Law enforcement officers from across Central Florida paid tribute to one of their own on Friday, a K-9 named Forest killed in the line of duty last month.

Deltona is where Forest, with his deputy handler, served, and it was the start of a procession that went for 13 miles through Volusia County to the Volusia County Fairgrounds, where there was a service for K-9 Forest.

The K-9 was killed Nov. 22 while attempting to subdue an armed suspect. 

A man, 34-year-old Eddie Durell Powell, was taken into custody Nov. 23 after more than 19 hours on the run. He was thought to be a transient in the Deltona area, deputies said. 

Information obtained during the investigation confirmed Powell was armed with a gun both during the initial shooting on Nov. 22 as well as the subsequent shooting the following day that ended after Powell was taken into custody.

However, deputies said there is no evidence "at this time" that Powell fired his weapon.

News 13 found out Thursday that Forest was hit by friendly fire.

Law enforcement officers from several different agencies, including many K-9 units, turned out Friday to support the Volusia County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Brandon Ellis, Forest's handler, described the night Forest was killed during Friday's memorial service. He said that after a year of working together, he and forest had just successfully apprehended a suspect for the first time.

"At that moment in time, I was so proud and overwhelmed with joy, I was at the highest high," Ellis said. "And then, in the blink of an eye, I realized he had been shot. It was my worst nightmare. That was lowest of lows, and probably the lowest I had ever felt in my life. I lost my buddy, my partner and probably the best dog I've ever met."

Ellis said Forest was a major reason why no deputies were injured in the 19-hour standoff.

"Your bravery and fearlessness allowed me and Sergeant Hughes to go home to our wives and kids," Ellis said Friday. "For that, we will be forever grateful. ... I love you and miss you, buddy."

People from the community also showed up along the procession. Gilbert Luna came with his dog, a German shepherd, that he said he once considered training for possible law enforcement duties.

"I feel terrible for the handler that lost him and for the police department," Luna said. "It's a big loss, and I just came to pay my respects, that’s all."