Memorial held for slain Braintree police dog

BRAINTREE, Mass. — A memorial service for a police dog killed during an investigation that also resulted in gunshot injuries to two officers was held at Gillette Stadium Tuesday.

The service for Kitt, a Belgian malinois, began at 11 a.m. on Tuesday with limited attendance to uniformed public safety personnel and guests.

Kitt was shot and killed on June 4 while chasing a domestic violence suspect. Police say the dog diverted the attention of the armed suspect away from his handler, officer William Cushing Jr., and two other officers.

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“As the suspect repeatedly fired his weapon, K-9 Kitt heroically advanced toward the suspect, causing him to turn his attention away from the officers,” Dubois said in a statement. “During this exchange of gunfire, K-9 Kitt, Officer Cushing, and Officer Matthew Donoghue each sustained multiple gunshot wounds. K-9 Kitt succumbed to his injuries, valiantly giving his life for the lives of his fellow officers.”

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The suspect was killed in the confrontation.

Cushing and Donoghue have been released from the hospital and are recovering at home. The third officer was not hurt.

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