Local law enforcement officers and those from across the region gathered at the law enforcement memorial in Centennial Park to remember Champ, who was partnered with Roanoke Rapids Master Officer Gerald Morris since October of last year.

Last Thursday Champ escaped from his kennel while Morris was away on training. A car struck the dog and the driver did not stop. Champ died shortly after Officer Scott Blythe found him.

The memorial service today included the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, Taps and brief remarks from Chief Chuck Hasty and Morris.

Hasty said in the time Morris and Champ were partnered, they located $83,466 in cash; 7 grams of cocaine; 5.3 grams of crack; 14 grams of heroin; 61.4 grams of marijuana; various amounts of paraphernalia; two stolen stolen guns and located two people, one who was responsible for 90 B&Es in the city and 10 in the county.