BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Loved ones held a memorial service for Kern County Sheriff Office's K-9, Neco on Tuesday evening.

Neco passed away on March 4th from cancer. He served KCSO for seven years alongside Deputy Joe Weiss.

“It was the best time of my life," said Weiss. "The last seven years have been a great ride."

“He would go on-call with us, burglary alarms, he would help protect us," said Richard Anderson of Kern Law Enforcement Agency. "If Neco was there we would feel a little bit safer. He would give his life for our life."

“Neco, you will forever be in my heart forever, as you were from the start," said Blane Martinez. "I love you my brother and will 'til the end, you will always be my brother 'til the very end…”