We all have heroes, and heroes are important. They inspire us, they set examples for us, and they protect us from those who would do us harm. Some of those heroes walk on two legs – others, four. The Anchorage Police Department’s K-9 Ray is one of the latter kind.
Anchorage has a lucky police force with a K-9 hero such as Ray. Ray assisted Anchorage Police in taking down an arsonist with an axe on Sunday.
A standoff occurred between Anchorage Police and a wanted felon at an encampment in the 1700 block of A Street, on Sunday. 42-year-old T J Walker tried to burn down a tent occupied by a person and threatened officers with a sledgehammer.
It was late at night when Anchorage Police Dispatch got a call that Walker had tried to burn down a tent and threatened its occupants with an ax. The caller informed Dispatch of Walker’s outstanding felony warrant, and that he was making threatening remarks.
It is assumed that the tent belonged to someone in Anchorage’s homeless population. However, this information was not provided by the article. The story does not specify whether T J Walker is a homeless person. It is evident that Ray was able to deal with Walker who was resisting an arrest.
Walker relinquished his ax after several tension-filled moments. However, he continued to act aggressively towards officers despite repeated warnings and commands. K-9 Ray came to the rescue after Walker refused to cooperate. The police dog bit Walker on the arm. Walker tried to choke K-9 Ray using his other arm.
The officers then threw Walker to the floor to subdue him. Walker was eventually handcuffed despite more resistance. Walker was taken to hospital after the incident for treatment. After being cleared medically, Walker was sent to Anchorage Jail for his existing felony warrant.
Walker faces additional charges including Assault III and Harm to a police dog II.
Ray definitely earned some extra doggie treats Sunday night.
Police dogs are trained to put themselves in danger and, if needed, take the brunt of a violent attack in order to protect their human handlers. Ray did it all, as he had been trained and as many other police dogs before him. They are well-trained and valuable dogs, and their handlers love them. Humans and dogs have a unique bond, which is especially strong between working dogs, whether they are police K-9s, military dogs, hunting or herding dogs, etc.
Compare animals like K-9 Ray to the dogs of President Biden, who seem to have a primary purpose of sucking oxygen, turning kibble to poop, and biting Secret Service Agents. Repeatedly.
We hope that K-9 Ray, his friends, and their fellow dogs continue to bite down on crime and serve Anchorage residents and Alaskans for many years to come. Ray, you’re a good boy! Good boy, Ray!
