<sub>In Loving Memory of
K-9 RICCO
November 9, 2002

Handler: Officer Charles Smith
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
North Carolina... 704-353-1000 
Handlers who lost partner K-9 Ricco.
CHARLES SMITH - who had Ricco since July
CARLOS POZO - Ricco joined the department in 1996 and was handled by 1996-1999. He transferred from K-9.
DONNIE DOLINGER</sub> - _{1999 Ricco went to Donnie until Jan. 2000 & trained as a bomb dog.
 MATT YODER} - <sub>Ricco then was handled by Matt until March 2002 and then retired.
DARRELL BROWN - Ricco was given to Officer Brown to live out the rest of his life as a pet on his farm.

In July OFFICER SMITH'S dog,  GUNNER had to retired due to an enlarged heart. the department was not able to get another dog until the K-9 school started in January 2002. The department brought Ricco out of retirement and worked with Officer Smith until Saturday, November 9, 2002 when his stomach overturned and he died. Officer smith then brought back Gunner into service until January 2003 when he gets another dog.  Ricco was 8 years old, he's a Belgian Malinois.
submitted by Dusty
SGT Steve Barker   OFFICER Matt Yoder  SGT Don Mills</sub>             

In Loving Memory of 
K-9 ROCCO
October 10, 2002

Handler: Deputy David Miller
Allegan County Sheriff's Department
112 Walnut St.
Allegan, MI  49010 - Ph 269-673-0500

We here at Northern Michigan K-9 are very sad to announce the death of K-9 Rocco of the Allegan County Sheriff's Department MI.  On October 10th after successfully tracking and locating a lost 3 year old child, K-9 Rocco was struck and killed by a car. Rocco had been a member of the Allegan Co. Sheriff's office since November 2001, and had recently graduated again with his new handler Deputy David Miller. Our hearts and prayers go out to all involved.
More About Allegan County Sheriff's Dept.
K-9 UNIT Allegan County is pleased to present its newly expanded K-9 Unit, led by Sgt. Bud Randall. The newest members  of the unit are a 3 year old German Shepherd named "Bossco" and his handler, Deputy David Holmes, and a 2 year old Dutch Shepherd, "Rocco" and his handler Deputy Cory Hunt. The dogs were selected based not only on their drive to do the work, but they also must be very social animals, since they are used to perform public demonstrations of their abilities for school children and civic groups. These teams join veteran K-9 team Deputy Scott Tatrow and his dog Jock, a Belgian Malanois. The Allegan County Sheriff's Office has had a formalized K-9 Unit since the early 1980's when the ACLEA (Allegan County Law Enforcement Association) donated the funds to purchase a canine for the department. The purchase of subsequent dogs and training aids has historically been done through grants, donations and drug forfeiture proceeds. The only expenses to the taxpayers are for dog food and veterinary services. The dogs are all dual-purpose animals, meaning that they are trained in patrol work such as tracking and building searches, as well as in narcotics detection. The K-9 teams are assigned to the patrol division and are made available to any law enforcement agency who may have need for their services

In Loving Memory of 
K-9 RALPH SAR
January 10, 1992 - October 10, 2002

Handler: Dave Krumm
12760 N 39th Ave E.
Kellogg, IA 50135-9614

In Loving Memory of
K-9 REMO
July 19, 2002

Handler: Officer Johnny Edwards
Longview Police Department TX
P.O. Box 1952 - 302 W. Cotton St.
Longview, Texas  75606-1952
Phone: (903) 237-1199 - FAX: (903) 237-1142
 
Police dog Remo, 14, was euthanized Friday after succumbing to old age.  Officer Johnny Edwards was Remo's partner
for 8 years and caretaker for 12 

