K9 Nyx, 7, killed in the line of duty on January 28, 2024. Born August 7, 2016.

K9 Nyx and Officer Vargas' paths crossed at an uncertain time in his journey through canine school. In late September of 2018, Officer Vargas had the misfortune of having to wash out two dogs and the outlook of finishing school in time looked dim. During the weekend when he was to return the second canine to the vendor, his supervisor received a call. That phone call was to advise that a canine had become available and the vendor believed "she" would be a good fit for our city and was already trained.

Sgt. Duane Johnson, Officer Geiken and Officer Vargas set out on yet another adventure hoping this canine would be Officer Vargas' saving grace. All three arrived at the vendor and waited outside as this fierce, energetic and focused Belgian Malinois/Shepherd mix was brought out to them. She was put to the test by Officer Geiken and after some rounds she was clearly the one. Her leash was handed to Officer Vargas and he was told "Welp get back to school and graduate." He wasted no time traveling from Berrien Center, Michigan to Springfield, Illinois, traveling the speed limit of course.

Officer Vargas and K9 Nyx arrived at school and jumped right in with everyone else as if he had begun the training with her and never left. Only with bonding to be worked on along with some of her personality quirks. The rest as they say, is history. Not knowing that God brought them together so that one day she would rescue him once more by sacrificing her life so that he could continue the good fight and see his family again. She was the best of the best and she will forever be remembered by those she met. She left behind some big dog booties to fill.

Rest easy my sweet girl, you did your job.

Memorial Visitation Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 12 pm to 3 pm at City First Church; 5950 Spring Creek Road, Rockford; Law enforcement walk through at 3:00 pm; followed by a Celebration of K9 Nyx's life at 4:00 pm. Pastor Paul Meyers will officate. Live stream of the service can be viewed here: https://my.gather.app/remember/k9-nyx-vargas In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her memory to Friends of the Rockford Police K9 https://www.friendsofrockfordpolicek9.com/donate

Community members are welcome to sign the register book, leave condolence cards or make a donation in her memory at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St. Rockford; Monday-Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, until February 15, 2024.

The staff of Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to care for Nyx in this tragic time. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com .