Suburban Officer Fired After Shooting Family's Dog

(CBS) -- A southwest suburban police officer was fired after he shot and killed a family dog.

The dog's name was Apollo. The 16-month-old German shepherd mix had run out of the home in the city of Hometown Friday afternoon. The family called police to help them find the dog.

When authorities arrived, they found him and tried to coax him to go inside the home. That's when police say Apollo growled and approached the officer.

He shot the dog and killed him in front of the homeowners' six-year-old daughter.

A neighbor says the family is relieved that justice was served for the pet.

Hometown Police Chief Charles Forsyth released a statement on his department's Facebook page explaining his decision.

"Although the Officer may have been justified under the Illinois Use of Force statute governing deadly force, I have made the decision to terminate that Officers employment with the Hometown Police Department. In addition, all reports and witness statements will be forwarded to the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Unit to be reviewed," he said.