In Loving Memory of
K9 MIKI
October, 2006

Handler: Trooper First Class (TFC) Stephen Keen
Maryland State Police
45 Calvert St.
Annapolis, MD  21404
300-301 W. Preston St.
Baltimore MD
877.634.6361

Lusby, MD
For years, Maryland State Police K-9 "Miki" and his handler Trooper First Class (TFC) Stephen Keen had attended different events at
Mill Creek Middle School.  The students had become quite attached to "Miki" and enjoyed his visits. TFC Keen would discuss the
different  functions of a K-9 dog, and explain how "Miki" used his acute sense of smell to detect hidden illicit drugs during their patrols. 
 He used to brag to the students about "Miki", and told them about the day that "Miki" tracked down and rescued a local Alzheimer's
 patient who had wandered away from home.  The students at Mill Creek recently learned that "Miki' had died of a degenerative
 bone disease. Saddened, they decided to raise money via a "penny-drive" to buy a head stone for his grave. They raised more money
than expected, and tomorrow the students will present a check to TFC Keen for $800. The money will be used to buy a headstone for
"Miki's" grave, and the remaining funds will be used to purchase other needed equipment.  They will buy K-9 first aid kits and G.P.S.
 devices for handlers to use when working on tracking assignments.  On Monday, TFC Keen was joined at the school by two other
handlers, TFC Murphy and Sergeant Force, who will give a K-9 demonstration and talk to the students about their work experiences
 with "Miki."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
October 15, 2006K-9 HANDLERS TO RECEIVE A DONATION FROM SCHOOL CHILDREN
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHAT:        MARYLAND STATE POLICE K-9 HANDLERS TO RECEIVE A DONATION FROM SCHOOL CHILDREN 
WHEN:       MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2006 AT 10:00 A.M.
WHERE:     MILL CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL - 12200 MARGRET TAYLOR RD - LUSBY, MD  20657
Exit 11-A, south on Route 4 into Calvert County
Left on Route 760, the right on Route 765
Proceed 1 1/2 miles, school is on the left. 

(Lusby, MD) – For years, Maryland State Police K-9 “Miki” and his handler Trooper First Class (TFC) Stephen Keen had attended different events at Mill Creek Middle School.  The students had become quite attached to “Miki” and enjoyed
 his visits.  TFC Keen would discuss the different functions of a K9 dog, and explain how “Miki” used his acute sense of smell to detect 
hidden illicit drugs  during their patrols.  He used to brag to the students about"Miki”, and told them about the day that “Miki” tracked down and 
rescued a local Alzheimer’s patient who had wandered away from home. The students at Mill Creek recently learned that “Miki’ had died of a degenerative bone disease.  Saddened, they decided to raise 
money via a “penny-drive” to buy a head stone for his grave.  They raised more money than expected, and tomorrow the 
students will present  a check to TFC Keen for $800.00.  The money will be used to buy a headstone for “Miki’s” grave, and the remaining funds will be used to 
purchase other needed
 equipment.  They will buy K-9 first aid kits and G.P.S. devices for handlers to use when working on tracking assignments. 
       TFC Keen will be joined at the school by two other handlers, TFC Murphy and Sergeant Force, who will give a 
K-9 demonstration and talk to the students about their work experiences with “Miki”.
contact: First Sergeant Russell Newell
Office of Media Communications & Marketing
410 653.4236 (office)
410 653.4200 (Through Headquarters Duty Officer)

In Loving Memory of
K9 MOLLY
August 18, 2006
 
Handler: Officer Doug Sahlbert
Richmond Hill Police Department
Chief of Police. Chief Billy D. Reynolds
PO BOX 250. Richmond Hill, GA 31324
PH: (912) 756-5645

In Loving Memory of
K9 MORGAN
2006

Handler: Sgt. Matthew Cummings
Kanawha County Sheriff's Office
409 Virginia Street East, Room 280
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
(304)357-02010
http://www.kanawhasheriff.us/

Sheriff's department K-9 dog euthanized
An 8-year-old black Labrador retriever who served in the Kanawha County Sheriff's Department's K-9 unit, was euthanized after
veterinarians discovered cancerous tumors in her liver. The department bought the dog, Morgan, for $6,500 in late 1998 from
Augusta K-9 Services in Rocky Gap, Va., Lt. S.C. Crosier said. The dog had to be put down Monday. She had served and lived
with Sgt. Matthew Cummings since January 1999. Morgan was trained to detect more than 30 different explosives, including
 firearms and ammunition. She responded to more than 300 calls and conducted numerous sweeps before dignitaries' visits and
 graduation ceremonies across the state. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 MUCI
November 26, 2006

