 officers were among the many who came to pay their condolences to Ayers and his family.
“Reign went out and would take care of business, however, when that was done, he could be as gentle as any dog,” Chehalis Mayor Dennis Dawes said.
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For background, read “Animal experts: No clear explanation for why Chehalis K-9 died” from Tuesday July 18, 2017, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
The loss of Reign has hit our County so hard. We will always remember him. It was a beautiful service.
Rest easy boy. You did well. <3
I think there should be a burial site set up especially for our lost K9 officers. If not a burial site at least a memorial of some sort – they deserved to be honored!! Thank you for your service dear Reign!!