Mourners gathered Tuesday morning to remember Boerne Police K-9 Chico, who was killed last month, and stand alongside his handler, Sgt. Pete Moncada, and the department left behind.
The service, held at 1910 Church, was attended by dozens of law enforcement officers from several organizations, other first responders, City of Boerne staff, and members of the community – all gathered to honor K-9 Chico’s service and loyalty.
“Police K-9s are truly extraordinary,” Boerne Police Chief Steve Perez said. “The bond with their handlers is forged not just in love, but through training, discipline, and shared duty. Through it all, they become more than partners; they become family.”
K-9 Chico, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, joined BPD in November 2023 and was trained in narcotics detection, firearm detection, and suspect apprehension. He was deployed more than 30 times last year and showed great promise and enthusiasm for his work.
K-9 Chico was raised by Sgt. Moncada from a puppy and was a member of the Moncada family his entire life. His training began at just a few weeks old as he learned from Sgt. Moncada and his previous K-9 partner, Tucker, who has since retired.
On April 10, K-9 Chico was killed in line of duty while responding with Sgt. Moncada to a traffic stop. After being placed back in the patrol vehicle, the door’s locking mechanism did not properly latch, and K-9 Chico exited the vehicle and was struck by a passing car.
“During his time at the department, K-9 Chico built a reputation as a dedicated and capable working dog with a strong desire to please his handler,” Chief Perez said.
Speaking at Tuesday’s service, Cheryl Goudreau with the Kendall County Veterinary Center recalled the day Sgt. Moncada first brought K-9 Chico in for a wellness checkup as puppy and shared insight into the special bond between a K-9 and its handler.
“To some people, Chico may have been just a dog. But to the Kendall County Veterinary Center, the Boerne Police Department, Sgt. Moncada, Letty [Moncada], and all those who loved him, he was way more than just a dog. He was a partner, a friend, and a protector of Sgt. Moncada, and he made the streets of Boerne just a little bit safer when he was on shift,” Goudreau said.
Chief Perez read a special K-9 prayer and presented K-9 Chico’s now-retired badge No. 373 to Sgt. Moncada. Those in attendance heard the end of watch call as it played over the police radio in honor of K-9 Chico.
The Honor Guard – comprised of members of the Boerne Police Department, the Boerne Fire Department, and the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office – presented the colors and escorted Sgt. Moncada and his wife out of the service. Taps was played by trumpeter Jim Manzo, retired US Army band director.
Tuesday’s service was a reminder of the close bond shared by K-9 Chico and his handler, and of the Boerne community that time and again stands alongside their own.
