Holston Rainbow Girls honor late K9 Hero

Holston Assembly #124, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, recognized the service and dedication of Sgt. Tim Herzog and K9 Hekko (End of Watch: January 24, 2020). They presented Sgt. Herzog with a plaque from the Rainbow Girls, and a framed portrait of Hekko and proclamation from the Tennessee General Assembly (thank you, Rep. Andrew Farmer). Jefferson County Mayor Mark Potts presented Sgt. Herzog with a mayoral proclamation, as well. Also in attendance were Sheriff Jeff Coffey, Sgt. Herzog’s parents, and other members of the K-9 unit.

Note: This project has been in the works for a year and a half because K9 Hekko passed away early in the COVID pandemic and the girls could not meet and plan on how to honor his service. After the presentations were done, I stayed after speaking with Sgt. Herzog and his parents who told me that the pandemic had also prevented planned funeral services for Hekko. They said this was the closest thing they have been able to have for this fallen hero. I found this to be a very sad and very proud moment. Sad that he hadn’t had that funeral service, proud that these girls did such a good job honoring his memory.