In Loving Memory of
K9 Sheena
SAR
(Vonshore-Rochill's Yo Sheena, CGC) March 7, 2006
Wilderness and Basic Water Search DogSheena was retired in October 2005 due to health complications. She crossed the Rainbow Bridge in March 2006. Sheena was a long-haired sable German Shepherd. She not only certified with Lorrie in wilderness, she certified with Sandi as well. Between Lorrie and Sandi's testing, Sheena successfully completed 380 acres of wilderness evaluations. Sheena worked under both Lorrie or Sandi. She's the search dog that Lorrie and Sandi always dreamed of owning!
Sandi certified with Sheena in Basic Water Search in August 2003 and went on her first water search on Aug. 31, 2003 for 2 missing motorists that were swept off of the Kansas Turnpike in a flood. Sheena located scent during that search and did a fantastic job! She participated in 9 searches in her SAR career. We love you Sheena! Thank you for all of the years you gave us and SAR!

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In Loving Memory of
K9 SZUPAR
March 10, 2006

Handler: Lt. Paul Hudson
Andalusia Police Department
102 Opp Ave.
Andalusia, AL  36420
Ph: 334 222.1155

The Andalusia Police Department regrets to announce that our longtime K-9, Szupar, died on Friday, March 10, 2006. Szupar had been a member of the Andalusia Police Department since 1999 and was a partner to Lt. Paul Hudson.  Szupar had participated in numerous public awareness programs in schools and civic organizations and he had numerous “finds” and apprehensions during his career. Szupar  will be sorely missed by the members of the Police Department. Szupar was the senior member of the K-9 units in Covington County and his leadership among the K-9’s will be missed.

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In Loving Memory of 
K9 SCHULTZ 
November 1, 2006

Handler: Sgt. Dale Dorn
Akron Police Department
217 S. High St.
Akron, OH  44308
330 375.2552
website: http://publicsafety.ci.akron.oh.us/police/

Akron police mourn retired patrol dog Schultz dies of cancer, served city nine years -
 By Connie Bloom Beacon Journal staff writer
      Some dogs like cookies and belly rubs. Schultz liked bad guys. The classic looking Rin Tin Tin type, Schultz responded to thousands of calls, nabbed 100 burglars and 67 robbers in his nine years on the streets with Sgt. Dale Dorn of the Akron Police Department. He was the model patrol dog, ready to take a bullet for his fellow officers. He was adored by law abiding citizens, especially victims of crime, and schoolchildren.  ``Dogs seem to be able to reason with people,'' said Dorn, his handler. ``We got in some really hairy situations.'' Schultz died Tuesday, only hours after Dorn learned the dog had contracted bone cancer. He had been retired for one year, living a life of luxury. He was 11. His death was sudden and shocking. He hadn't seemed sick, just slightly lethargic -- and only for a day or two -- when Dorn took him to the vet. It was Friday. The results of the blood work came back on Tuesday morning.
His stunned owner had just related the bad news to fellow Officer Chris Davis in canine training when he had a feeling he should head home. Schultz found the dog at the bottom of the basement steps where he loved to snooze.  He was gone. ``He was still warm,'' said Dorn, whose family -- wife, Kristina, and girls Reilly, 5, and Drug, 2  are grieving their loss. A memorial is being planned. ``It came on quickly,'' said Davis, owner of Dutch, the other shepherd the department purchased from a German breeder in 1995. The two dogs flew to Akron together. ``You're not supposed to treat them as humans,'' said Dorn, ``but sometimes you can't help that.... They earn their keep. They don't ask for much. They want a good place to stay and somebody to love them.'' Gunny, 3, stepped into Shultz's paw prints when he retired and is one of the department's five dogs.  ``He's been on the street for little over a year,'' said Dorn. "He's running around looking for Schultz.''  ``The worst thing would be to take that walk from the car to the vet to have him put down,'' said Dorn. ``Thank God I didn't have to do that. We all got to see him -- he was at home -- as corny as it sounds. I can only imagine what goes through a pet's mind. ``He's going to be missed. The guys down at the station all are recalling their
MEMORIES
SGT. DALE DORN AND SCHULTZ 
K-9 SHULTZ SIRK OF THE AKRON POLICE
BORN: 10-05-95 in Germany
WEIGHT: 80 lbs
COLOR: Black and Tan
BEGAN SERVICE: February 1997
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 Responded to over 1,700 K9 calls for service.
 Over 500 Arrests, 74 burglars, 42 robbers
 Tracked two armed robbers to the back door of the house they were hiding in.
Forced three armed robbers to surrender to police after robbing a convenience store at gun point.
 Completed a track leading police to two carjackers that fled on foot through a residential neighborhood.
 Apprehended two armed robbers after completing a two hour old track that took officers through more than a
mile of city streets and neighborhoods. In his first three months on the street he apprehended 14 burglars.
HANDLER:Sgt. Dale M. Dorn    YEARS OF SERVICE: 10 years

