(Lawrenceville, Ga., September 14, 2020) – On September 15^th, SWAT K9 Blue will be laid to rest at Oak Rest Pet Gardens Cemetery in Bethlehem, Georgia.  SWAT K9 Blue was killed in the line of duty on September 10^th while tracking a suspect who fled from a stolen vehicle in the area of 1990 Willow Trail Parkway in Norcross.

The police department will hold a procession from the GCPD Training Center (854 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville) beginning at 8:30 A.M.  The procession will turn left on Winder Highway and travel to Highway 316 Eastbound.  The procession will travel down 316 Eastbound to Harbins Road where it will turn right.  The procession will end at 2691 Harbins Road. 

The ceremony for SWAT K9 Blue will be a private ceremony for members of the police department and invited guests.  The police department welcomes anyone who wishes to honor SWAT K9 Blue along the procession route.

SWAT K9 Blue worked with Gwinnett County Police for just over one year as the agency’s first dedicated SWAT K9.  He was a dual purpose tracking/apprehension and explosives detection canine.  SWAT K9 Blue was specially trained to work in a SWAT environment to conduct mission specific SWAT canine duties.  A nationwide search was conducted for months before selecting SWAT K9 Blue out of Houston, Texas from Houston K9.  SWAT K9 Blue was very sociable, which is why he was specifically selected and trained to meet the needs and mission capabilities of a SWAT canine, which are unique from traditional patrol canines. 

The police department would like to thank the countless members of the public who have reached out with their condolences for SWAT K9 Blue over the past few days.