Handler: Sheriff's Deputy Neil Gardner 
Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept.
200 Jefferson County Parkway
Golden, CO 80401-2697  
Ph: 303-277-0211 

Sheriff's Deputy Neil Gardner and police dog Muci were partners until Muci's death over the weekend, three weeks after surgery to
remove a tumor from his spleen. "He was a special dog," Gardner said. By Charley Able, Rocky Mountain News November 29, 2006
Sheriff's Deputy Neil Gardner planned to retire to his Western Slope ranch with his police dog Muci at year's end. But now Gardner
 will finish his 24 years of service to Jefferson County without his longtime partner. Muci died last weekend, apparently passing peacefully in his sleep, after seven years of ensuring the public's safety. When Muci was found dead early Sunday, Gardner was away at the ranch, one of the few times he had gone there without his companion. "It's going to be hard when I actually get home and go the kennel and he's not there," Gardner said Tuesday. "He was a special dog." Muci underwent surgery three weeks ago to have a tumor removed from his spleen and seemed to have bounced back, returning to work within days. Muci's last day on the job was Friday, less than two days before he died. Muci was a top-notch bomb dog, recognized in 2005 as the explosive-detection dog of the year by the Colorado Police Canine Association. "Every time he had a certification (test), he never missed one explosive," Gardner said. The dog's first assignment was at Columbine High School in 1999 after students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 of their schoolmates and a teacher before killing themselves. At the time, Gardner was the school resource officer at Columbine. About a year and a half later, though, Muci's previous handler changed jobs and Muci and Gardner partnered up. Muci's sensitive nose uncovered two potentially lethal situations, one at a former business in Golden where the dog found an old cache of dynamite and again at a storage unit where he alerted investigators of the presence of explosives, ammunition and gunpowder. The Gardner-Muci partnership continued off-duty as well, with Muci quickly becoming a member of the Gardner family, which includes three other dogs. Muci offered unbridled devotion and a sense of security for Gardner's five daughters and two sons. "A lot of times, if we weren't home and the girls were scared at night, they would bring Muci in the house," Gardner said. Muci, a 10-year-old mix known as a Dutch shepherd, spent his last years patrolling the hallways of the county's Administration and Courts Building, where his friendly nature and affectionate ways captured a number of hearts. "You never quite know the worth of your dog. You know he's a special dog, but the way he touched people was quite amazing, actually, "Gardner said. News of Muci's death brought tears to the eyes of a number of county employees, including Julie Gasparovich, who works at the information desk in the atrium of the county building. "He was just a wonderful dog, an asset to the sheriff's department," Gasparovich said. "You could see how people would radiate to him. They ask about him all the time. He was a sweetie, and I am going to miss him." Pat Holloway, former Jefferson County Commissioner, fell for -Muci the first time they met, in the hallways of the county building. "There aren't many dogs like him; Muci was really special," Holloway said. "He was beautiful, and he  had a personality. "Many times I would just sit on the floor with him and rub him. He would lay there and cuddle with you. He was a totally different dog . . . than when he was working."
p.s.  Officer Neil Gardner is the sheriff's deputy assigned to work each day at Columbine --there is one armed deputy in each of Jefferson County's high schools, not for any particular reason, according to sheriff's spokesman Davis, just the times we live in. Gardner heard a war erupt in his school and drew his pistol and charged in the direction of the noise. In a corridor near the commons he encountered one of the gunmen and they started firing at each other. Neither was hit. Gardner retreated to call for reinforcements, but already the 911 dispatcher was calling all cars. Two more deputies arrived within minutes and charged into the building. More shots were exchanged.
submitted by Jim Cortina
 

In Loving Memory of
K9 MAX
November 11,2006
 
Handler: Daryl Fitzgerald
Virginia Department of Corrections 
I am a police officer with Dulles Airport Police in Northern Virginia.  Prior to working here, I was a Patrol K-9 handler for the Virginia Department of Corrections from 1995-2002. My partner K-9 MAX was retired in 2002 and brought home to my family. In 2006, he was put to sleep on Nov. 11,06 due to severe cancer.  I would to memorialize him in some way that would be fitting for the years of dedicated service and being a part of family who greatly misses him. I have 2 Rottweillers both German, Blaze is 6 1/2 year old German male, and Raven is 4 year old German female. Max and Raven used to spend a lot of time running around the yard together with my 2 sons and of course Blaze would be jealous until he got a chance to run with her.  When I retired Max and bought him home, it took me about 2 months to get Max and Blaze to play together, due to Max being the Alpha. But eventually they got along.  I was going to breed Max and Raven to have a very good litter of pups, since I knew Max was getting up in age but unfortunately it never happened. Even till this day DÉJÀ., my oldest son, says he still misses Max.  Even to this day I still remember the day so clearly of when I had to put him to rest.  It hurts just as much now as it did then.
 submitted by D. Fitzgerald 

