CANTON, Ohio — A public memorial service was held in Canton today to remember Jethro, the K-9 officer killed in the line of duty this past weekend.

The memorial started at noon in the Canton Civic Center.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich is also ordering flags to fly half-staff today in honor of Jethro.

The man accused of shooting Jethro is Kelonte Demorious Barefield, 22. He was released from the hospital on Wednesday after being treated for injuries he sustained the night of the shooting.

He is now being held at the Stark County Jail and is expected to be arraigned Friday.

He has been charged with aggravated burglary, assaulting or harassing a police dog, felonious assault on a peace officer, having weapons under disability and shooting on or near a prohibited area.

Officers and Jethro responded to an alarm at Fisher Foods on Harrison Avenue early Saturday morning. While searching the area, police said Barefield fired several shots. Jethro suffered gunshot wounds to the face, shoulder and neck.

Police returned fire, shooting Barefield in the leg. Barefield was in the hospital for four days.

Jethro died from his injuries the next day. 

Jethro’s partner, Canton Police Officer Ryan Davis, said earlier this week he feels as though a part of him is missing since the death of his dog. Davis said he got the dog when Jethro was just eight weeks old.

“There is no doubt in my mind that I am here because of what he did, “ said Davis.

Several departments were expected to be at Jethro’s memorial, including some from New York City, Toledo, Warren, and Weathersfield.

The Massillon Police Department posted a touching poem originally shared by a Canton Police Department Officer Frank Ranalli.

Continuing coverage here.