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In Loving Memory of
K9 SZULTAN 
November 23, 2006

Handler - Patrolman Ryan Ashbaugh
Sugarcreek Police Department
212 Fox Street
Franklin, Pennsylvania 16323
(814)437-3702

Sugarcreek mourns loss of K-9 officer
Residents and police officers in Sugarcreek are mourning the death of the tiny Venango County borough's first K-9 dog. A news release about the death of Szultan, a German shepherd who served four years on the force, is on the police department's Web site. Szultan was struck by a vehicle on Thanksgiving morning. He and his handler, Patrolman Ryan Ashbaugh, were off duty at the time. The accident happened on Georgetown Road, Venango County.  The dog "had an unbelievable personality," said Officer Ashbaugh in a telephone interview yesterday. "Szultan got along with everybody. He loved people and he loved his job. Szultan was such a big part of the community."  Only 5,300 people live in Sugarcreek and towns that size seldom have the money to acquire K-9 dogs.  "We have a big drug problem and a lot of our crime is related to drugs," Officer Ashbaugh said. Police thought that a K-9 dog would be helpful. Local residents in the Sugarcreek Crime Watch collected more than $15,000 to buy the dog and to cover the cost of training the dog and his handler and partner.  Szultan and Officer Ashbaugh were certified in narcotics detection, tracking and searches. He visited elementary schools for educational programs and he visited high schools to sniff lockers for evidence of drugs. 
One of Szultan's biggest cases was in April 2004. 
An out-of-state driver was pulled over for speeding, and when Szultan was brought to the scene, he sniffed the vehicle and indicated that drugs were inside. Officers found $31,000 worth of heroin.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow in the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department in the Village of Rocky Grove. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m.

MORE:
THE SUGARCREEK BORO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS MOURNING THE THANKSGIVING DAY LOSS OF ONE OF ITS OWN.  K-9 OFFICER SZULTAN DIED OF INJURIES SUSTAINED WHEN HIT BY A CAR.  A VISITATION IS SET FOR WEDNESDAY MORNING AT THE ROCKY GROVE FIRE HALL FOLLOWED BY A MEMORIAL SERVICE.  SZULTAN WAS NEARLY FIVE YEARS OLD AND HAD BEEN ON THE SUGARCREEK BORO POLICE FORCE SINCE 2003.  HE WAS BORN IN HUNGARY AND WAS PURCHASED ENTIRELY BY GRANTS AND DONATIONS.  SZULTAN AND HANDLER PATROLMAN RYAN ASHBAUGH WERE CERTIFIED IN ARTICLE SEARCH, AREA SEARCH, OBEDIENCE, AGILITY, CONTROLLED AGGRESSION AND NARCOTICS.  A SHORT TIME AFTER TRAINING, SZULTAN UNCOVERED $4000 IN DRUG MONEY DURING A TRAFFIC STOP.  ASHBAUGH HAD TO BE CERTIFIED ANUALLY AND PRACTICED WITH SZULTAN DAILY. 