In Loving Memory of
K9 MAX
 May  2006

Handler: Deputy James Hildreth 
Niagara Police Department
5526 Niagara Street Ext., P.O. Box 496
Lockport, New York 14095-0496  (716) 286-4590

Niagara Sheriff's Department Loses Police Dog -  6/3/2006 
The Niagara County Sheriff's Department lost a valued member of its K-9 unit last week when drug detection dog Max died following an illness.  The yellow Labrador retriever was the personal pet of Deputy James Hildreth and his family when they determined the dog had the ability to sniff out drugs. After special training Max became a K-9 member of the department in 1996. He took part in numerous searches of schools. homes, vehicles, and other warrant cases to detect drugs like cocaine, crack, and marijuana. Max also enjoyed being around people and was the star of a Christmas 2005 visit to the young patients and families at Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo. Deputy Hildreth says Max helped pave the way for the department to establish a K-9 unit. Hildreth is now working with another K-9 dog called Ciro, but says it will be difficult to replace his loyal and loving companion and police partner.    
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 MIKO
May 27, 2006

Partner: Gary Schad
Tucson Police Department
270 S Stone Ave
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(520)791-4444

It is with deep sadness that I inform you that Gary Schad's partner  Miko was killed during a traffic stop on a suspected car-jacking suspect last night around 2130 hours.  Gary stopped a car that was driving erratically on the overpass at Kino and Aviation.  The vehicle stopped near an off-ramp.  As Gary exited his car he heard a female passenger yell that the driver had a gun and had just car- jacked her.  The suspect began running down the off-ramp as Gary released Miko.  Just as Miko was about to apprehend the suspect he jumped off of the overpass and Miko followed.  They fell 30 feet. The suspect fell into some bushes that broke his fall and was able  to evade capture.  Miko suffered fatal injuries.  We are all deeply saddened by the loss. Miko was a great dog.  Please keep Gary and his family in your prayers.  Thx. Andy Birtcil & Ike Tucson Police K-9 Ps. Special Thx to PCSO K-9 who helped look for the suspect for  several hours.  submitted by Scott Cramer  Miko's death a lesson in police dogs' merits  By Ken Sweet - Arizona Daily Star Tucson, Arizona | 6/2/2006

Two-year-old Aidan Gaunt got a wet kiss last year from Miko, the police service dog who died after a 30-foot fall from an overpass while chasing a suspected carjacker on Saturday. "These dogs are often the face of the TPD," said Miko's handler, Officer Gary Schad. Miko was special.  The police canine could sniff out drugs as easily as run down a perp. And probably most appropriately, Miko died Saturday night doing his job, just inches away from nabbing a man police say was a carjacker before the dog fell about 30 feet from an overpass. It was a routine traffic stop, Officer Gary Schad said Thursday, speaking publicly for the first time about the events leading to Miko's death. Schad released Miko when the man bolted from what was until then a routine traffic stop. After an extensive search, the man was not found. "There was no way of calling the dog off in that short amount of time," Schad said. With a suspect so close, police dogs are trained to go after that person to the very end. Schad said the man's choice to dive off the overpass was unpredictable. That Miko followed was not. "They just don't know when to stop," Schad said. "They only know one person who is stronger than them, and that's their trainer." The Schad family is an institution in the Service Dog Unit at the Tucson Police Department, providing a long line of dogs like Miko to the department. Gary Schad has worked in the service-dog unit for 10 years. His father, Richard Schad, founded the unit in 1972 and worked in it until his retirement in 1987. Together they trained seven German shepherds for police-dog work, spanning a quarter-century. Gary Schad and his 11-year-old son, Austin, have had a police dog at home for the majority of their lives. , but nothing has been scheduled, Gary Schad said. Also, Gary Schad will in time get his fourth dog and then retire — just like his father. Being a service-dog family is more than a part of the job. It is a lifestyle. The dogs always come home with the officers and a lot of training is done outside of regular hours. "We put in a lot of personal time to train these dogs," Richard Schad's wife, Lissa, said. "This incident affected the whole family." Even 11-year-old Austin said he wants to be the third-generation Schad to work with police dogs. Gary Schad said with a smile he would like to see his son pursue something different.  "There's a lot guns and knives out there," Gary Schad said. "I kinda want to see him safe behind a desk." 
****************************
Looking for K9 Miko's suspect

