Law enforcement officers from across north Georgia gathered at Bearden Funeral Home yesterday to pay tribute to a fallen canine officer, Hector, who died from natural causes in November 2018. Hector, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, was a valued member of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office since April 2012. Representatives from the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Dawson County Emergency Services, Georgia State Patrol, City of Alpharetta Police, Dunwoody police, Smyrna police, Toccoa police, Greene County, White County and Forsyth County sheriff’s offices and Custom Canines Unlimited came together on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to remember Hector’s service to the people of north Georgia. “Speaking as a pet owner I understand the relationships that form between us and our pets. Although I never handled a canine in a law enforcement capacity I can imagine how great a bond it could be when your partner’s your pet and your pet is your partner,” said Sheriff Jeff Johnson. “When we think about a partner, we think about loyalty. We think about sacrifice. We think about companionship. We think about commitment. There’s no doubt that Hector embodied these qualities. Hector was a valued and productive member of this office and he will be missed.”