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Handler – Sgt. Erik F. Ramsland
A Massachusetts State Police sergeant shared a heartfelt Facebook tribute to his late K9 partner on Saturday. Sgt. Erik F. Ramsland writes in a post called “Dozer’s last ride” that the K9 officer died of cancer after nine years with the Massachusetts State Police and a happy retirement. “Dozer was a motivated and hard-working dog, who wanted nothing more than to work,” Ramsland wrote. “Dozer located many illegal narcotics, wanted persons, lost adults, and missing children during his career.” Ramsland touches on Dozer’s good relationship with children and the friendship formed with a younger K9 named Vik. Dozer was retired in Fall 2015 and spent his retirement “trying to be a house dog” with a loving family. “Dozer’s last ride in his cruiser was to the Veterinary Surgery Center of Sturbridge, where Dr. Paul McCarthy eased him of his suffering,” Ramsland wrote. His post had been shared more than 400 times as of Saturday afternoon.
The sergeant’s entire letter is below:
Dozer’s Last Ride
Submitted by Sergeant Erik F. Ramsland
We regret to inform you of the passing of K-9 Dozer, partner of Sgt. Erik Ramsland. K-9 Dozer was born in the Netherlands on April 14, 2004 and joined the Massachusetts State Police on June 9, 2006. Dozer completed NESPAC Basic Patrol School with K-9 Britt, Dakar, Nanuk, Frankie, and Tyco (Greenfield PD), which was taught by Lt Jerry Molet. Dozer went on to complete NESPAC narcotic detection school, taught by Sgt. Stephen Smith (ret). Upon graduation, Dozer took over for K-9 Wolf, allowing him to enjoy retirement. Dozer had a long and productive career spanning over nine years, answering well over a thousand calls for service for the citizens of the Commonwealth. Dozer was a motivated and hard-working dog, who wanted nothing more than to work. Dozer located many illegal narcotics, wanted persons, lost adults, and missing children during his career.
Dozer was a social dog and performed in many public demonstrations. Dozer was kind to children and adults alike, and seemed to enjoy the affection he received. Conversely, Dozer showed no hesitation, nor mercy, on those that chose to take the hard way, and he was forced to apprehend.
As Dozer grew older, his drive never slowed, but his body started to show his age. Long tracks were followed by slow starts in the morning. Jumping in and out of cruiser windows, got a little slower. In November of 2013, Dozer was joined by K-9 Vlk. Dozer and Vlk got along great. They played together and worked together. After Vlk completed Patrol School, Dozer and Vlk worked together daily. Vlk did most of the patrol calls, and Dozer performed all of the narcotic calls. After Vlk completed narcotic detection school, Dozer and Vlk continued to work together. The younger Vlk had youth and enthusiasm at his side. Dozer however, had wisdom and experience to guide him. The two made a great team. Dozer successfully recertified for patrol duties for one more year, and narcotic duties for two more years. Then, one day in the fall of 2015, Dozer decided not to go to work. He did not want to get into his cruiser. He chose to take his first day off in 9 years. Dozer never did a call after that day. He drove around in the cruiser a few times, going to court or to a meeting, which he enjoyed, but he decided it was time to retire.
Dozer spent his retirement trying to be a house dog. He moved from the kennel, to the garage, to the house. His days were spent bringing all the sticks and logs from the woods to the yard. Every stick. Every log. In between, he napped in the sun, or the shade, depending on the temperature. Often in the flower gardens. Nights were spent with his family. Dozer was always with his family, never alone. In the end, it was cancer. The dog that would never quit, would not quit. But now, it was a fight to live. Dozers last ride in his cruiser was to the Veterinary Surgery Center of Sturbridge, where Dr. Paul McCarthy eased him of his suffering. Dozer passed away in his cruiser, with his family, and those that loved him. Dozer was brought home and laid to rest next to K-9 Wolf. Play time my friend, you have earned it.
Sgt. Erik F. Ramsland #2441
Operations Officer / K-9 West
Massachusetts State Police