Police are searching for a man they say was involved in a chase where Miko, a police service dog, was fatally injured in a fall from an overpass last month. Ernesto Imperial-Ramos, 36, was identified by police and is being sought on charges of criminal damage and animal cruelty, according to a Tucson Police Department news release. Ramos is known to frequent the area of South Campbell Avenue and East 36th Street. He has a tattoo of boxing gloves on his right shoulder. Miko died May 28 after chasing a carjacking suspect, police said. The man jumped from an overpass at Kino and Aviation parkways and Miko followed. While the man was able to get away, Miko took a 30-foot fall, breaking his back, shattering a leg and suffering neurological damage. He was euthanized as a result of his injuries. More than 200 people attended a memorial service for Miko on Wednesday at Reid Park. He served with Tucson police for 2 1/2 years. A pistachio tree was planted at the park in memory of Miko. Tucson police has proposed that the dog park at Reid Park be named "Miko Memorial Dog Park." Ramos was convicted in 2004 of second-degree burglary in Cochise County, public records show. Miko was the first to die unexpectedly. "When I was 16, I would be my dad's decoy," Gary Schad said, talking about when he would dress up as a criminal for the dogs to attack during demonstrations. The elder Schad from across the table joked about the beginnings of the unit. "We flew on the seats of our britches," Richard Schad said. "We trained out of a book. Now it's a science. I don't know how we did it." Richard Schad trained with his first dog, Major, along with five other police officers. Back then, he said, there wasn't even a police-dog force in Arizona. The six-member force has grown to nine. Interest in the program also has grown exponentially. "These dogs are often the face of TPD," Gary Schad said. Getting onto the unit is a long and complicated process, Gary Schad said. Police officers need a minimum of five years on the force, but it is highly likely that an officer will have worked at least 10 years before being allowed to train a dog. Although there is now a three-month training process to become a service-dog police officer, much more is needed. "Nothing takes the place of experience," Gary Schad said. The Tucson Police Department has nine trainers in its more than 1,000-member police force. Although Tucson started a service-dog unit in 1972, police dogs did not become as popular in police work until the early 1990s, said Sgt. Rod Mamero of the Payson Police Department, past president of the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association. "They are such an effective tool," Mamero said. "Without a dog, we might have to rely on deadly physical force. You cannot call a bullet back once it has been fired." Gary Schad said the Tucson Police Department traditionally gets its dogs from outside Arizona or the country. When he was working as a dog trainer, Richard Schad said, he had one dog that was born and trained in Germany and only obeyed commands in German: "He took English suggestions." German shepherds bred for police-dog work cost between $4,500 and $9,000 depending on the pedigree of the dog, Mamero said. Miko, a 4-year-old German shepherd, was special for several reasons, Gary Schad said. Among the reasons was Miko's training to sniff out narcotics and work patrol. A dual-purpose dog like that is rare. "I don't know how you can put a price tag on a dog like Miko," Gary Schad said. "They don't exist. You cannot buy them." Both Schads said that dogs get injured on the force occasionally. In January 1995, a TPD canine named Dax was shot in the head by a robbery suspect trying to get away. Dax recovered and continued to serve on the force for several more years. The decision to euthanize Miko was made after five veterinarians diagnosed his extensive injuries. Miko was the first dog to die in the line of duty in Tucson in more than 20 years. Plans are being made for a memorial service for Miko
*************************
On May 27, 2006, at approximately 9:37 p.m., Officer Gary Schad, a Tucson Police dog handler since 1996, was following a suspect in a vehicle that had been carjacked in the area of 34th Street /Campbell Avenue. On Kino Parkway, just south of Aviation Parkway the suspect abandoned the victim's vehicle and fled on foot. K9 Officer Gary Schad released Miko off-leash to pursue the fleeing suspect. The suspect ran southbound on Kino Parkway and jumped from the overpass at Aviation Parkway. Miko pursued the suspect and also jumped from the overpass. Officer Schad found Miko seriously injured on Aviation Parkway. Miko was immediately transported to a local veterinary hospital. The 30-foot fall proved to be fatal for Miko. Miko is a 4 year old German Shepherd and has been serving the Tucson Police Department and our community since September of 2003. He has been Officer Shad's partner since he went into service in September of 2003. Since then the two have participated in 25 felony arrests, 278 K9 searches, and well over 1,500 hours of training. Miko will be remembered by the citizens of Tucson and by his friends in the Police profession with fondness and appreciation. Information about Memorial Services for Miko will be forthcoming. An extensive area search for the carjacking suspect was fruitless. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call 911 or 88-CRIME. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA  &  Lisa Schrope

