In Loving Memory of
K-9 VEM
July 1, 1979
 
 Handler: Officer John O’Donnell
Napa Police Department
1539 First Street
 Napa, CA 
Phone: 707-257-9550

http://www.cityofnapa.org/index.php?Itemid=141&id=37&option=com_content&task=view

 On July 1, 1979, Officer John O’Donnell, his K9 partner “Vem” (short for November), and several other officers were
 attempting to take a suspect into custody who had been vandalizing property at a local apartment complex. As the officers
entered the suspect’s apartment, the suspect lunged at Officer O’Donnell with a knife. Vem defended Officer O’Donnell
and was   slashed in the throat. Vem died the next day at a local veterinary hospital. 
 Officer O’Donnell and Vem won the 1979 Police Gold Medal from the California Police Athletics Association.
He was one of  the best competitive police dogs in the state of California and won numerous awards.
 Vem was very popular with the children at  Napa area schools.
Vem’s death was a big loss for Officer O’Donnell and the citizens of Napa.