Just a few of the awards given to REMO

photo by K. Green News-Journal
07-24, Local: Police mourn death of retired K-9 By JOHN LYNCH 237-7733 www.news-journal.com
Longview police are mourning the death of Remo, a retired police dog whose career captured the heart of the city and inspired a foundation established in his name. The 14-year-old had to be euthanized Friday after succumbing to the rigors of old age, said Officer Johnny Edwards, Remo's partner for eight years and caretaker for 12. Remo joined the Edwards household in 1990 when the canine joined the department. Edwards said he feels fortunate to have worked with Remo. "Remo never belonged to me. He belonged to the citizens of Longview," Edwards said. "I was just lucky enough to take care of him." A trooper throughout his career, which lasted much longer than most police dogs, Remo in retirement still looked forward to regular rides in Edwards' patrol car for old times' sake. "He never quit wanting to work," Edwards said. A blue and yellow floral memorial bouquet in the police  department lobby marks the German shepherd's passing, while Edwards has put together a more private collection of Remo's awards, honors and citations in another office. Among those honors is the Purple Heart, which Remo earned for being stabbed while protecting Edwards — it took him a month to recover from the wound. Edwards' four legged partner once faced down six men armed with sticks and bats while Edwards was busy subduing a seventh man. On another occasion, the dog knocked a pistol out of a suspect's hands and pulled the man to the ground and away from the weapon. Edwards said Remo saved his life more than once and just having the dog with him was often enough to make his job easier. "I didn't have to use him aggressively," Edwards said. "His presence alone would do it." During his eight years as a law dog, Remo primarily specialized in tracking, whether it was hunting down suspects or searching for lost children, Edwards said. But Remo also had talents that few dogs possess. "He could open a car door ... with his nose," he said. His off-duty hours were spent at the Edwards home, where he ruled the family yard, keeping a watchful eye over the neighborhood children — an effort he continued into retirement. He'd turn into a regular dog off duty," Edwards said. Remo displayed a remarkable temperament, playing with children as easily as he collared a suspect, Edwards said. "I could put a child on his back or he could go after the most dangerous criminals," he said. Remo inspired the creation of the Remo Foundation, which M6 established to funds new police dogs for the city, by a group of local business owners. The group paid for half the cost of Ozzo, Remo's successor, who works with Officer Larry Webb. His canine partner also inspired Edwards to continue working with dogs, motivating him to set up a nonprofit tracking service for law officers, the North East Texas Tracking Dogs, using his own bloodhound. 

In Loving Memory of
K-9 RUDI
 2000-April 1, 2002

Handler: Officer John Jenkins 
still in hospital 8/17/02
Las Vegas Metro Police Department

The first Metro Police dog that died in the line of duty will be buried Monday By Keith Paul   LAS VEGAS SUN
 Rudi will be buried alongside other K-9 veterans in a service with the department's honor guard. Police Service Dog Rudi was crippled on March 28 when the police car he was riding  in while heading to a call was struck by another car. Rudi, a 2 1/ 2-year-old Belgian  Malinois who started his duty in September, was euthanized Monday. "When we lose a dog, it's pretty devastating. It hurts," said Sgt. Todd Fasulo  of Metro's K-9 unit. "We're talking about a dog that is trained to protect his handler.  The dog rides with the officer all day and lives at the officer's home." Officer John Jenkins was driving on Nellis Boulevard with the police car's lights and sirens on, going to investigate a call about a man with a gun. Another K-9 officer  and dog were at the scene, but Jenkins and his two dogs were called to assist in  tracking down the suspect. As Jenkins drove into the intersection of Nellis Boulevard and Stewart Avenue, a car driven by James Herrin struck the right side of Jenkins' police car, according to an accident report. Herrin was cited for failure to use due  care upon approaching an intersection and failure to yield right of way to an  emergency vehicle. Police are waiting on the results of blood tests, the report states. Jenkins was injured and taken to University Medical Center. Fasulo went to the accident  scene and saw Rudi. "I went to pull him out of the car, he stood up and instantly went right back down," he said. "We thought it was a broken leg." But a veterinarian that night  determined Rudi had a dislocated hip and a fractured hip. It wasn't until the next day that more extensive X-rays determined that Rudi's back was broken. A veterinarian waited to see if the swelling would go down and Rudi's paralysis would subside, but when it was determined that Rudi was permanently paralyzed, the decision was made to put him to sleep, Fasulo said. "We knew Saturday, but the officer was still recovering and we  wanted to wait until after Easter," Fasulo said. Jenkins was still recovering from his  injuries Thursday and was not available for comment. The other dog was not injured in  the accident. Metro's K-9 unit has 26 dogs consisting of patrol, bomb detection and  drug-detection dogs. The dogs can cost up to $5,000 each and including training, the cost can total $15,000 to $20,000. Rudi was a patrol dog. The dogs are more than just tools to the officers who handle them. Fasulo said they really become part of the  officer's family. "The officers are with the dogs more than their families," he said. "Rudi was a good dog. He was an up and coming dog." The service for Rudi will be Monday at 3 p.m. at the Craig Road Pet Cemetery, on Craig Road near Tenaya Way in northwest Las Vegas. 
***********

