"SALUTE TO SIRIUS"
By Debbie Miller Stonebraker

On a bright and clear morning, much like that of 9-11, about 250 people and 100
K-9s gathered in Liberty Park, New Jersey. April 24, 2002, was the memorial ceremony for Sirius, the bomb sniffing yellow Labrador who perished in the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Sirius and his handler, Officer David Lim of the New York New Jersey Port Authority Police Department were stationed in the WTC. They had just finished inspecting parcels when the first plane hit the building. Officer Lim said to Sirius, “One must have gotten by us”, and left his K9 partner in his
kennel with the following words.... “I’ll be back for you.” He then hurried upstairs to see what had happened. Officer Lim was caught in the fall of the building and was trapped for 5 hours before he was rescued.

Meet the Artist, Debbie Stonebraker

On January 22, 2002, David Lim fulfilled his promise to his partner. With the same honor as his fellow human officers, Sirius’ flag-draped remains were carried away from the WTC. The machinery stopped and silence took it’s place while the fallen hero was placed into the waiting vehicle.

The memorial ceremony took place in the full view of the forever changed New York skyline. A large group of bagpipers provided that unmistakable somber sound, which we have all heard so
often lately. A single officer carried the cremated remains of Sirius to the stage, where he placed the urn
alongside the flag case which contained the flag that had been draped over Sirius.

Officer Lim was presented with the original framed watercolor titled  “Salute to Sirius” which was created by the fine canine artist, Debbie Miller Stonebraker.  The painting was then ceremoniously donated to the PAPD.  A wonderful poem was recited by it’s author, Susan Brozenac, the teacher of the 5th grade Illinois class which donated the flag case. Police Officer Joe Martin provided a touching Eulogy and then the silence was broken by a 21 gun salute.

The most touching event of the day was the presentation of Sirius’ stainless steel water bowl, which had been recovered from Officer Lim’s vehicle at the scene of the WTC. The FBI had found the bowl and Special Agent Gary Fornino presented it to Officer Lim. The bowl had been silver plated and
engraved “I GAVE MY LIFE SO THAT YOU MAY SAVE OTHERS”.

To learn more about Sirius please visit:
Police K9 Sirius

The Port Authority Police Memorial

Right: "Just Labs" Magazine Article

Meet the Artist, Debbie Stonebraker