Related Articles
Died – 12/20/16
Handler – Deputy Jeff Mitchell
Farewell, Rambo
Faithful police dog Rambo said his final farewell surrounded by his brothers in blue. It was blistering cold Tuesday morning but uniformed responders representing Mayes County Sheriff’s Office, Pryor Police Department, Pryor Fire Department and MESTA stood un-moving as Deputy Jeff Mitchell arrived at Pryor Veterinary Hospital with Rambo, finishing his last ever ride in a patrol car. Mitchell, the K9’s partner, said the decision to put him down was a heartbreaking one. This wasn’t the long retirement he’d wished for his partner, Mitchell said. Rambo served with Mitchell at Pryor Police Department for eight years before retiring for medical reasons in March. At the time of his retirement, Mitchell said, “When chief gave him to me it brought new life to my work. He’s always excited and ready to get to work. And that rubs off on everyone around him, it’s going to be tough not bringing him to work every day.” Last week, Mitchell said the veterinarian was considering amputating Rambo’s leg—but later found out the cancer had spread from his back leg to his lymphatic system. Officers who worked alongside Rambo and Mitchell said they were honored to be there to say farewell. “I had the privilege of working with Jeff and Rambo for many years. Those two worked great together,” said PPD Officer Tommy Parker. “It takes a special person to be a K9 handler and a lot of work but Jeff and Rambo put in the time. Rambo was a great partner and will be missed.” PPD’s Doug Barham said, “It was an honor and privilege to be involved with Rambo’s escort today. Rambo was an excellent K9 and was great at his job and what he was trained to do, which is find illegal narcotics. Losing a K9 partner is like losing a part of your family. Unless you have been a K9 handler people just really don’t grasp or understand the bond a handler has with his K9 partner. My heart goes out to my fellow brother. I am praying for he and his family during this rough time.” The officers and firefighters waited outside the vet’s office, ready to lend support to Mitchell when all was said and done. “This is tearing at my soul,” Mitchell said. “He was so much more than just a dog to me.”
