CAPE CORAL, Fla.- The Parents of a Pennsylvania Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty are donating a Police K9 to the Cape Coral Police Department.

Cape Coral Residents Rick and Debbie Burnfield’s son, Nathan Burnfield, was a Police Officer for the South Strabane Township, Pennsylvania Police Department. Tragically, Nathan was killed in the line of duty on November 4, 2008.

Officer Nathan Burnfield had aspirations of being a K9 Officer, but died before he could reach his goal. Debbie and Rick contacted Sergeant Dave McConnell of the Cape Coral Police Department in April of 2011. Sergeant McConnell supervises the department’s K9 Unit and has been a Police K9 handler and trainer for over 25 years. The Burnfields knew that their son always wanted to be a K9 Officer and they wanted to do something for Cape Coral Police K9 Unit on behalf of their son Nathan.

In April of 2011, the Burnfields donated two ballistic vests to the Cape Coral Police Department’s K9 Unit. This tremendously generous gesture ensured that all six Police K9s had the protection they needed to perform their duties safely.

The Burnfields and the Cape Coral Police Department continue to share a strong bond to this day. The Burnfields recently contacted the department and expressed their desire to donate a new Police K9 to the department and name him “Nate” in honor of their son.

The ceremonial presentation of K9 Nate will take place at the upcoming City Council Meeting, Monday February 11th at 4:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.