ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. – A memorial service was held Wednesday afternoon for a St. Clair Shores police K-9 officer who was killed in the line of duty.

K-9 Officer Axe was killed Nov. 4 after St. Clair Shores police were called to the Lakeland Manor for reports of a gunman. When officers arrived, they said they spotted Theoddeus Gray standing outside, and he matched the description of the man suspected of having a gun.

Officials said Gray fired shots, killing Axe. Police returned fire, killing Gray.

At the start of the memorial service, fellow K9 officers were walked through the church to the altar to pay their respects. Dogs could be heard barking and whimpering as they walked by. (See video above)

"There is no doubt, absolutely zero doubt, that Axe saved officers lives that night," said police chief Todd Woodcox.

"There will be av oid that won't soon be filled. Cherish the drug seizures that occurred, cherish the apprehension of criminals, for it was a job well done. Know that you and Axe made a difference. You represented this department well," said mayor Kip Walby.

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Members of the public came to the memorial to show their respect for the K-9 officer.

"We respect the officer and we're just so saddened by everything that happened," said neighbor Julie Arnone. "I have three sons, this is my middle, and they all are future police officers. All three of them want to be future police officers."