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Phoenix PD K9 remembered at fundraiser Saturday

The money will help the Phoenix Police Department's K9 unit.

Bane, the Phoenix PD K9 killed in the line of duty this week, was remembered during a fundraiser at Steele Indian School Dog Park Saturday morning.

The event was twofold -- a memorial and fundraiser for the Phoenix Police Department’s K9 unit.

Bane died a hero protecting his community from danger—and Saturday it was the community’s chance to give back.

“Oh, I was heartbroken," said Jason Kowalski. "It broke my heart."

Kowalski said the news of Bane’s death really affected him. That’s why he decided to attend the event honoring Bane.

Bane was killed while searching for a pursuit suspect involved in this chase and carjacking earlier in the week – he was just barely 3 years old and had served the Phoenix Police Department for a year.

RELATED: Is killing a K9 the same as killing a human police officer?

It was a truly horrible loss to Bane’s handler but also the Phoenix Police Department. According to the police foundation, each service animal costs the department about $10,000. A majority of that cost goes toward training the animals.

Organizers collected donations and sold T-shirts honoring Bane at the event.

“These guys put themselves on the front line for all of us -- man and dog," Kowalski said. "Seven years ago I was once on the opposite side of the law. I was a crimina."

Through religion, he has turned his life around and on a path of redemption -- starting with law enforcement, human and four-legged.

Organizers tell 12 News the funds they raised Saturday morning should be enough to purchase a replacement K9.

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