OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- A Niceville Police K-9 was killed and an officer injured in a crash Sunday evening in Okaloosa County.

The crash happened around 5:55 p.m. on Highway 85 near Highway 123.

Niceville Police Chief David Popwell confirms to Channel 3 that K-9 "Blue" died in the crash after being ejected. He was with the department for six years.

"Blue would run into rooms, our offices and he would run to whoever was sitting there and everybody better pet him and he's gonna lick you to death," Chief Powell said. "We'd take him to events with the kids, he'd just lay on his side and let the kids rub all over him and if they didn't get to pet him. There was one school we weren't allowed to let the kids pet the dog, oh he was upset and would try to get to the kids and he didn't like not getting petted. Blue was a lover, not a fighter."

According to Florida Highway Patrol, a Niceville Police pickup truck was traveling south and began slowing in an attempt to switch lanes.

FHP states a van attempted to switch lanes at the same time, colliding with the rear of the police truck and causing the truck to overturn.

According to FHP, the 42-year-old male officer in the Niceville Police truck suffered serious injuries. The driver of the van, a 40-year-old Alabama woman, suffered minor injuries.

Chief Popwell tells Channel 3 the officer remains in the hospital as of Monday morning. Niceville Police identified the officer as Sgt. Phillip Ritcheson, adding that his injuries are non life-threatening.

FHP states the investigation is ongoing.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit assisted with the escort of K-9 Blue to Bluewater Bay Animal Hospital Sunday night.

"Our K9 Handlers Zackary Putnam and Trey Brooks helped carry K9 Blue's flag draped body into the building in a combined show of love, honor, and respect for his service to the community," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post.

A memorial service will be held for Blue once his handler makes a full recovery.