Miko, the police dog killed in the line of duty while pursuing a carjacking suspect on Kino Parkway and Aviation Parkway, is shown here with his handler, Officer Gary Schad of the Tucson Police Department K-9 unit.  A memorial service for Miko, the police dog killed in the line of duty last month, will be held Wednesday, officials said Monday.  The service is to begin at 10 a.m. at Reid Park at Ramada #16 on the west side of the park off South Country Club Road, between East Camino Campestre and East 22nd Street, according to a news release from the Tucson Police Department. Commanders from the Tucson Police Department, K-9 officers and representatives from Valley Animal Hospital and other animal organizations will speak at the ceremony, the release said. A tree will also be planted in Miko's honor. Miko died May 28 after chasing a suspected carjacker, police said at the time. The suspect jumped from an overpass at Kino and Aviation parkways and Miko followed. While the suspect was able to get away, Miko took a 30-foot-fall, breaking his back, shattering a leg and suffering neurological damage. He was euthanized as a result of his injuries. Miko has been cremated and his handler, Officer Gary Schad, said he, his wife and their 11-year-old son will decide in about a year where to spread his ashes. "I think the memorial service, like with any other loss, will bring closure," said Schad, who worked, played and lived with Miko for more than two years. As of Monday, the carjacker still had not been caught, said Sgt. Decio Hopffer, a Tucson police spokesman. For information on how to make a donation in memory of Miko, visit the Tucson Police Foundation Web site, www.tucsonpolicefoundation.org.
Police-dog-fatality suspect sought 
Arizona Daily Star 
Tucson, Arizona |  06.16.2006
UPDATE: 2007
 New Dog Park Opens Honoring Fallen Police K-9  -  Mark Stine KOLD News 13 Reporter
 It was a little rainy and a little bit chilly, but still hundreds of people showed up with their dogs in tow to enjoy the new facility honoring a fallen hero. Miko's Corner Playground unveiled and open to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Dog owner Tiana Wade said, "It's just wonderful to have a place where your dogs can actually be a dog and socialize with other dogs and get that energy out."  "It's a place dogs can come and socialize and be off the leash and hang out together," Parker Summons told KOLD.  This new off-leash facility at Reid Park is dedicated to Miko, a former Tucson Police K-9 killed in the line of duty. You might remember, back in May of 2006, Miko and K-9 officer Gary Schad were after a man in a car-jacked vehicle. The suspect left the car, ran and jumped off a bridge with Miko behind him. The man survived the fall, Miko did not. Schad had worked with Miko for three years. "To have a park like this dedicated in his memory is just really special," Schad explained. Even though Miko could never be replaced and will always be remembered with this new dog park, Officer Schad does have a new partner named Janco. "I spent a long time looking for him and I've got him trained up now and we're back deployable again. So life is a little bit better than it was a year ago," Schad told KOLD. And because of Miko, life is a lot better for all of these dogs who have a new place to stretch out and play.  The two acre park has two separate areas, one for large dogs and one for smaller ones. It has a good mixture of grass and dirt for the dogs to run.  Wade told us, "They get a different textural sense on their paws to feel something that's not normally here in Tucson and you really get to feel like this is a park, it's not just a fenced in dirt lot."  The park also has lights, a doggy water fountain and even a fire hydrant.
 "Hopefully we can keep it nice and clean so it looks beautiful like this all the time," Wade said.   submitted by Jim Cortina 2007

In Loving Memory of
K9 MAX
January 31, 2006
 
Handler: Officer Jeff Johnson
Washington Metro Transit Police
600 5th Street NW
Washington DC 20001
(202) 635-5898 Office  (202) 636-7137 Fax