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In Loving Memory of
K9 SAM
May 2006

Handler: Cpl. R. H. McQuaid
Cabell County Sheriff's Department.
750  5th Ave.
Huntington, WV  25701
304 743 1594
The Cabell County Sheriff's Department is mourning the loss of its first canine officer, Sam.  Sam passed away earlier this month after several years of retirement, said Cpl. R.H. McQuaid.  Not only was Sam the department's first canine officer, he was also known as the community's dog. He was purchased with funds donated by several businesses and residents. McQuaid said those donations are actually responsible for getting the department's canine unit off the ground. He said Sam was able to help deputies nab several drug arrestees. Those arrests resulted in police seizing vehicles, property and cash. All the forfeitures helped the department welcome new canines on the force. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K9 SPEEDY - SAR
2006

MASK9 SAR
Handler: Cil Chenevert

Today at noon, I held Speedy in my arms and helped him to the  Bridge. He had a bad night last night and this morning was no better.   His cancer won. I kept my promise to him that he would not be in  pain at the end. You all know how shattered my heart is. He was such a great dog, my protector and my  best friend,a SAR dog that gave his whole heart to his work and never once  quit or let me down. a Therapy dog that put many, many smiles on sick kids' faces.  He helped me through my husband's cancer and took such good care of him, always by his side. Tom will be happy to see him  again. He has made my life so happy for the short time he has been with me. 101/2 years is just not long enough.  Silly Sally has a gigantic hole to heal, but she can  do it. She is a Gordon.
Cil Chenevert - MASK9  
Greeting Speedy at the bridge: Jody, Irish Setter, Lacy, Irish Setter, Duffy, English Setter public
submitted by Anne Wotachi

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In Loving Memory of 
K9 SPENSER
March 2006
    
Handler: Deputy Tony Wingert
Woodbury County Sheriff's Dept.
Sioux City, IA
712 253 2333

Just two days ago one of my departments handlers lost his police k9 when it fell through some ice and drowned.  
 At my department, we buy our own dogs, raise them and train them ourselves. Thanks  Deputy Todd Trobaugh
Woodbury County Sheriff's Department, Sioux City, Iowa  712-253-2333
submitted by Todd Trobaugh

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In Loving Memory of 
K9 SPARKY
March 3, 2006

Handler: Officer Don Hemphill
Granite City Police Department
Chief David Ruebhausen
2330 Madison Avenue
Granite City, IL 62040
1 618/451-9760 ---K9 dept. Fax # 618/876-0614  
  Captain Clements

Granite City Police mourn classy canine
BY JAYNE MATTHEWS News-Democrat 3/28/06 IL
 He's been gone for three weeks, but Granite City Police continue to mourn Sparky, the German Shepherd who thought he was a policeman.   "Sparky will be missed. I truly believe Sparky believed he  was a police officer until the day he died," said Capt. Darin Clements, head  of Granite City's three-dog Canine Division. "This was one of the best canines in the St. Louis area. He had more captures than any other dog in this area. He was what helped make our Canine Division what it is today  ."Sparky, who was 14 and retired since 2001, died of old age March 4 at the home of his handler, K-9 officer Don Hemphill.  "I had a couple of days off there. It was like losing a child," Hemphill said. In nearly nine years on the job, Sparky captured 72 suspects and sniffed out 45 stashes of illegal drugs. On his first day of work in 1993, Sparky captured a shoplifter who beat up a security guard at Kmart. On his last day before retirement in 2001, he captured two men who had just broken into Prather Elementary School.  "He was good start to finish," Hemphill said. Sparky also had his playful moments.  He once took surprise police action while another dog was performing at police K-9 demonstration meet.   "He jumped in my car and set off the siren and turned the lights on," Hemphill said. "I guess he thought it was his turn." Sparky had his own trading card, with a picture of himself and Hemphill. The cards were handed out to school children, who Sparky allowed to pet him. "He was such a friendly dog when he wasn't working," Hemphill said. In more serious situations, Sparky was quick to chomp down on anyone who threatened his fellow officers, police said. When a drunken brawl broke out at a wedding reception in 1997,  Sparky helped 16 officers from four departments make eight arrests.  He also bit some people who started taking shoves and swings at police. "I think he got in four bites that night,"
Clements said.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K9 SANTOS - WTC 
August 2006
  
Handler: John Vogler
Long Beach Police Department Headquarters
400 W. Broadway - Long Beach, CA 90802 
General Information 562-570-7260

