Words came hard for Boerne Police Chief Steve Perez Tuesday. Standing behind a podium on the Nineteen:ten Church stage, Perez paused to gather himself, before leading a prayer in the name of K9 Chico, the Boerne Police Department canine officer killed last month in the line of duty.
Dozens of law enforcement officials from several counties attended the memorial service for Chico, who died April 10 after being struck by a vehicle following his drug-search service at a traffic stop near I-10.
At eight weeks old, Chico, a Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix, joined Sgt. Pete Moncada and his family. He won them over with his puppy eyes and funny personality.
But he quickly got to work, training to become the next police canine for the Boerne Police Department. Chico was expertly trained in narcotics detection, tracking, and criminal apprehension.
Chico was known throughout the community, going to schools and city events while he served alongside his handler in protecting the residents of Boerne. Chico was officially inducted into the Boerne Police Department in 2023, following the retirement of his predecessor, K-9 Tucker, whom the Moncada family still owns.
Cheryl Goudreau from the Kendall County Veterinary Center shared her first memory of meeting Chico.
“I asked Pete (officer Moncada) if he was sure that Chico was a Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd mix,” Goudreau said. “He looked like a big-headed Chihuahua. But he grew into it, became a beautiful boy.”
Goudreau was a practice manager for Chico, training him on detention and bite-work.
“His drive was always on point. He used to jump so high in the kennels that we had to recreate his stall, named Chico’s stall,” she said. “To all those who loved him, he was a partner, a friend, and he made the streets of Boerne just a little bit safer when he was on shift.”
When Moncada stepped to the mic, emotions got the better of him. “He was my pup,” was all Moncada could muster, before a waving gesture ended his effort to speak. He thanked everyone for coming, wishing blessings to everyone.
“It’s tough to go through these services, as an animal lover myself,” Perez said following the service. “Through it all, these canines become more than companions, they become a beloved member of our family.
“This loss is a tremendous one for our department, but an even greater one for the Moncada family. Chico was one of the greats, and he will be missed dearly,” he added.
Kendall County Sheriff’s Office K9 handler Justin Granado spoke about the bond between a K-9 and its handler.
“You raise that puppy up and they become a part of your family,” Granado said. “You take time to build trust between each other, and that doesn’t just happen overnight. But once that bond is formed, you become inseparable."
Granado said once fully trained, the department K9s “know when to switch on and off.”
“My dog, Taga, acts like a regular dog at home, but once that bulletproof vest goes on, she knows she’s at work,” he said.
“Chico was no different, and his loss is felt by all. Your final watch has ended, Chico. Thank you for your service,” he said, adding, “Rest easy in the fields of green.”
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