The law enforcement community in Colorado are mourning the loss of a Jefferson County of K-9 officer. Graffit, a 10-year-old German Shepard, was the department’s most senior K-9 officer. He joined the team in 2015 and was killed in the midst of a police action Monday.

Graffit was killed while assisting the Golden Police Department and Colorado School of Mines with an armed suspect. The suspect has been taken into custody. More information regarding this incident can be found here: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/golden-colorado-school-mines-armed-suspect-elm-6th-19th-campus/

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement about Graffit:

“Many people have asked how they can support Graffit and the JCSO during this difficult time, and we are very grateful for all the kindness shown our agency over the past two days. For those wishing to support K9 Graffit, donations may be made to the Graffit Memorial Fund through the JCSO’s Employee Assistance Fund (EAF): https://jeffcosheriff.co/GraffitFund.

The EAF is a 501(c)3 non-profit and all donations are tax deductible. Donations may be made via PayPal or by check (instructions for mailing are included on the website). All donations made to this fund through February will be designated for Graffit’s memorial service, permanent memorial, and/or other needs associated with Graffit’s line of duty death.

Memorial service details will be released when they are available.”

Sheriff Reggie Marinelli via Facebook (February 14, 2023, 11:28 AM)

Graffit’s body was taken in a procession from the scene of his death to Fort Collins late Monday morning. A necropsy will be performed on the animal’s body at the Colorado State University’s veterinary center.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sheriff Marinelli, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Graffit’s handler, and all K9 Graffit’s friends and family who loved him. May he rest in peace and be remembered for giving the ultimate sacrifice.