In August, retired K-9 Santo passed away.  He was one month short of his 15th birthday.  Santo was my 3rd and last K-9 partner.  I got him when he was eighteen months old, a German Shepherd imported from Czechoslovakia.  He passed his certifications and started working the streets in April of 1993.  Working the day shift, Santo spent a lot of time doing PR work for the Dept. and the K-9 unit.  He visited most of the D.A.R.E. classes throughout the city and enjoyed all the attention from the students. Santo retired, when I did, in December of 1998.  Although he would have liked to keep working, he soon adjusted to retirement. He crossed the U.S. twice with us in the motor home as well as other trips.  Greeting people on his walks around the campgrounds was a favorite of his.    John Vogler (retired)    ---------
Although the detail has seen many positive outcomes since its inception, there has also been a down side.  The Long Beach K-9 detail has, in the past, lost dogs while working in the line of duty. Bondo, a shepherd, received a severe brain injury and was put to sleep after being struck with a pipe wrench by a felon.  Argo, a Rottweiler, fell to his death while chasing a suspect during a rooftop pursuit.  A third dog, Asko, was shot while disarming a violent woman, but survived and received the Police Department's Purple Heart Award. Most recently, in 2006, Ranger, while in pursuit of a suspect hiding underneath a front porch, was shot, was quickly transported to an emergency facility by Long Beach Air Division, but with every effort to save him, succumbed to his wounds and died. **- seen in previous memorials..... The Long Beach Police Academy provides a dedicated resting place for the K9's who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as for those whom have retired from duty and passed on.
 submitted by Renee' Konias

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In Loving Memory of
K9 STAZZO - K94
November 7, 1999 ~ April 1, 2006

Handler: Deputy Ian Carver
  Sacrament County Sheriff's Dept.
9250 Bond Rd.
Elk Grove, CA  95624  - (916)876.7448

K9 Stazzo's Passing   By Ian Carver (K94)
Deputy Ian Carver and K9 Stazzo in El Dorado County during a training day.  I never had any thoughts of writing anything like this for Stazzo in the near future, however, it is my unfortunate position to tell people that Stazzo died in a freak accident on April 1, 2006. The specifics are not important, the only thing to know is that we lost a tremendous canine and loyal partner.   My family, Sgt. Tim Albright and his family, and all of our SSD Handlers are all very upset at the sudden and tragic loss. Stazzo had retired in January of this year and had been living the “good life” for the past six weeks.  Thanks to our supporters, the SSDK9 Association will be holding a burial ceremony for Stazzo as he is laid to rest at the Garden of Valor at the East Lawn Cemetery in Orangevale. Stazzo will be laid next to many of his old four legged SSD partners and other Law Enforcement Canines who have unselfishly served the citizens of Sacramento County and surrounding jurisdictions.  I cannot say more good things about Stazzo that would not take up pages of text. He was good at everything he did, even being a pain in the butt some days! Stazzo went into every situation asked of him without fear or hesitation. He was my first canine partner and has a special place in my life. Sgt. Albright feels the same way about the time he spent with Stazzo.  In the end, you realize you can learn a lot from a dog like Stazzo – There are moments to be taken seriously in life, but the rest of the time it’s all just a game and good time.  Stazzo, I look forward to throwing the Kong for you again in another time and place.
Rest In Peace, my friend.   
submitted also by Denae Bennett and submitted by Dusty Simon

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In Loving Memory of
K9 SHAKA ZULU XII
May 11, 2006
Handler: Sgt. Leo McKay
Maysville Police Dept.
201 E. 3rd St.
Maysville, KY  41056
606 564.9411

