As a bagpipe played the poignant notes of Amazing Grace, and more than 100 police service dogs and their handlers watched in eager anticipation, the state's newest memorial was unveiled in Phoenix.

It's called the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Memorial, and it's a beauty. The memorial features a bronze, life-size German Shepherd and includes the names of 15 police dogs from across Arizona that have died in the line of duty.

I was honored to take part in the April 7 dedication ceremony at the State Capitol's Wesley Bolin Plaza.

The valiant service dogs who are memorialized gave their lives for our safety and welfare. They would do anything to protect us, and they made the ultimate sacrifice. They defined selfless courage and devotion to duty.

I encourage you to visit the memorial's Web site - www.azk9memorial.com - and click on Fallen Partners. There you will find photos and brief summaries of these extraordinary animals. I am sure you will feel the same emotions of gratitude and admiration that I did as I read their touching stories.

I would like to mention just one of the many tributes. Hunter was a German Shepherd who was certified as a narcotics canine and also helped Phoenix police apprehend major felony offenders. Ten years ago this month, Hunter was involved in an early morning search near 30th Street and Cactus Road for a felony suspect who was carrying a rifle and who, it was later learned, was under the influence of meth. When Hunter found the suspect in a backyard, he was shot five times, but did not go down. Hunter continued after the suspect and was able to bite his hand, which helped lead to his subsequent apprehension. Hunter, who had taken part in nearly 700 searches and 94 felony arrests, did not survive.

It's impossible to know how many lives Hunter and all the other dogs honored by the memorial here have saved or benefitted. But it is an absolute certainty that they would allow nothing to stop them from fulfilling their duty in the service of law enforcement.

I want to thank the people who have worked hard to make this memorial a reality, to all those who contributed to this project (no public dollars were spent), and most of all, to the fallen K9 heroes to whom we owe so much appreciation.

Terry Goddard