Funeral Held For Nowata K9 Officer Killed During Traffic Stop

A Nowata K9 Officer killed in the line of duty was laid to rest on Thursday. K9 Officer Smokey was run over by a semi last Tuesday night on Highway 169 while his handler was making a traffic stop.

08/29/2018 Nowata Police K9 Killed After Woman Lets It Out Of Police Car

It's a final goodbye for a four-legged officer who spent his entire life serving the community.

"There's definitely no replacing him," said Officer Jeramiah Frauenberger.

Smokey touched many lives while serving the city of Nowata but it was his partner, Jeramiah who knew him best.

"He'd loved the attention. He would be jumping all over everybody," said Frauenberger

Officers, Deputies, Troopers, and Firefighters from across the area joined together to help give Smokey a proper send off.

“I appreciate all the support from the community. it’s really boosted the morale not only for me but the entire police department,” said Frauenberger

Rogers County Deputy Brian Webb says he's known Jeramiah since they were kids and as a fellow K9 Handler, he doesn't know how what he would do if he lost his partner.

“I hope Jeramiah gets some closure out of the deal but we all hate it for him,” said Webb. "You train with them on your days off. You spend more time with them than you do just about anybody."

K9 Officers and their Handlers from more than 10 different law enforcement agencies came out to support Jeramiah and Smokey because it doesn’t matter if you have two legs, or four, a fellow officer will always have your back.

For all those interested in donating to the Nowata PD in memory of K-9 Smokey, an account has been set up at Arvest Bank. All checks need to be payable to "Smokey K9 Fund. Proceeds will be used for a heat alarm for Jeramiah's car, a crate to keep his new dog in his office, tracking harness and line, bite suit and bite sleeve.