Roy Halladay bought a police dog for his local Sheriff's office
Prior to his fatal plane crash, former MLB pitcher Roy Halladay donated around $10,000 to the Pasco County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department, which allowed the police station to bring in a beloved police dog that now has even more special meaning.
The police department named the K9, “Doc” — paying homage to Halladay’s pro baseball nickname. Pasco County Sherriff public information officer Kevin Dull told Paste BN Sports by phone that Halladay helped the department purchase the dog last March, one of many kind gestures that highlighted Halladay’s kind spirit and relationship with the department.
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“He never went public with any of that stuff because he didn’t want the recognition,” Dull said.
The department tweeted photos of the dog playing with its favorite toy on Wednesday as well as photos of Deputy Brian Hernandez publicly talking about the impact of the donation — which resonates with even more now in Halladay’s late memory.
Doc’s dog collar had Halladay’s signature on it. The agency also showed a picture of a police hat that Halladay signed for Hernandez.
Dull was uncertain of the department’s further plans on honoring Halladay, but noted that Doc’s presence captures the relationship between Halladay and the department well.
A tribute was posted to the Pasco County Sheriff Department’s Facebook page following Halladay’s death. It read: “RIP Roy Doc Halladay, a true baseball great and a man with a generous heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with Roy and his family during this difficult time. We were blessed to have known him and consider him to be a member of our family. We are grateful for his love and support of this agency.”
Gallery: Remembering Roy Halladay