Fallen police dog will be honored By Keith Paul LAS VEGAS SUN
The first Metro Police dog that died in the line of duty will be buried Monday alongside other K-9 veterans in a service with the department's honor guard. Police Service Dog Rudi was crippled on March 28 when the police car he was riding in while heading to a call was struck by another car. Rudi, a two and a half year old Belgian Malinois who started his duty in September, 2002 and, was euthanized Monday, April 1st. "When we lose a dog, it's pretty devastating. It hurts," said Sgt. Todd Fasulo of Metro's K-9 unit. "We're talking about a dog that is trained to protect his handler. The dog rides with the officer all day and lives at the officer's home." Officer John Jenkins was driving on Nellis Boulevard with the police car's lights and sirens on, going to investigate a call about a man with a gun. Another K-9 officer and dog were at the scene, but Jenkins and his two dogs were called to assist in tracking down the suspect. As Jenkins drove into the intersection of Nellis Boulevard and Stewart Avenue, a car driven by James Herrin struck the right side of Jenkins' police car, according to an accident report. Herrin was cited for failure to use due care upon approaching an intersection and failure to yield right of way to an .emergency vehicle. Police are waiting on the results of blood tests, the report states. Jenkins was injured and taken to University Medical Center. Fasulo went to the accident scene and saw Rudi. "I went to pull him out of the car, he stood up and instantly went right back down," he said. "We thought it was a broken leg." But a veterinarian that night determined Rudi had a dislocated hip and a fractured hip. It wasn't until the next day that more extensive X-rays determined that Rudi's back was broken. A veterinarian waited to see if the swelling would go down and Rudi's paralysis would subside, but when it was determined that Rudi was permanently paralyzed, the decision was made to put him to sleep, Fasulo said. "We knew Saturday, but the officer was still recovering and we wanted to wait until after Easter," Fasulo said. Jenkins was still recovering from his injuries Thursday and was not available for comment. The other dog was not injured in the accident. Metro's K-9 unit has 26 dogs consisting of patrol, bomb detection and drug detection dogs. The dogs can cost up to $5,000 each and including training, the cost can total $15,000 to $20,000. Rudi was a patrol dog. The dogs are more than just tools to the officers who handle them. Fasulo said they really become part of the officer's family. "The officers are with the dogs more than their families," he said. "Rudi was a good dog. He was an up and coming dog.

Rudi, Ex, Breston

In Loving Memory of
K-9 RIO
June 25, 2002 

Handler: SPO Christopher Mahlstadt 
Des Moines Police Department
Narcotics Unit  - #25 East First Street 
Des Moines, Iowa 50309  - Phone: (515) 283-4824

Drug dog with millions in busts dies By TOM ALEX Register Staff Writer  06/26/2002
 Rio, the Des Moines Police Department's "$2 million drug dog", died Tuesday. Sgt. David Brown of the vice and narcotics section said, I've had a lot of tough assignments in the past but I've never had to put one of my subordinates to sleep before." Rio, an English Springer Spaniel, was nearly 10 years old. He had an operation for a cancerous growth last winter and appeared to be doing well until recently. Officers said he had nearly quit eating, his weight had dropped and he appeared to be in pain. A pound puppy recruited from a Minnesota animal shelter because of his interest in tennis balls, Rio was trained by a Minnetonka, MN, police officer. He joined the Des Moines force in July 1994. On his 10th day on the job, Rio found $119,000 worth of marijuana, said his long-time handler Chris Mahlstadt. Drug dogs commonly are rewarded for their work by being allowed to play with a favorite toy. As a puppy at the pound in Minnesota, Rio showed intense interest in a tennis ball when an officer came in search of high-spirited animals to train.During his eight years in the department, Rio was credited with about $2 million worth of illegal drugs and won several trophies in competitive police trials, Mahlstadt said. "He was a very nice dog," said Brown. "He liked the bad guys and well as the good guys." Rio is the last of his kind on the department, at least for now. Brown said the department's three dogs are cross-trained in drug detection and will take over Rio's duties. Oby, the department's other easy-going drug-sniffing dog, died last fall. He was retired in 1996 after six years on the force. Rio will be buried next to Oby in a pet cemetery south of the city. erd male by the name of Zaire, who remained the partner of Deputy Andy Thomas for approximately one year, until the time he was promoted into the Detective Division.

