Florida police credit K-9 killed on Christmas Eve for saving officers’ lives in shootout

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office is crediting a K-9 killed in a shootout on Christmas Eve with saving officers’ lives.

Officers were attempting to arrest suspects wanted on attempted first-degree murder and armed robbery warrants near a mall in Wellington, Fla., when a shootout occurred, according to USA Today.

The shootout left the 3-year-old dog Cigo dead and hospitalized one of the suspects, police say.

{mosads}The sheriff’s office posted on Twitter on Tuesday morning announcing the loss of the dog.

“He gave his life to save others. He’s a good boy and he will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace #K9Cigo,” a tweet from the sheriff’s office read.

He gave his life to save others. He’s a good boy and he will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace #K9Cigo pic.twitter.com/7Snb2LvVFt

— PBSO (@PBCountySheriff) December 25, 2018

Cigo was killed while pursuing a suspect who was leaving the scene who then shot the dog.

He was brought to the medical examiner’s office with a police escort consisting of officers from multiple police departments.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told USA Today that Cigo “did his job and saved those deputies’ lives.”

The confrontation that led to Cigo’s death occurred when undercover officers secured an area in the parking lot outside the mall in an attempt to arrest the suspects, police say.

The sting operation was set up after police received a tip that the suspects were in the mall.