St. Clair Shores community lights up in blue honoring fallen k9 Axe

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (WJBK) - Porches, trees and windows are lighting up the night sky in blue in St. Clair Shores. 

It is all to honor canine officer Axe, killed in the line of duty outside Lakeland Manor Sunday night. 

A sworn canine officer since December of 2016, Axe was running after an armed suspect. Investigators say the suspect fatally shot Axe and police returned fire, killing the suspect.

Friday night people picking up special Axe bracelets.

"We really wanted to do special to help with everything that happened," said resident Jessica Old. "We figured this was the best way to help raise money.

"We put I stand with k9 Axe, end of watch and the date that he passed.  So everyone can remember a great hero here."

The Citgo gas station at Little Mack and Martin is selling Axe car decals also raising money for the St. Clair Shores Police Department. And at the True Value store on Harper, employees are busy restocking the shelves with blue light bulbs.

More and more people are lighting up their porch in blue getting ready for "Light the Night in Blue for Axe" on Sunday night.

"It's been crazy the phones are ringing off the hook non-stop the last three days," said Paul Magro, the manager at True Value.

And as the memorial grows outside the St. Clair Shores Police Department, officers are preparing to lay Axe to rest.