Drug-sniffing dog donated to police By TOM ALEX - Register Staff Writer - 07/25/2002 
 If dogs wore shoes, Kirby would have some big ones to fill. Des Moines police didn't think they could afford another dog for the narcotics unit after Rio, an English springer spaniel dubbed the "$2 million dog" for his drug-sniffing talents, died last month. So police officials in St. Paul, Minn., dispatched Kirby, a 4-year-old male Labrador, to provide backup. "It was put out on a Web site that Rio had to be put down, and St. Paul said they had a dog available and they'd donate it to our department," said Des Moines police Sgt. David Brown. Officer Chris Mahlstadt, who was Rio's partner in the local drug wars, said Des Moines has had a good relationship with St. Paul. A dollar changed hands, & Kirby changed departments. Like Rio, Kirby was rescued from a dog pound and trained in detection of illegal drugs. Rio was trained by a Minnetonka, MN, police officer. He joined the Des Moines force in July 1994.  On his 10th day on the job, Rio found $119,000 worth of marijuana, said Mahlstadt. Rio was nearly 10 years old. During his eight years in the department, he was credited with about $2 million worth of illegal drug seizures and won several trophies in competitive trials. He had an operation for a cancerous growth last winter and appeared to be doing well. Officers said he suddenly stopped eating, his weight dropped, and he appeared to be in pain. He died June 25.  Officer Warren Steinkamp said of Kirby, "He's full of energy, and he loves to work." "It's nice to have (a dog) assigned to the narcotics unit," Brown said.

In Loving Memory of
K-9 RODY
August 16,1994 - February 20, 2002

Handler: Officer Jaap Nouwt
  The Netherlands
Rody, a great and special police dog for me. During the time I was training with him,  I learned to respect and to love him. He was brave and fair to his handler and his searching quality’s were extraordinary. No matter he was searching for big or small objects or in a area- or buildingsearch,  this dog was always working on a high level.
With Rody I got passed the:
PH1 certificate cumlaude (policedog 1) with 437 points  and-
PH2 certificate cumlaude (policedog 2) with 453 points.
After his certification,  I competed with him in several trials.
Unfortunately Rody suffered from acute areumatism and that was the reason I had to euthanize him. 
Never I will forget this special dog.
submitted by Dick van Leenen - Netherlands

In Loving Memory of
K-9 RUDY
  April 19, 2002 
  
Handler: Officer J.R. Perez
Oxnard Police Department 
251 South C. St.  Oxnard CA 93030
Mike Matlock
Commander Oxnard, Ca. P.D. 805-385-8290

