CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – A citizen recently contacted the Clarksville Police Department (CPD) to commend an officer who went above and beyond his duties to comfort an animal and two individuals during a tragic situation.
CPD spokesman Jim Knoll said the citizen sent a Facebook message to the department to thank Officer Kirill Annikov, who was called to the scene after a dog was hit on a busy road Wednesday night.
Two citizens tried to save the dog, but it was too late. The officer called Animal Control while the citizens comforted and held the dying dog in its final moments.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Officer Annikov stayed with the citizens and the dog in the cold, pouring rain. After the dog passed, he insisted they get home out of the cold and promised to stay with the dog’s body until Animal Control arrived.
“Not many people have the heart and the patience to sit in the cold rain offering kind words and support to a hysterical woman comforting a dog,” the citizen said in a ‘praise’ report. “Our officers do not get enough praise, but last night a truly wonderful officer helped us. Prayers that the pup’s people are found and that they can find solace in the outstanding showing of compassion by multiple strangers just trying to do their part.”
Kudos to Officer Annikov for giving the residents of Clarksville a bit more faith in humanity and the power of community.