K-9 hero remembered at final farewell

Rest in peace, Lando, “Forever and always a guardian of the night.”

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“Lando” was more than man’s best friend. He was an officer’s best partner.

Cancel Herald/CATRINA RAWSON Harker Heights Police Chief Mike Gentry speaks as Gabrielle Guerra, Lando’s handler, wipes away a tear during a memorial for the dog Friday at the Harker Heights Police Department. Lando died June 28 at Guerra’s home.

Lando, a black Belgian Malinois, did more than change the life of fellow Harker Heights officer Chris Villella. He saved it.

Lando was remembered Friday at a memorial service attended by Villella, almost 60 mourners and Lando’s owner/handler, Officer Gabrielle Guerra.

Tables adorned with Lando’s leash, his vest, photos, awards and memorabilia encircled a crowd inside a meeting room at the Harker Heights Police Department. Outside everyone gathered around a memorial stone that read “Forever and always a guardian of the night.”

Lando, a community icon and award-winning detector dog, died June 28 in his sleep at Guerra’s home. He served more than 10 years with HHPD. He died two days before his 13th birthday and a few weeks before his July 14 retirement.

Villella experienced love at first bite with Lando, even though he belonged to Guerra. Villella joined HHPD five years ago to be a K-9 unit handler. Villella was hooked when Lando bit him the first time during a training exercise.

A little over a year later, Lando saved Villella’s life. Guerra, Villella and another officer stopped two men in a car outside a night club. Villella stood next to the passenger door, unaware that inside the passenger fumbled with a knife.

Lando sensed trouble. He barked loudly when Guerra released him from the patrol car. Lando barked so loud he frightened the passenger who dropped the knife beneath the seat, which saved Villella from being stabbed.

“We were close back then, but after that, it made us permanent,” he said.

Lando possessed impeccable discipline, said Rick Opperud with the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. Lando developed a rare ability to be perfect in competition and on the streets, where he seized more than $400,000 in narcotics. Opperud was joined by law enforcement from across Central Texas and the state Friday.

“I told her (Guerra) she’ll never have another dog like him. He was a once-in-a-life time dog,” Opperud said.

Guerra, with tears in her eyes, shared stories of a canine partner that became a family member. Guerra’s husband, Tim Palma, described Lando as “the son I never had.”

Lando’s death left an irreplaceable hole in their home, they said. Lando was the big brother for their daughter, Ashleigh Palma, 8. Lando followed Ashleigh everywhere, and in return she played ball with him. When tired from playing ball, he became her pillow and they slept, Palma said.

“I think what I miss the most is the twinkle in his eye and his warm smile whenever he greeted everybody,” Guerra said.

Lando’s loud bark no longer greets Guerra when she arrives at her Falls County home, but she knows he will wag his tail for her again someday.

“When it’s my time to leave this world for the next, a beautiful black Malinois will be sitting at the gates of heaven,” Guerra said. “Thank you for being the best partner I could ever ask for.”

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