Salinas California Police on Monday, May 17, 2004, remembered K-9 Klief as a hard-working, friendly dog that will be missed by the Department. The German Shepherd was killed in the line of duty, dying early that morning after a suspected burglar stabbed him repeatedly Sunday night in Salinas. The suspect also died, shot to death by an officer who feared the man would also attack Klief's handler, Officer Bill Gaston.

Klief was 5 years old and served Salinas Police for more than two years. He was imported from Germany as a puppy and then trained side-by-side with his handler before joining him on street patrol. "He did a superb job for the Salinas Police Department", noted PD spokesman Vincent Mariana, "It is sad he won't be with us."