Burbank police and others salute four-legged hero, slain K-9 Spike

Nobody said out loud, “Who’s a good boy?”

Nobody had to.

Hundreds of police officers from various departments who traveled to Burbank — many with their floppy-eared partners — to pay tribute to slain K-9 Spike at an outdoor memorial service on Wednesday, Dec. 3, said it with their presence.

Members of a community that had donated food and assembled a memorial of flowers and children’s drawings in front of the public-safety building said it with their hugs for Police Chief Rafael Quintero.

A local artist said it with her chalk drawing of Spike that took 17 hours to complete.

And long lines of grieving Burbank police officers, standing at attention, said it by saluting as four pallbearers carried Spike’s tiny, flag-draped casket past an honor guard.

“It is clear that Spike mattered to you,” Quintero said, addressing his officers, “and everyone here. Spike served with courage, he served with loyalty, and above all else, he served with the devotion that reflected the very best of our K-9 program and our department.”

On Nov. 22, when police stopped a car in the 2400 block of Buena Vista Street near the 5 Freeway, a passenger fled into dense brush along the freeway. Spike, a Belgian Malinois, was sent in to force the man to surrender, but the man fired several shots at the dog, striking him. Spike, despite wearing a protective vest, was fatally wounded.

Officers later caught up with the man and shot him to death as he fired at them, police said.

“Spike’s actions that night were nothing short of heroic,” Quintero said. “Spike confronted an armed and dangerous individual who posed an immediate threat to our officers and community and was intent on inflicting serious harm. Spike’s courage gave our officers critical time and awareness — time that I’m certain saved lives.”

Quintero read a statement from Spike’s handler, Officer Corey Salas, who noted that K-9s are not just policing tools but also live with handlers and their families.

“When you think of Spike, please remember him as the hero he is,” Salas wrote in part. “He was brave, courageous, protective and bustling with energy. His spirit was fierce, and he brought joy and loyalty into our lives.”

Los Angeles police Officer Maricela Corral, 39, attended the ceremony with the rest of her apprehension K-9 unit. She and her partner, Dart, train with Burbank police and said she saw distraught Burbank officers the night Spike was killed.

“We’re here in support of our fellow brothers and sisters,” Corral said as mourners awaited the procession of police motorcycles, K-9 SUVs and a helicopter. “We completely understand the struggle, the bond and the danger every call out. Every call out can be the last call out for a dog or a handler.”

Bubank artist Alexandra Cleveland, 40, draws chalk menus for restaurants and murals for other businesses. Before Spike’s death, she had been working with the Police Department, planning to draw a mural of Spike and Burbank’s other K-9, Rosco. After learning of the shooting, she drew a portrait of Spike on the pavement in front of the public-safety building.

The project took three days to complete, Cleveland said.

“It was amazing to see the tributes grow and grow and grow, and this was my way to tribute,” Cleveland said, referencing the memorial that sprang up in front of the Guardians statue outside the public-safety building that depicts a police officer and a firefighter. “Instead of bringing flowers, this was my way of thanking and showing support.”