Many say goodbye to police dog Rudy Oxnard officer who lost friend, partner to stay in K-9 corps
By Andrea Cavanaugh, Ventra County Star)  May 1, 2002 
About 200 people, including K-9 officers from as far away as Bakersfield and Las Vegas, gathered Tuesday to pay tribute to Rudy, an Oxnard police service dog stabbed to death during an arrest nearly two weeks ago. A police honor guard flanked a portrait of Rudy on the stage of the Oxnard Performing Arts Center during the emotional, one-hour memorial. "Today is not a sad day," K-9 trainer Rodney Spicer told the group. "It is truly a great day. It's a great day because we're here to honor a hero." Rudy was stabbed to death April 19 as his handler, Officer J.R. Perez, attempted to arrest an Oxnard man. "April 19 was one of the hardest days in my career as a police officer," Perez said from the podium. "I lost my friend, my partner, and a member of my family." Police said Timothy Knight, 20, fleeing from another officer during a traffic stop, ran into a nearby house and knocked over his 92-year-old grandmother. Knight was spotted about 30 minutes later, and brandished a knife at officers before Rudy was sent after him and was stabbed, police said. Rudy continued to subdue the man until officers were able to handcuff Knight, and then collapsed from his injuries and died a short time later, police said. "Rudy was doing his job until the end," said Oxnard police Sgt. Bill Lewis II. Since Rudy started duty in July 2000, he performed about 3,000 assists and was directly responsible for 13 arrests, Lewis said. The 4-year-old Belgian Malinoise excelled in police dog training, Spicer said. "Rudy had a very sensitive nose and he loved to search," Spicer said. "He loved to send people to jail. He was truly an exceptional dog." Perez recalled the first time he saw Rudy. "He was an 80-pound ball of brown fur with more energy than anything I'd ever seen," he said. "Later, I discovered Rudy was also 80 pounds of heart, dedication and love." Rudy is the first Oxnard police service dog killed in the line of duty since the department's K-9 unit was established in 1980, Lewis said. A local auto dealer and an Oxnard resident have donated the estimated $8,500 needed to purchase and train another service dog, which Perez will handle, Lewis said. In the days after Rudy's death, Perez was unsure whether he wanted to continue to be a K-9 officer, Lewis said. But Perez, who dreamed of being a K-9 officer as a child growing up in Oxnard, will be matched with the new dog when selected. 
Oxnard police dog dies in job-related stabbing
FIRST TO DIE: Rudy, with force for 2 years,chased man sought for traffic violation.
ByAndrea CavanaughStaff writer (Ventra County Star)April 21, 2002
A police dog died after being stabbed by a knife-wielding man who threatened an Oxnard officer, authorities said Saturday. Rudy, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois who has served with the Oxnard Police Department for nearly two years, was pronounced dead at an emergency veterinary hospital Friday night, Cmdr. Mike Matlock said. Rudy was the first Oxnard police dog killed in the line of duty, Cmdr. Scott Whitney said. Police arrested Timothy Paul Knight, 20, of Oxnard, on suspicion of stabbing a police service dog causing death, brandishing a deadly weapon on a police officer, resisting arrest and a probation violation. Knight was treated at a hospital for dog bites and was being held in the Ventura County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail. An officer tried to stop Knight for a traffic violation about 6:30 p.m. in the 1700 block of Tehama Street, Matlock said. Knight ran into his grandmother's house and knocked her to the ground while fleeing from the officer, Matlock said. The grand-mother sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics. About 30 minutes later, officers saw Knight riding in another vehicle. A K-9 officer, J.R. Perez, stopped the car at Ventura Road and Hill Street, and Knight got out with a knife in his hand, Matlock said. Knight taunted the officer from 10 to 15 feet away with the knife in his hand and then fled, and Perez directed Rudy to pursue him, Matlock said. Rudy was stabbed after he caught Knight, Matlock said. Even after receiving the fatal wound, Rudy continued to subdue Knight until officers were able to arrest him, Whitney said. "He had a stab wound and he was still doing his job," Whitney said. "It wasn't until they put the handcuffs on the suspect that the dog lay down." 
++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial service for Rudy on Tues., April 30th, at 10 A.M. 
It will be held at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center. The suspect who killed Rudy is still being held in our county jail. He had a court hearing yesterday and tried to get released or his bail reduced. The judge denied both and he is still being held on $500,000 bail. Our District Attornay's office is pursuing this case very strongly, however at this point he is still only facing 8 years in prison. I have been told that thd D.A.'s office will not accept any plea bargains and will insist that he do the maximum time.   JR Perez 

JR Perez's new partner, BEEMER
 

 I recieved my new partner last week. His name is "Beemer", and he is a three year old Belgian Malinois. We started our month long training last week at Gold Coast K-9 in Ventura, CA. So far things are going well. He has the makings to be a great police dog. Suffice it to say that even though he is my new partner, "Rudy" will never be replaced or forgotten.  On the other side of the coin, the suspect who  may have killed "Rudy" had his preliminary hearing last week on June 13th. The suspect's arraignment is set for June 26th, and a trial date will be set soon after. All five dogs in the K-9 unit are male and were raised and initially trained abroad. Senna, Buck, Levi, & Rudy are Belgian Malinois; Argos is a Dutch Shepherd. They all respond to commands in Flemish (Dutch). Although the dogs receive initial training in their home country, once they are imported to the United States, the K-9 teams undergo extensive training together at Gold Coast K-9 Training Center.
5/1/03 Tim Knight, the person who killed "Rudy" pled guilty last month and will be sentenced next week, May 8th, 2003.

