FISHERS — The Fishers Police Department officer who's K-9, Harlej, was shot and killed during a pursuit last year is getting a new partner.
Officer Jared Koopman shared the announcement during a video post on his social media while he was pumping gas in his cruiser.
"This is where I always used to let Harlej out, let him run around and be a dog and have a good time with him, play fetch and stuff," Koopman said.
READ | K-9 officers killed during Fishers manhunt | 'He saved my life' Handler for fallen K-9 talks about his loss | K-9 Harlej gets final farewell at memorial service
He went on to say that he's been getting a lot of questions about whether or not he would be staying with the K-9 unit, and he wanted to share the announcement with everyone who's been supporting him over the past several months.
"I wanted to let everyone know that I am staying with the unit and I am actually going to go get a new K-9 partner at the end of the month," Koopman said. "I'll be gone for a little bit doing K-9 training. But I'm excited. I think it's a good time to get another partner and get back after it."
K-9 Harlej was killed during a manhunt for two suspects in the early morning hours of November 13. His death was the first line of duty death in the department's history.
READ | Fishers officer and wife pen tributes to fallen K-9 Harlej
You can watch Officer Koopman's video announcement below.
