MARYSVILLE—The City of Marysville and the Marysville Police Department will host a public celebration of service and life for K-9 Copper and K-9 Steele at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, in Delta Plaza outside the Marysville Civic Center, 501 Delta Ave. Community members are invited to attend and honor the legacy of two beloved police dogs who served with loyalty and courage. Handlers from across the region will join the Marysville Police Department honoring their service, and the public will have an opportunity to pay tribute at a dedicated K-9 memorial during the ceremony.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 12, Marysville police will place their K-9 vehicles in Delta Plaza as a tribute. The public is welcome to leave messages and items of remembrance through Friday, Nov 14.
K-9 Copper died Oct. 3 following emergency surgery. Just days later, on Oct. 16, K-9 Steele passed peacefully. Both dogs leave behind a legacy of public safety, partnership and unwavering devotion to the city they protected. Together, they completed more than 600 patrol and narcotics deployments, contributed to nearly 400 arrests and helped remove dangerous drugs from Marysville’s streets. Their work supported high-risk operations, search warrants and countless moments of connection with residents during community events.
“These dogs weren’t just assets, they were family,” said Police Chief Erik Scairpon. “Their impact on our department and our city is immeasurable. We grieve their loss deeply and honor the service they gave without hesitation.”
Copper, a German shepherd born in 2015, joined Marysville PD in 2016 and served alongside Officer Derek Oates, a veteran officer with assignments in SWAT, firearms instruction and peer support. Steele, a Belgian Malinois also born in 2015, partnered with Sgt. Brad Smith, a certified master handler and 20-year law enforcement veteran. Together, these teams set the standard for excellence in K-9 policing across Snohomish County. Copper and Steele were the first dual trained patrol and narcotics detection dogs in Marysville’s history. Their retirement was announced earlier this year, but their passing came sooner than expected, leaving a profound void in the hearts of those who served alongside them.
Source: Marysville PD
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
