Fallen K-9 Joker remembered during annual Florida memorial ride in Indian River
Fallen K-9 Joker remembered during annual Florida memorial ride in Indian River
Indian River, Fl (treasurecoast.com)- Participants of the 9463 Foundation stopped at the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Memorial Sunday afternoon to honor and remember K-9 Joker, who passed away last year in a training accident.
Every year, the foundation rides around the state, stopping at law enforcement agencies that suffered a loss of an officer or deputy – or in Indian River’s case, a K-9.
“We were just humbled like you wouldn’t believe,” K-9 Sgt. Brian Reimsnyder said of learning the 9463 Foundation wanted to honor K-9 Joker.
Joker was excelling in his training, thriving under the leadership of his human partner, K-9 Dep. Mindy Mangel. Sgt. Reimsnyder said he had been excited to see what the pair would have done in the community.
The foundation presented a commissioned piece of art to Dep. Mangel. The art depicts the archangel St. Michael carrying a fallen officer to his resting place.
Dep. Mangel admitted that she, at first, did not want the attention the foundation wanted to give. But then she had a realization.
“This is bigger than me, and bigger than Joker,” she said; it’s about remembering those who served their communities, whose lives were cut short.
Both the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit and members of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office provided escort for the 9463 Foundation as they arrived and departed the K-9 Memorial.
“It means so much,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said of the foundation’s support.
“We can’t thank you enough,” Sgt. Reimsnyder concurred.
For more information about the 9463 Foundation, visit https://www.sgtchrisreyka.com. The 2022 ride continues through Friday, March 25.