On January 31, 2006, while working the “Presidential State of The Union Address” detail, my best friend, a family member, and my partner, K-9 Max, was hit and killed by a vehicle.  K-9 Max was an Explosive Detection Canine for the Metro Transit Police in Washington DC.  Max was a five-year old yellow Labrador who has conducted hundreds of explosive sweeps within the Washington DC Transit system.  
Learning of his death, my first thoughts was how my wife Kimberly was going to give Max his rawhide bone that she had purchased for him the day before.  Kimberly loved giving Max a bone.  On the day of January 31st, 2006, before my shift began, I observed a rawhide bone sitting on the shelf, and I said to myself, Max is really going to have a pleasant surprise waiting for him tomorrow morning.  I also thought about my four-year-old son, Ryley.  Every morning, Ryley would wake up and the first thing he would do is go to the end of my bed and lay with Max.  The other three kids, Jessica, Ryne and Jeffrey wouldn't be able to play fetch with Max as they have so many times in the past.  The kids use to brag about how perfect Max was. In my eyes, Max was my ultimate friend.  Because of Max’s sudden death, I really don’t know how to deal with this emotionally.  Since my family has expressed so many emotions with Max’s sudden death, I feel like I have to be the strong one for them. Max was my first K-9 and I can tell you that he will be deeply missed.  Many people will say that Max was just a dog, but to me Max was my friend, and my partner.  I spent more time with Max then I did my family.  Max was one of my kids.  Hey Max, Ryley wants me to tell you that he loves you and he will see you in Heaven one day.  Max, you will always be in our prayers. Since Max’s death, the support has been overwhelming from our friends, family, and the department.  I want to say thanks to Chief Polly Hanson for the support she has giving towards my family.  I especially want to say thanks to the K-9 Coordinator, Sergeant Thomas Sharkey and all of the Metro Transit Police K-9 Handlers.  Without you guys, I could never have gotten through this.          
Jeffrey D. Johnson- Metro Transit Police submitted by: Sergeant Thomas Sharkey  Bomb Squad / K-9  Commander 

In Loving Memory of
K9 MEIK
Jan.18, 1995 ~ Feb. 03, 2006
 
Officer Vincent Spathanas
Norfolk County Sheriff's Office
  200 West Street  P.O. Box 149
Dedham, MA 02027
Tel: 781-329-3705  Fax: 781-326-1079   Electronic Mail

I would like to inform you that on Friday, 2/3/06, Officer Vincent Spathanas of the Norfolk County Sheriff's Office
had to put K9 Meik (Ret.) to sleep today.  I was wondering if I gave you his information if you could reach out to him and Memorialize K9 Meik.  K9 Meik was a Dual purpose police service K9, that served the people, of Norfolk County proudly.  K9 Meik was retired in 2004, Officer Spathanas already has been working with a new partner since late 2004.  I just spoke with Vinny, and at this time he was in the process of taking K9 Meik from the Vets, to a place in Middleboro for cremation. 
 Officer Spathanas and K9 Meik were a great match.
 submitted by "Jack Kilrain"

K9 Meik von der Kine was born January 18th, 1995 and was put to sleep on February 03rd, 2006. He was 11 years, 15 days  and if I knew what time he was born, I give you his exact living life span. He served the Norfolk County Sheriffs Office for 7 years with pride, integrity and extreme confidence.  I received him on April 06th, 1998. As a handler, he was my first police service dog. We stepped right into our Patrol Academy soon after receiving him from Germany training within aspects of tracking, criminal apprehension, protection and obedience. Our academy was 16 weeks in duration and when we received our certificate, he looks at me and if he could talk, he would have said " let's go serve and protect. "  After approximately a year on the street, K9 Meik and I were enrolled in a 12 week Narcotic detection course graduating with honors. During his seven years of service, our primary function was maintaining security within the perimeter of the Norfolk County Sheriffs Office and Correctional Center. We also served our county police departments with mutual aid and were members with the Metropolitan Regional Response Team. We've been on hundreds of calls during out time together but there is one in particular that I will remember forever. Four young men in Providence Rhode Island decided to rob ( armed with a handgun ) a man in the parking lot of a fast food chain about 2 am. When confronted by police, they tried running some officers over with there SUV simultaneously shooting a couple of rounds toward there direction. From that point the chase was on down Rt. 95 north from Providence to Canton, MA. During pursuit, many broadcasts were made for additional help. Departments such Mass State Police, Boston, Attleboro, Foxboro, Westwood, Canton, Milton and Braintree were just to name a few that joined together when the stop sticks were deployed by the MSP at the on ramp to 93 north in Canton. Our suspect vehicle hit the S.S.'s, blew the left side tires and went into the infield skidding out of control and into a wooded area were three were immediately taken into custody. Only one of the four was able to escape the vehicle and flee into the woods. With a perimeter in place and one at large with a handgun, This K9 team was called in to search. When I got there, it looked like something you see at the movies. Lights ( all color blue ) camera ( plenty of media ) action ( K9 Meik )!! K9 Meik loved the camera, it was almost like he knew exactly what to do with out a command.  When I put him on his long line, he took off and dragged me to the SUV, he went to side to side and then tracked for approximately 100 yards and turned abruptly into some thicket and swamp. The K9 became so aggressive, I knew we had our man. I remember telling my back up our guy was directly in front of us and took a low position. I then began to yell out loudly and clearly to our bad guy to either give up or get bit by a police dog. During my last warning, our suspect surrendered, he was 60 to 70 feet in front of us giving up without incident and taken into police custody.  That night, I remember some one from a distance saying," Holy shit, look at that dog, awesome !! " 
When he was home, his discipline and noble manner is what I will miss the most. He would love his family and protect them with his life, I know this because when I watched him sleep, he always had one eye open.  You know Louise, I could go on and on about Meik. He truly was a  Norfolk County favorite, but mostly, he was my partner, my loyal companion, but always my best friend. I will miss his presence dearly. I has been ten days and I still have moments. I believe that he will always be with me, always!! 
Respectfully, Vincent Spathanas 