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 REX
April 5, 2002

Handler: Officer Jason Pace 
Mountain Home Police Dept. Arkansas
K-9 Division -   103 West 9th Street
Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653

MH Police canine 'Rex' killed when struck by vehicle   ARMANDO RIOS -   Bulletin Staff Writer
The Mountain Home Police Department reported the loss of a canine   member of the force, Rex, who was killed Friday after apparently being struck by a vehicle on Highway 62 West. Rex, a Belgian Malinois, was the department's first canine. His handler, Officer Jason Pace, was preparing for the 11 p.m. shift and noticed Rex missing from his fenced yard at about 10:30 p.m., according to a press release from Mountain Home Police Chief Carry Manuel.  Officers from the MHPD and Arkansas State Police started searching for Rex. A short time later, Trooper Joel Eubanks located Rex after he apparently was hit by a vehicle near Pace's residence. The dog was normally housed in a kennel on the officer's property, but occasionally was released into the fenced yard for exercise, Manuel stated. On Friday, Rex escaped by jumping the 4-foot fence. Rex was a valuable member of the Mountain Home Police Department, Manuel stated. Since August of 1998, he was involved in 619 drug searches, 241 arrests and 25 searches for suspects. The canine and his handler assisted other officers 319 times. Rex and Pace received a letter of commendation for tracking and saving the life of a man in the Clarkridge area. Rex and Pace were the first members of the department's K-9 unit. Later  Nero and K-9 handler Officer Robert Harden were added. "Rex was much more than a dog; he was a law enforcement canine and a great asset to the law enforcement effort in our community," Manuel stated. Green dogs are dogs that can be used for all kind of work, like Sport, Home Protection Police work and more. Those dogs are biting and have a high ball drive, but have to be trained for the category of work what they have to do.
It is with deep regret, that I must tell you this.  I got ready for work as I usually do.  I went out into the back yard to get my partner and he did not come to me.  I started looking for him and he was no where to be found.  I radioed other officers to come and help me look for him.  They found him.  He had been hit by a car and he was dead.  This is really hard not only for me but for others at the Police Department who have grown to love Rex. He was a great partner and he will be missed tremendously by me.  He was born in Holland on the 9th day of August 1995, He died on April 5th. approximately around 11:30 PM.  Thank you for your site and thank you for caring about K-9's. I know in my heart that he will never be able to be replaced. But I do love K-9s and I want to get back into it. 
~ Sincerely, Jason Pace 
Mountain Home Police Dept. K-9 Div. AR.
Arrangement and service have not been finalized at the time of this printing.

Rex was the first member of the Mountain Home Police Canine Unit. He was purchased with local business donations. After five weeks of training at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, IN, he currently was being used for narcotics, tracking building searches and criminal apprehension. Rex was 7 years old. The name of Belgian Malinois comes from the city of Malines in north central Belgium, where the breed originated. This breed of dog has short hair and mahogany colored coat with a black face and ears.  The average Malinois ranges between 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weight 40 to 80 pounds. Ken Licklider is a master K-9 trainer who trains passive response K-9s instead of aggressive response. When a K-9 find narcotics its passive response is to sit down next to the narcotics.



REX's 10 heirs, born 2/24/02                            Meet K-9 Caesar

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In Loving Memory of 
K-9 RINGO
 January 27, 2002

Handler: Deputy Brad Brocker
Faulkner County Sheriff's Office
801 Locust Street   Conway, AR 72032
Phone: (501) 450-4914

