Dallas Police Hold Retirement Ceremony for Decorated K‑9
What to Know
- Figor was awarded the Medal of Valor and Star of Texas for his exceptional service and bravery in the line of duty.
- He participated in approximately 200 operations, contributing significantly to suspect apprehensions and public safety.
- In a critical 2023 incident, Figor was shot while locating a suspect, demonstrating the risks police K-9s face during high-stakes searches.
DALLAS -- A highly decorated K-9 with the Dallas Police Department (DPD) has retired following a career marked by operational impact and a critical line-of-duty incident that underscores the role of police canines in high-risk apprehensions.
Figor, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois assigned to DPD, was honored Wednesday during a retirement event attended by fellow officers, according to KTVT.
According to the Dallas Police Department, Figor concludes his service as the department’s most decorated K-9, receiving both the Medal of Valor and the Star of Texas from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Over the course of his deployment, Figor was involved in approximately 200 operations and contributed to 16 apprehensions.
The recognition follows a significant incident in April 2023 during which Figor and his handler, Senior Corporal Scott Jay, were engaged in a search for a suspect wanted in connection with an aggravated assault. According to body camera footage, Figor located the individual hiding in a creek bed. During the encounter, the suspect shot the K-9.
Despite sustaining gunshot wounds, Figor continued to pursue the suspect until officers discharged their weapons, fatally striking the individual, according to authorities. The incident highlights the risks associated with K-9 deployments in armed suspect searches and the potential for canines to divert threats from officers during close-contact encounters.
“I knew that night that he had gone above and beyond to prove his devotion to me,” Jay said. “Because of his actions, I was able to get in and save both of our lives.”
Law enforcement officials note that K-9 units remain a critical resource in suspect apprehension, tracking, and officer safety, particularly in scenarios involving concealed or armed individuals. Figor’s actions during the 2023 incident have been cited internally as an example of the tactical value of trained police dogs in volatile environments.
Following his retirement, Figor will reside with Jay and his family in Ellis County.
“During training, you could tell that there was a special bond that was growing between us,” Jay said.
Officials said Figor’s service contributed to public safety efforts within the city and reflected the operational effectiveness of the department’s K-9 program.