In Loving Memory of
K9 MIKEY
December 6, 2001- February 15, 2006

Partner: Police Officer Paul Jackson
Lufkin Police Department
300 E. Shepherd
Lufkin, Texas 75902 - Ph: 936 633-0356

Feb. 16--During a break early Wednesday from his bomb sniffing duty, Mikey made a fatal, albeit instinctive, mistake when he playfully chased after a pigeon.  The 4-year-old Labrador retriever, known for his professionalism and tail-wagging friendliness, broke away from his handler and leaped to his death from a ramp at the George R. Brown Convention Center about 1:30 a.m.  It's the response you would expect from a typical dog, but Mikey had months of training under his collar and was a nearly two-year veteran of police work.  "This is a highly trained animal, but sometimes you can't train the instinct out of them," said Franceska Perot, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Houston.  Lufkin police officer Paul Jackson and Mikey were part of an ATF unit conducting security sweeps at the convention center in advance of NBA All-Star Game-related events when the accident occurred. 

Mikey's death marked the first on-duty fatality in the 20-year history of the federal agency's arson and explosives canine program, Perot said.  During a water break, Jackson was attempting to place Mikey back into his kennel when the dog saw a pigeon. Mikey broke away from Jackson and leaped over a vehicle ramp leading into the rear of the convention center, falling about 50 feet to his death, Perot said.  An ATF medic on the scene treated Mikey for head and spine injuries before a Houston police officer took him to a nearby emergency veterinary clinic. He was pronounced dead there at about 4 a.m., Perot said.  "Jackson is really upset," Perot said. "He's had this dog with him for almost two years."  Jackson could not be reached for comment.  The officer, an 11-year veteran, left word with the Lufkin Police Department that he would be returning there late Wednesday with Mikey, said Lt. Greg Denham, a spokesman for the department.  Denham did not have any information about where the dog might be buried.  "He was a good dog," Denham said. "He'd walk into the room and jump up and wag his tail."  Denham said clerks in the department's records office doted on Mikey and showered him with treats.

Mikey had been on duty since he graduated from ATF's 10-week program in July 2004. Jackson also completed five weeks of training with Mikey and had been assigned to work with and care for him since.  The pair was also part of security detail during last year's World Series, Perot said.  "Most of our dogs are placed with ATF agents and they are also placed with state and local officers," she said. "Any time these dogs are placed, it requires a full-time commitment."  The ATF began its explosives-detection canine program in 1992, but the agency began training accelerant-detection dogs six years before. The dogs are trained to detect 19,000 explosive chemical formulas.

