In Loving Memory of
K-9 BANDIT
June 3, 1998
 
 Handler: Officer Don Sherrill  Miamisburg Police Department 10 N. First Street Miamisburg, Ohio 45342  PH: (937) 866-3344

Bandit was purchased as a pet in 1987, with hopes of becoming a police dog. In August of 1988 Bandit was sworn in as the department’s second K-9 and worked with me as a patrol dog until the program was abolished in 1995. At that time I retired Bandit to a life of well-deserved luxury.  During his working career, Bandit was credited with hundreds of apprehensions and numerous awards.   In 1992, because of my success with Bandit, I received the Montgomery County (Oh) Chiefs of Police
 Exemplary Service Award. That next year Bandit was given the very first Montgomery County dog license issued as acknowledgement for his service to the Police Dept. and communities throughout Montgomery Co. In addition to being a dedicated partner, he was a loyal friend to me and all who knew him (except the bad guys!).   In July of 1998 Bandit’s hips finally gave way and I had to say goodbye.   A part of me is forever lost without him, as other K-9 handlers who have lost their partners can attest to.  K-9 Bandit  served the Miamisburg Police Department from 1988 to 1995, when he retired.  Bandit was 3rd in the nation in 1991 at the USPCA Natioanal Trials.
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The Miamisburg Police Department, with administration and dispatch operations located in the Civic Center, features a highly trained staff of law enforcement professionals. It employs 38 full-time officers, six full-time communications officers, several auxiliary officers and civilian staff. The force includes a detective division, a D.A.R.E. officer, a school resource officer and a community relations officer who is responsible for public information, Neighborhood Watch and business relations. Law enforcement efforts are maximized by ongoing technological advancements, which recently included all-new dispatch and 9-1-1 computer systems, new mobile radios and the addition of laptop computers in cruisers.  notified by Dusty Simon

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BANDIT
1984 - 1988
 
Handler: Officer Eric Deltgen
New London Police Department
5 Governor Winthrop Blvd.
New London, Ct.  06320

Bandit was a black and tan, German shepherd, presumably bred in the U.S.  He was a dog obtained from the Connecticut Humane Society, and was to become the first police dog assigned to the New London Police Department.  After many weeks of lost overtime and countless hours in training with Certified Professional Master Trainers James A. Cortina and Robert Bergeson as private trainers, as well as some police trainers from agencies that had K-9 units, Bandit was finally admitted into the New London Police Department. His exact date of birth is not known, other then he was born sometime in 1984.  Bandit began his career with the New London Police Department sometime in April of 1986. His handler at the time, Officer Eric Deltgen, had been with the department since 1980, and had taken upon himself to learn and train about police dogs, on his own time, with the hopes of getting a K-9 program started with the New London Police department.  He was to be the first K-9 to become an active police K-9 in the recent history of the department. A lot of politicking, meetings and pleading went into this accomplishment, and with the help of fellow officer, William Nott,  we were able to get it done.  Nott himself was training a K-9, named Thunder as well and the two of us helped each other and continued doing so even after the K-9 units inception into the department. We were both K-9 rookies at this, but we feverishly worked hard at doing it right, asking questions, reading a lot, and going to as many schools about the subject that we could afford. In time, our dogs, Bandit, Thunder and the dogs to follow would be recognized by many in the field. In time Officer Nott and I would join the USPCA, NAPWDA and eventually be part in the creation of the CPWDA.  With more hard work and determination we would become certified trainers for the NAPWDA (North American Police Work Dog Association). 
 Sadly though, Bandit’s career on the force would be cut short. Barely 4 years old, he contracted cancer and died in 1988. But even with such a short career, Bandit was still able to accumulate some points.  One of his first tracks was in the search of a despondent 12 year old boy who had run away from his home into nearby woods. When the call came, the boy had been missing for several hours, and the temperatures were now in the single digits. It was a late night in February, and if the boy was not found soon, there was a great chance that he would not survive the night.  I still remember the day like as if it were yesterday. We (Myself), Bandit, I can only speculate, and my fellow officers were all nervous. This was the first big incident involving a New London Police dog and we wanted everything to end well. The eyes of the boy's family, not to mention the neighbors who had tried in vain to find the boy, were on us. We began a track from a point the boy had last been seen standing. We had contamination everywhere from the neighbors who had trudged through the area looking for the boy. Even during the track we came upon some persons who had not gotten the word to get out of the area and were still searching. Even with all the distractions, Bandit continued without being phased. I followed Bandit like I had been taught, remembering what had been engraved in my mind. “TRUST YOUR DOG.” The track lasted for about 45 minutes. Can't say how far we traveled, but without warning, Bandit began scratching at what seemed to be a large boulder.  At first I didn't know what to make of it, but the when I pulled myself in front of Bandit and peaked on the other side of the boulder, I found that 12 year old boy cuddled in the fetal position. He had somehow found refuge there from the elements, but it wasn't protecting him from the cold. He didn't have any warm clothing and had he been there much longer, hypothermia would have set in. Long story short, the boy was found, cold, scared and above all safe. He was reunited with his family, and to this day I occasionally get a hardy hello from his family when we cross paths.  Bandit got hugs and pets from the family and friends, and he was happy with that. Back home he got a juicy steak. I'm sure he appreciated that more. Another high point in Bandit’s career was when he helped in apprehending a rape suspect. He really didn't do much other then be at the right place at the right time. Fellow  officer were chasing a rape suspect on foot, and had lost sight of him in one of our local neighborhoods. Bandit and I were on patrol close by, and decided to assist. We had barely gotten out of our patrol car, when the suspect popped out from one of the backyards.  This guy was twice my size, a miniature Hulk, so to speak. But For Bandit, the bigger they were  the better. Bandit had a neat thing about getting keyed up. You didn't have to say a word, just a light tickle on his collar and he became a fire breathing dragon with a bark that sounded like thunder. In any event, this guy saw us, and when I motioned to him to stand still, he flat out said he wasn't going and that we were going to have to work for it.  No need for that. Bandit got his tickle, and I had all I could do to keep him from dragging me to the suspect.  What ever it was it worked, because without hesitation, the suspect yelled out he was surrendering and to keep the dog away from him. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody without incident, and thankful that he did not have to meet Bandit face to face. Bandit was a 120 lb.. German Shepherd, but when he wanted to play hard, he looked like he weighed 190 lb.. I guess that would make one think twice before going on his bad side. Shortly after that incident Bandit would pass on.  I still miss him and wish that he could have had a longer career. I'm sure that if that had been the case, he would have had an impressive career to say the least. Bandit will be sadly missed by all.