The Maysville Police Department maintains a Canine Team of Officer Tim Mitchell and his Belgium Malinois, Bartje. The K-9 team is trained in narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, building search, tracking and article search. The Maysville Police Department is proud to have had a K-9 program since 1976. Officer Mitchell and Bartje work closely with area groups and schools conducting K-9 demonstrations throughout the community.  A ceremony  recognized a K-9  of the police department, who retired in 1999 and died last week. Police dog Shaka Zulu XII, the lovable black Labrador retriever responsible for taking thousands of illegal drugs off the streets, as well as more than $100,000 in forfeiture money, was remembered with tears and pride.  "(Shaka) and I rode together for 8 and a half years," said Sgt. Leo McKay, who adopted the dog after Shaka was retired from the department. "You can't have somebody for 15 years and not be attached."  McKay said he first got Shaka in 1991, after the canine had already been trained in narcotics. For the next eight years, the two worked together, and in 1996 Shaka made the biggest drug bust of his career by locating $77,000 in drug money being transferred through the mail system, according to Butcher.  "Leo and Shaka had been partners for nearly 15 years, and wherever one went, the other would usually follow," Butcher said as he addressed the crowd. "Shaka was devoted not only to Leo, but to Leo's family. He was faithful to the community he served, asking only in return the necessities of life and a pat on the head and the love from his devoted partner, Leo McKay."  As part of the McKay family, Shaka was well-loved by all, but especially close to 13-year-old Jacob McKay, Leo McKay's son. "He was a great dog," Jacob McKay said. "Shaka was special."   Jacob McKay described the dog as loyal, obedient and gentle. Shaka was a companion and friend, and Jacob McKay said he often threw a tennis ball or frisbee when out spending time with Shaka. Shaka meant so much to Leo McKay, that he had the canine cremated and intends for the dog to be "laid out" with him when he dies. He said unless people have a dog, few will understand. "I had to do this," he said. "Some people might think it's crazy ... (but) I'm kind of attached to this guy.
 submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
 

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In Loving Memory of 
K9 SCHULTZ 
November 1, 2006

Handler: Sgt. Dale Dorn
Akron Police Dept.
217 S. High St.
Akron, OH  44308
330 375.2552
website: http://publicsafety.ci.akron.oh.us/police/

Akron police mourn retired patrol dog Schultz dies of cancer, served city nine years -
By Connie Bloom Beacon Journal staff writer
      Some dogs like cookies and belly rubs. Schultz liked bad guys. The classic looking Rin Tin Tin type, Schultz responded to thousands of calls, nabbed 100 burglars and 67 robbers in his nine years on the streets with Sgt. Dale Dorn of the Akron Police Department. He was the model patrol dog, ready to take a bullet for his fellow officers. He was adored by law abiding citizens, especially victims of crime, and schoolchildren.  ``Dogs seem to be able to reason with people,'' said Dorn, his handler. ``We got in some really hairy situations.'' Schultz died Tuesday, only hours after Dorn learned the dog had contracted bone cancer. He had been retired for one year, living a life of luxury. He was 11. His death was sudden and shocking. He hadn't seemed sick, just slightly lethargic -- and only for a day or two -- when Dorn took him to the vet. It was Friday. The results of the blood work came back on Tuesday morning. His stunned owner had just related the bad news to fellow Officer Chris Davis in canine training when he had a feeling he should head home. Schultz found the dog at the bottom of the basement steps where he loved to snooze.  He was gone. ``He was still warm,'' said Dorn, whose family -- wife, Kristina, and girls Reilly, 5, and Drug, 2  are grieving their loss. A memorial is being planned. ``It came on quickly,'' said Davis, owner of Dutch, the other shepherd the department purchased from a German breeder in 1995. The two dogs flew to Akron together. ``You're not supposed to treat them as humans,'' said Dorn, ``but sometimes you can't help that.... They earn their keep. They don't ask for much. They want a good place to stay and somebody to love them.'' Gunny, 3, stepped into Shultz's paw prints when he retired and is one of the department's five dogs.
``He's been on the street for little over a year,'' said Dorn. "He's running around looking for Schultz.''  ``The worst thing would be to take that walk from the car to the vet to have him put down,'' said Dorn. ``Thank God I didn't have to do that. We all got to see him -- he was at home -- as corny as it sounds. I can only imagine what goes through a pet's mind. ``He's going to be missed. The guys down at the station all are recalling their
MEMORIES
SGT. DALE DORN AND SCHULTZ 
K-9 SHULTZ SIRK OF THE AKRON POLICE
BORN: 10-05-95 in Germany
WEIGHT: 80 lbs
COLOR: Black and Tan
BEGAN SERVICE: February 1997
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
 Responded to over 1,700 K9 calls for service.
 Over 500 Arrests, 74 burglars, 42 robbers
 Tracked two armed robbers to the back door of the house they were hiding in.
Forced three armed robbers to surrender to police after robbing a convenience store at gun point.
 Completed a track leading police to two carjackers that fled on foot through a residential neighborhood.
 Apprehended two armed robbers after completing a two hour old track that took officers through more than a
mile of city streets and neighborhoods. In his first three months on the street he apprehended 14 burglars.
HANDLER:Sgt. Dale M. Dorn    YEARS OF SERVICE: 10 years

