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Died 06-07-17
Handler – Patrolman Chris Bradford
Popular K-9 officer dies from illness
The flag outside the Perryville Police Department was at half-staff Wednesday morning as officers mourned the death of one of their own, K-9 officer Punter, who had served the department for 4 years. “It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of our department K-9, Punter,” said Perryville Police Department spokesman Cpl. Jeri Cain in a statement released Wednesday morning. “After a month-long battle with an unknown illness that was slowly killing him, Punter was euthanized this morning at approximately 8:15 am. He was surrounded by officers as his last good-byes were said.” Punter, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, was cross-trained in narcotics detection, tracking and handler protection. During his time with the department, Punter had several handlers and last worked with Patrolman Chris Bradford. While off duty, Punter lived with Bradford at his residence. Punter and Bradford are part of the Missouri Police Canine Association (MPCA) and they went through a certification program together.“To become certified in narcotics, Punter had to find a certain amount of different narcotics that were hidden in a room and on vehicles,” Bradford said in a 2015 interview. “I had to be able to watch the canine’s actions, like how his body was tensing up or how he was breathing in order to be able to determine if there was actually a narcotic there where the dog was showing me.” During that same interview, Bradford said he loved the feeling when Punter was alerted to a narcotic. “It shows me that he’s doing what he’s supposed to,” Bradford said, “and I’m able to read his body language and understand that there is something in the vehicle or the location where I’m at.” Cain praised the pair in the release. “Together they patrolled the streets of Perryville keeping us safe as well as educating the public about K-9 officers,” Cain said. “Punter and Ptn. Bradford made many new friends during their K9 demonstrations in the community and at special organizations such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and D.A.R.E. graduations.” Department officers expressed their condolences, calling Punter “family” and a “sweetheart.” “Punter was a great working dog,” said Assistant Police Chief Bill Jones. “He was extremely smart, but he was also a sweetheart of a dog. He was certainly part of the police family. “There is no doubt that he could lift the spirit of the guys when he came running into the station. To say he will be missed is an understatement.” Chief Direk Hunt agreed. “Punter was not only an officer, he was family,” Hunt said. “We will honor him as both at a later date with a Memorial Service.”