Faulkner County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit did consists of two handlers and two Belgian Malinois,(Rom Tom and Ringo).
 Each K-9 team has completed extensive training in a wide variety of areas including narcotics detection, tracking, article recovery, prisoner transport and crowd control. The K-9 Unit performs daily patrol operations and is subject to call out when needed.
The K-9 teams work closely with the Special Response Team, schools and other law enforcement agencies.
If another agency requests assistance from the K-9 Unit a team will be dispatched to provide whatever service is needed.
********  Service Friday, Feb. 1st, 2002 Officers remember K-9 at ceremony
By SAMANTHA HUSEAS Log Cabin Staff Writer ph 505-1253 or e-mail sam@thecabin.net)
Friends, family and citizens gathered to bid farewell to Faulkner County's K-9 Ringo in a short but emotional ceremony Friday. "This was not a dog, he was a member of the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office is due the respect of any law enforcement officer in the country," Sheriff Marty Montgomery said. "We're here to acknowledge and show our respect to one of the officers that's served you." Ringo was just as devoted to saving lives and stopping criminals as any human officer, the sheriff said, adding he was also just as willing to give his life in the name of duty. "There's not a doubt, Ringo was dedicated," he said. Ringo died Sunday as his partner, Deputy Brad Brocker, rushed toward a veterinarian's office. He found the dog alive but ill in his pen about 11:30 a.m. Brocker said on the way to get help, Ringo pawed at his shoulder, licked his hand, then laid down and died. Foul play is not suspected. During the memorial, Brocker sat red faced and wet eyed as his wife consoled him, and his young son held a stuffed dog also named Ringo. Sitting on the table flanked by flags at the front of the room was a picture of Ringo, his lead, a baton. An urn filled with his ashes and a plaque featuring "Guardians of the Night," a poem on police dogs. Standing at the table, Montgomery said he and his department were thankful for the "respect, dedication and service given to the community by Ringo."  He then asked Brocker to join him at the front of the courtroom. "It's hard to understand the partnership between a K-9 and his partner," the sheriff said. The officers live, work and play together and become inseparable, he said. "Brad, on behalf of the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office Š we give you our condolences on the loss of a member of your family and a member of the law enforcement community," Montgomery said. "I would like to present to you Ringo's badge as a memento of one darn good officer." The two then exchanged a hearty hug. Sniffles could be heard from various attendees as Taps was played. As if he understood, K-9 Tony with the Conway Police Department also began whining, although his partner, Officer Clay Smith, tried to quiet him with treats. The Sheriff's Office does plan to get another K-9, but in the meantime Ringo's death leaves the department with only one K-9, Rom-Tom.

Sheriff's Office dog dies of natural causes By SAMANTHA HUSEAS
The Faulkner County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of a member of its law enforcement family: K-9 Ringo. The 8 year old Belgian Malinois died Sunday as his partner, deputy Brad Brocker, was rushing him to the veterinarian. Brocker said he heard what sounded like people talking near Ringo's pen about 4 a.m. Sunday. The normally active dog was barking and Brocker went to check on the situation. "I went outside and checked but didn't see anything," Brocker said. "And Ringo calmed down and was fine." Brocker said his bedroom window faces a store parking lot and it's not unusual for him to hear people talking, so he didn't think any more about it. Then about 11:30 a.m., Brocker checked on Ringo and found him "curled up in a fetal position and his stomach was completely bloated and hard as a rock." The deputy scooped up the big pooch and the two headed to the veterinarian. "About halfway there, he put his paw through the cage and put it on my shoulder," Brocker said. "I put my hand back there to pet him, he licked it and then laid down. I think that's when he died." Ringo's body was sent to the state Crime Lab and preliminary reports show he died of natural causes, according to Jack Pike, public information officer for the Sheriff's Office. Toxicology reports should be complete by Friday and reveal the exact cause of death. Brocker said when he found the ailing dog, there was a film on Ringo's water and it had a peculiar smell, but he doesn't know if the film could be poison or just dog saliva. A water sample and the water dish were collected by a detective for further testing. Ringo has been with Brocker for almost three years. The dog was originally trained in Holland by that country's military police before coming to Arkansas for more specific training with Brocker. They met and trained in Brockwell (Izard County) and Ringo was certified in narcotics detection, patrol, tracking and prisoner transport He participated in 135 narcotic detect ions, including the November discovery of 36 grams of methamphetamine found in a hidden compartment of a vehicle's back seat. He also performed 16 successful tracks. One of the most noteworthy was in April when he found an elderly Mayflower lady who had wandered from her home and was found, by Ringo, face down in a thicket.  Pike said Ringo was also instrumental in calming a disturbance in the Detention Center last year. Ringo's estimated worth was $10,000 to $12,000, Pike said. The department plans to get another K-9, although it is not in the budget. It was not known Monday if the insurance policy the department had on Ringo would pay for another dog. Ringo was purchased with $5,000 donated by American Management Corporation and smaller contributions from other businesses and individuals. Ringo will be cremated and a memorial service will likely be held Friday, although the time and place has not been set. The Sheriff's Office has one other K-9, Rom-Tom, whose partner is Deputy Ursula Westmoreland.