Funeral held for police K-9

Miami Gardens police K-9 Max died after being cut during burglary investigation

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – A funeral was held Wednesday for a Miami Gardens police K-9.

Officer Chris Bezio held back tears as the official death of his K-9 partner, Max, was announced over the police radio. The pair worked together in the field for four years.

Dozens of officers and their four-legged partners came to the funeral to pay their respects.

"He served the state, the county, and the city as a police officer and that's how we address it when it comes to a memorial service for him," said Miami Gardens Police Sgt. John Mulcahy.

Max was one of five dogs that served in the K-9 unit at the Miami Gardens Police Department.

"The bond between handler and dog is probably stronger than any human bond," said Mulcahy.

Max died two weeks ago while working a burglary. A glass window severely cut his ear, requiring surgery, but Max died in the operating room.

"He knew his job, knew it well," said Bezio.

Max was double certified for apprehension and explosive detection.

"I've had several other handlers tell me over the years that if they ever saw Max sit, indicating a possible explosive, they were going to run the other way. He was that good," said Bezio. "Max you're in a better place now. You were called to heaven because they needed your services there."

A necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.