UPDATE: SATURDAY 02/11/2023 10:40 p.m.

(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — A procession was held for fallen Fountain Police Department K-9 Officer Julian Becerra on Saturday night, Feb. 11. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) tweeted about the procession just before 10:15 p.m. on Saturday.

The law enforcement and first responder procession, which was lined by community members in Colorado Springs escorted Officer Becerra from Penrose Hospital to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office on the CJC campus.

  • Procession for FPD K-9 Officer Julian Becerra on Feb. 11, 2023.
    Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Dez Rowe
  • Procession for FPD K-9 Officer Julian Becerra on Feb. 11, 2023.
    Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Dez Rowe
  • Procession for FPD K-9 Officer Julian Becerra on Feb. 11, 2023.
    Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Dez Rowe
  • Procession for FPD K-9 Officer Julian Becerra on Feb. 11, 2023.
    Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Dez Rowe
  • Procession for FPD K-9 Officer Julian Becerra on Feb. 11, 2023.
    Courtesy: FOX21 Photojournalist Dez Rowe

ORIGINAL STORY: FPD K-9 Officer Julian Becerra dies of injuries after on-duty incident

SATURDAY 02/11/2023 8:36 p.m.

Fountain Police Department (FPD) K-9 Officer Julian Becerra has died after he succumbed to his injuries after falling 40 feet from a bridge in Colorado Springs in pursuit of a stolen vehicle suspect.

On the evening of Saturday, Feb. 11, FPD Spokesperson Lisa Schneider made the announcement of Officer Becerra’s passing.

K-9 Officer Julian Becerra has succumbed to the injuries he suffered during an on-duty incident that occurred on February 2, 2023.
Courtesy: Fountain Police Department

“It is with extreme sadness that we at the Fountain Police Department notify the public that K-9 Officer Julian Becerra has succumbed to the injuries he suffered during an on-duty incident that occurred on February 2, 2023. We appreciate the public’s outpouring of support over the past week for Officer Becerra, his family, and the Fountain Police Department,” stated Schneider.

Officer Becerra’s End of Watch was announced as Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at 7:14 p.m.

“This is an evolving process, and the family is requesting privacy while they navigate the difficult task of planning for Julian’s final rest. The family has elected to not make any public statements at this time,” said Schneider.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) also released a statement on Officer Becerra.

“The men and women of the EPSO grieve with our brothers & sisters of the Fountain PD at the tragic loss of Officer Julian Becerra. Officer Becerra honorably served with our Office. Blue Family, take care of each other as we keep Officer Becerra’s family in our thoughts & prayers,” wrote EPSO.

K-9 Officer Julian Becerra has succumbed to the injuries he suffered during an on-duty incident that occurred on February 2, 2023.
Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

Chief Adrian Vasquez with the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) also released a statement on the Department’s Facebook page.

“So many hearts are heavy today, and I offer CSPD’s condolences to Officer Becerra’s family, friends, and to the Fountain community. I also offer my heartfelt thanks to Officer Becerra for the selfless service he provided with incredible distinction and honor. To our brothers and sisters at the Fountain Police Department, we stand beside you as you grieve. Know the women and men of CSPD are here for you and with you,” wrote Chief Vasquez.

On Friday, Feb. 10 EPSO announced it is now the lead investigative agency regarding the incident that occurred on Thursday, Feb. 2. EPSO said three suspects were involved in the carjacking incident that led to FPD Officer Becerra falling 40 feet from a bridge last week. All three suspects were taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center.