Wednesday morning while helping officers try to apprehend a domestic violence suspect, a Lake Wales Police Department (FL) police dog was shot and killed. Max, a Belgian Malinois that joined the agency in December 2015, died at the scene.

Police say a woman called and reported a man had dragged, choked, and hit her on the head and advised he had also fired a gun near her apartment. The suspect fled, but when officers arrived they found nine spent shell casings near where he was reported to have fired the gun, reports WESH.

Max searched the area, located the suspect, then was shot by the suspect. Officers returned fire killing Earnest Borders, 57.

Lake Wales Police Department held a procession as they transported Max to a medical examiner for further investigation.

“We are filled with sadness, and our hearts are broken.  We lost one of our own today, our hero K9 Officer Max,” the Lake Wales Police Department posted on social media following Max’s death.  “Not long after Officer Joyner met up with his partner, he described his partner and buddy as ‘fearless,’ and he was just that until his end of watch today.  Thank you everyone for the out-pouring of love for Officer Joyner and his family and our department.  Please keep Officer Joyner and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”