FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WMOT) -- The Franklin Police Department welcomed its newest graduating officers into the force on Friday. The department’s newest recruits are living proof that bravery can also walk on four legs.
Service, courage, and loyalty. Those are just a few of the words used to describe the Franklin police department's newest K9 officers, Duke and Jenks.
Many officers and their families attended the graduation in recognition of the 30 weeks of hard training the German Shepherds underwent.
There were some tears during the ceremony. One of the K9 Unit officers, Officer Brett Spivy, named his dog after someone very special to the department.
"My dog Jenks is named after Trooper Calvin Jenks who worked for the Tennessee Highway patrol and then in 2007,” Officer Spivy explained. “He was killed in the line of duty."
Officer Spivy say's nothing could be better than naming his dog after his fallen friend... who was making a drug arrest when he was shot and killed.
The trooper's family came to the graduation. His mother, Jane Whitaker, said it was an honor to have her son recognized for his sacrifice and commitment to the state of Tennessee.
"Everyone misses Cal so much,” she said. “But officers all over have done everything to keep his name alive"
Duke and Jenks didn't waist anytime getting to work as they hit the streets the night of their graduation.
The officers say that they would lay their lives down for the dogs.. and that the dogs would do the same for them.