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In Loving Memory of
K9 SZULTAN 
November 23, 2006

Handler - Patrolman Ryan Ashbaugh
Sugarcreek Police Department
212 Fox Street
Franklin, Pennsylvania 16323
(814)437-3702

Sugarcreek mourns loss of K-9 officer
Residents and police officers in Sugarcreek are mourning the death of the tiny Venango County borough's first K-9 dog. A news release about the death of Szultan, a German shepherd who served four years on the force, is on the police department's Web site. Szultan was struck by a vehicle on Thanksgiving morning. He and his handler, Patrolman Ryan Ashbaugh, were off duty at the time. The accident happened on Georgetown Road, Venango County.  The dog "had an unbelievable personality," said Officer Ashbaugh in a telephone interview yesterday. "Szultan got along with everybody. He loved people and he loved his job. Szultan was such a big part of the community."  Only 5,300 people live in Sugarcreek and towns that size seldom have the money to acquire K-9 dogs.  "We have a big drug problem and a lot of our crime is related to drugs," Officer Ashbaugh said. Police thought that a K-9 dog would be helpful. Local residents in the Sugarcreek Crime Watch collected more than $15,000 to buy the dog and to cover the cost of training the dog and his handler and partner.  Szultan and Officer Ashbaugh were certified in narcotics detection, tracking and searches. He visited elementary schools for educational programs and he visited high schools to sniff lockers for evidence of drugs. 
One of Szultan's biggest cases was in April 2004. 
An out-of-state driver was pulled over for speeding, and when Szultan was brought to the scene, he sniffed the vehicle and indicated that drugs were inside. Officers found $31,000 worth of heroin.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow in the Rocky Grove Volunteer Fire Department in the Village of Rocky Grove. Visitation will be at 10:30 a.m.

MORE:
THE SUGARCREEK BORO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS MOURNING THE THANKSGIVING DAY LOSS OF ONE OF ITS OWN.  K-9 OFFICER SZULTAN DIED OF INJURIES SUSTAINED WHEN HIT BY A CAR.  A VISITATION IS SET FOR WEDNESDAY MORNING AT THE ROCKY GROVE FIRE HALL FOLLOWED BY A MEMORIAL SERVICE.  SZULTAN WAS NEARLY FIVE YEARS OLD AND HAD BEEN ON THE SUGARCREEK BORO POLICE FORCE SINCE 2003.  HE WAS BORN IN HUNGARY AND WAS PURCHASED ENTIRELY BY GRANTS AND DONATIONS.  SZULTAN AND HANDLER PATROLMAN RYAN ASHBAUGH WERE CERTIFIED IN ARTICLE SEARCH, AREA SEARCH, OBEDIENCE, AGILITY, CONTROLLED AGGRESSION AND NARCOTICS.  A SHORT TIME AFTER TRAINING, SZULTAN UNCOVERED $4000 IN DRUG MONEY DURING A TRAFFIC STOP.  ASHBAUGH HAD TO BE CERTIFIED ANUALLY AND PRACTICED WITH SZULTAN DAILY. 

In Loving Memory of
K9 SAM
May 2006

Handler: Cpl. R. H. McQuaid
Cabell County Sheriff's Department
750  5th Ave.
Huntington, WV  25701
304 743 1594
The Cabell County Sheriff's Department is mourning the loss of its first canine officer, Sam.  Sam passed away earlier this month after several years of retirement, said Cpl. R.H. McQuaid.  Not only was Sam the department's first canine officer, he was also known as the community's dog. He was purchased with funds donated by several businesses and residents. McQuaid said those donations are actually responsible for getting the department's canine unit off the ground. He said Sam was able to help deputies nab several drug arrestees. Those arrests resulted in police seizing vehicles, property and cash. All the forfeitures helped the department welcome new canines on the force.
 submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 SPEEDY SAR
2006

