Fallen deputy's young sons name new K-9 after father

A new Pierce County Sheriff Department K-9 will be named after a fallen deputy.

Deputy Daniel McCartney was shot and killed in the line of duty in early January. Remembered as a father, friend, and hero, he's survived by his wife and three young sons.

On the same week as the deputy's memorial service and procession, the sheriff's department received a new K-9.

Breeders first named the new K-9 “Alfa,” but a new name was chosen for the dog by McCartney’s three young sons.

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Related coverage of fatal shooting of Pierce County deputy

• Pierce County deputy shot, killed during burglary call
• PHOTOS: Scenes from aftermath of Pierce County deputy's shooting
• Daniel McCartney: Details about the Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy fatally shot
• Procession takes fallen deputy to funeral home
• Law enforcement across state post condolences for fallen Pierce Deputy

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They named him Dan.

He will be partnered with a K-9 deputy Luke Baker who served alongside the fallen deputy in the Mountain Detachment.

Baker spoke during McCartney's memorial service. He remembered McCartney as a dedicated and caring public service leader.

"Dan approached life the same way he approached the job: he was 100% all in," Baker said.

"There's a new K9 in our department who will hitting the streets soon. I met with Dan's boys several days ago and they decided [the dog's] name should be Dan. So I am putting all bad guys in Pierce County on notice. Dan is still coming for you, as am I, as is every person in this department because that's what we do."

K-9 Dan is a 15-month-old purebred German shepherd from Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania.

“With the name comes great expectations - brave, strong, hardworking,” wrote officials with the sheriff’s department on Facebook. “We know K9 Dan is up to the challenge and are so excited to have him join our family.”

Cox Media Group