Some of Allentown's toughest men and women were reduced to tears Thursday as they said good bye to one of their own.  The Allentown Police Department took time to remember K-9 officer "Axel" Thursday morning. WFMZ's Jaccii Farris has the story.  
>>CHIEF JOSEPH HANNA: We are here today to pay tribute to the life of an exemplary police service . 

>>REPORTER: Allentown Police officers bid an emotional farewell to their black night..K-9 officer Axel. 

>>SGT. JOHN HILL: To say that he was my best friend doesn't really do my relationship with him justice. 

>>REPORTER: Sgt. John Hill was Axel's partner and best friend for six years. 

>>SGT. JOHN HILL: When I'd step into something and get myself in a little deeper than I wanted to be by myself, I wasn't by myself. He was there. 

>>REPORTER: Axel and Hill patrolled the streets of Allentown sniffing out drugs and making friends in the community. Shortly after joining the force, Axel led police to the suspect in the Temple Beth el Arson. 

>>CHAPLAIN ALLEN KLINE: We know that this day would come. 

>>REPORTER: Axel was put to sleep last month after battling cancer. 

>> And yet O God we would have wanted one more day of play. 

>>REPORTER: He was 8 years old. 

>> One more evening of love with Axel. 

>>MIKE MANCINI: John you're an unbelievable handler and Axel was an unbelievable dog. 

>>LEIF HENRY: We've lost a friend we've lost a champion, we've lost a warrior. 

>>REPORTER: K-9 units from across the valley came out to pay their respects to Axel.. And watch as a memorial wreath was placed at his marker.

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