“More than just a dog” — Deputies with RCSD hold funeral service for K-9 Wick

IRMO, SC (WOLO) — Deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department came together to mourn the loss of a member of their K-9 unit at Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo.

On the early morning of June 20th, K-9 Wick and his partner K-9 Specialist Zaid Abdullah were in pursuit of a suspect crossing I-77 on foot — when Wick’s leash broke and he was struck by a vehicle.

Abdullah and Sheriff Leon Lott spoke during the funeral — both reiterating that Wick was way more than “just a dog.”

“I’ve heard that before, ‘It’s just a dog.’ That’s somebody who’s never loved a dog, or had a dog love them. If you ever had that, you’ll know it’s not just a dog,” Lott says.

After the ceremony, Abdullah was greeted by scores of friends and family as they helped him say goodbye to his partner.

“A lot of emotions right now, obviously, it’s a day to celebrate my boy. I mean I’m trying to be happy, but also reminiscent about the past, kind of makes me sad, so just a lot of emotions going on right now, but overall I’m good, I love to see all the support of my family, my friends, it’s a good feeling,” says Abdullah.

On Monday, July 1st, suspect Thomas Taylor was arrested for stealing a work van and evading police — leading to the chase with K-9 Wick.

However, Taylor nor the driver of the vehicle traveling on I-77 will be charged with Wick’s death, which has been deemed an accident.

“He was always ready. We had a very short run, but I felt like the day before he passed, he was right where I wanted him to be. At that point he was just awesome, and I knew anytime I opened up that kennel, anytime I opened up that door, he was ready to work. And I’m gonna miss that,” says Abdullah.

Moving forward, he says he’s begun training his new 18-month-old K-9 partner named Jet — who will be ready for service on November 1st.