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Heartbroken second grader pens letter to deputy who lost K-9 in shooting

Click to play video: 'Police K-9 killed, suspect injured in Florida mall shooting on Christmas eve'
Police K-9 killed, suspect injured in Florida mall shooting on Christmas eve
WATCH ABOVE: Police K-9 killed, suspect injured in Florida mall shooting on Christmas eve – Dec 25, 2018

“I am sorry that your dog got shot,” is just part of the heartfelt message that second grader Cooper Kline wrote to a Florida sheriff’s deputy after his K-9 partner was shot and killed Christmas Eve.

Cigo, a three-year-old canine officer, was shot last week while pursuing 28-year-old suspect Giovany Ramos Alvarez during an exchange of gunfire at the Wellington Green Mall. Both Alvarez and 19-year-old Justin Vasquez were taken into police custody.

The dog was pronounced dead later at an animal shelter. An outpouring of grief followed in the community.

Mall employees created a makeshift tribute in the parking lot and officials announced a memorial service in January. But it’s Kline’s display of empathy that “truly moved” the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).

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Click to play video: 'Two suspects identified in killing of police K-9 during Christmas Eve Florida mall shootout'
Two suspects identified in killing of police K-9 during Christmas Eve Florida mall shootout

A day later, Cooper addressed a letter to a “Deputy Ryan”.

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“Thank you for keeping me safe,” Kline wrote. “Thank you for your service. Your dog did a lot for the world.”

“Don’t worry you will get a new buddy. Keep up the good work,” he continued. “I will keep praying for you to do good.”

“Keep arresting the bad guys and one day I hope I can meet you and your new dog!”

In a note to police, Kline’s mother explained that her son wept when he learned of the dog’s fate and “wanted to know why someone would kill [the] dog when ‘he is just trying to protect us.'”
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The sheriff’s office said on social media that Deputy Ryan “loved” the letter. So do we, Cooper.

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