The ATF has more than 550 trained accelerant- and explosives detection canines serving with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and in more than a dozen other countries, including Iraq.  Chronicle reporter Eric Hanson contributed to this report. 
rosanna.ruiz@chron.com<
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Instinct leads to police dog's fatal leap
By ROSANNA RUIZ   Houston Chronicle
During a break early Wednesday from his bomb-sniffing duty, Mikey made a fatal, albeit instinctive, mistake when he playfully chased after a pigeon.  The 4-year-old Labrador retriever, known for his professionalism and tail-wagging friendliness, broke away from his handler and leaped to his death from a ramp at the George R. Brown Convention Center about 1:30 a.m.  It's the response you would expect from a typical dog, but Mikey had months of training under his collar and was a nearly two-year veteran of police work. "This is a highly trained animal, but sometimes you can't train the instinct out of them," said Franceska Perot, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Houston. Lufkin police officer Paul Jackson and Mikey were part of an ATF unit conducting security sweeps at the convention center in advance of NBA All-Star Game-related events when the accident occurred. Mikey's death marked the first on-duty fatality in the 20-year history of the federal agency's arson and explosives canine program, Perot said. During a water break, Jackson was attempting to place Mikey back into his kennel when the dog saw a pigeon. Mikey broke away from Jackson and leaped over a vehicle ramp leading into the rear of the convention center, falling about 50 feet to his death, Perot said.  An ATF medic on the scene treated Mikey for head and spine injuries before a Houston police officer took him to a nearby emergency veterinary clinic. He was pronounced dead there at about 4 a.m., Perot said.  "Jackson is really upset," Perot said. "He's had this dog with him for almost two years."  Jackson could not be reached for comment. The officer, an 11-year veteran, left word with the Lufkin Police Department that he would be returning there late Wednesday with Mikey, said Lt. Greg Denham, a spokesman for the department.  Denham did not have any information about where the dog might be buried.  "He was a good dog," Denham said. "He'd walk into the room and jump up and wag his tail."  Denham said clerks in the department's records office doted on Mikey and showered him with treats. Mikey had been on duty since he graduated from ATF's 10-week program in July 2004. Jackson also completed five weeks of training with Mikey and had been assigned to work with and care for him since. The pair was also part of security detail during last year's World Series, Perot said.  "Most of our dogs are placed with ATF agents and they are also placed with state and local officers," she said. "Any time these dogs are placed, it requires a full-time commitment."  The ATF began its explosives-detection canine program in 1992, but the agency began training accelerant-detection dogs six years before. The dogs are trained to detect 19,000 explosive chemical formulas.  The ATF has more than 550 trained accelerant- and explosives-detection canines serving with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and in more than a dozen other countries, including Iraq.  Chronicle reporter Eric Hanson contributed to this report

For more information on the program go to http://www.atf.gov/explarson/canine.htm.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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April 7, 2006  AZ
The memorial, designed by Pat Rehse of Architecture Resource Team
In Loving Memory of
K9 MURPH
November 21, 1986
 & All Fallen Tempe K-9s

Fallen Tempe police dog will be honored at tribute Tempe police officers will pay tribute today to a fallen furry friend who was the only Tempe police canine killed in the line of duty. Mesa police Officer Gordy Leitz has worked for two years to raise support and money to create the state's first police service-dog memorial. Leitz worked with the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association, Scottsdale police and others on the project. State Rep. Jim Waring of Phoenix sponsored a bill in February 2004 for the memorial. Gov. Janet Napolitano signed it into law the next April. No public money was spent on the project.  The memorial, designed by Pat Rehse of Architecture Resource Team, is a bronze, life-size German shepherd mounted on a granite bolder with a police gun belt, handcuffs and a radio at its feet. Sculptor Jeff Davenport, a Chandler artist, created the 4-foot-tall bronze statue. A kiosk will display a list of the names of the dogs that have died in service, along with the poem Guardians of the Night.    The service, a dedication ceremony for the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Memorial near the Capitol, will feature at least 16 police dogs "who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."One of those dogs, Murph of Tempe, was killed during a Tempe SWAT hostage rescue situation. Officer Carlos Araiza and Murph were called to assist on Nov. 21, 1986, after a robbery suspect barricaded himself in a house in the 1200 block of East Malibu Drive.  The man shot a Scottsdale police officer and led officers on a pursuit when he shot at another police officer, kidnapped a young boy and then barricaded himself in the house with the child. SWAT officers sent in Murph to distract the suspect. Some of those officers were shot, including current police Chief Ralph Tranter, who was shot in the face and lost an eye.  Murph also was shot by the suspect and later died of the wounds.  Officers led the hostage to safety and eventually shot the suspect in the chest and killed him.  "Murph was killed by the suspect, but his sacrifice to help protect SWAT officers and assist with the hostage rescue will not be forgotten," said Sgt. Noah Johnson, of the Tempe police canine unit.  Murph, originally obtained from Phoenix police in 1981, had completed nearly 700 building and area searches, 24 drug searches and helped in the arrest of 45 suspects. He'll be honored at dedication ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Memorial Park downtown near where Washington Street splits and intersects with Jefferson Street. The unveiling comes a day before Leitz, a Mesa canine officer, helps host the two-day Desert Dog Police K-9 Trials from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m at Hohokam Stadium, 1235 . Center St.
 J.M. Thomas  thomas@uapd.arizona.edu
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA  & J.M. Thomas