MASK9 SAR
Handler: Cil Chenevert

Today at noon, I held Speedy in my arms and helped him to the  Bridge. He had a bad night last night and this morning was no better.   His cancer won. I kept my promise to him that he would not be in  pain at the end. You all know how shattered my heart is. He was such a great dog, my protector and my  best friend,a SAR dog that gave his whole heart to his work and never once  quit or let me down. a Therapy dog that put many, many smiles on sick kids' faces.  He helped me through my husband's cancer and took such good care of him, always by his side. Tom will be happy to see him  again. He has made my life so happy for the short time he has been with me. 101/2 years is just not long enough.  Silly Sally has a gigantic hole to heal, but she can  do it. She is a Gordon.
Cil Chenevert - MASK9  
Greeting Speedy at the bridge: Jody, Irish Setter, Lacy, Irish Setter, Duffy, English Setter public
submitted by Anne Wotachi

In Loving Memory of 
K9 SPENSER
March 2006
  
Handler: Deputy Tony Wingert
Woodbury County Sheriff's Dept.
Sioux City, IA
712 253 2333

Just two days ago one of my departments handlers lost his police k9 when it fell through some ice and drowned.   AT my department, we buy our own dogs, raise them and train them ourselves. Thanks  Deputy Todd Trobaugh
Woodbury County Sheriff's Department, Sioux City, Iowa  712-253-2333
submitted by Todd Trobaugh

In Loving Memory of 
K9 SPARKY
March 3, 2006

Handler: Officer Don Hemphill
Granite City Police Department
Chief David Ruebhausen
2330 Madison Avenue
Granite City, IL 62040
1 618/451-9760 ---K9 dept. Fax # 618/876-0614  
  Captain Clements

Granite City Police mourn classy canine BY JAYNE MATTHEWS News-Democrat 3/28/06 IL
 He's been gone for three weeks, but Granite City Police continue to mourn Sparky, the German Shepherd who thought he was a policeman.   "Sparky will be missed. I truly believe Sparky believed he  was a police officer until the day he died," said Capt. Darin Clements, head  of Granite City's three-dog Canine Division. "This was one of the best canines in the St. Louis area. He had more captures than any other dog in this area. He was what helped make our Canine Division what it is today  ."Sparky, who was 14 and retired since 2001, died of old age March 4 at the home of his handler, K-9 officer Don Hemphill.  "I had a couple of days off there. It was like losing a child," Hemphill said. In nearly nine years on the job, Sparky captured 72 suspects and sniffed out 45 stashes of illegal drugs. On his first day of work in 1993, Sparky captured a shoplifter who beat up a security guard at Kmart. On his last day before retirement in 2001, he captured two men who had just broken into Prather Elementary School.  "He was good start to finish," Hemphill said. Sparky also had his playful moments.  He once took surprise police action while another dog was performing at police K-9 demonstration meet.   "He jumped in my car and set off the siren and turned the lights on," Hemphill said. "I guess he thought it was his turn." Sparky had his own trading card, with a picture of himself and Hemphill. The cards were handed out to school children, who Sparky allowed to pet him. "He was such a friendly dog when he wasn't working," Hemphill said. In more serious situations, Sparky was quick to chomp down on anyone who threatened his fellow officers, police said. When a drunken brawl broke out at a wedding reception in 1997,  Sparky helped 16 officers from four departments make eight arrests.  He also bit some people who started taking shoves and swings at police. "I think he got in four bites that night,"
 Clements said.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 SANTOS - WTC 
August 2006
  
Handler: John Vogler
Long Beach Police Department Headquarters
400 W. Broadway - Long Beach, CA 90802 
General Information 562-570-7260

In August, retired K-9 Santo passed away.  He was one month short of his 15th birthday.  Santo was my 3rd and last
 K-9 partner.  I got him when he was eighteen months old, a German Shepherd imported from Czechoslovakia.  He passed his certifications and started working the streets in April of 1993.  Working the day shift, Santo spent a lot of time doing PR work for the Dept. and the K-9 unit.  He visited most of the D.A.R.E. classes throughout the city and enjoyed all the attention from the students. Santo retired, when I did, in December of 1998.  Although he would have liked to keep working, he soon adjusted to retirement. He crossed the U.S. twice with us in the motor home as well as other trips.  Greeting people on his walks around the campgrounds was a favorite of his.    John Vogler (retired)    ---------
Although the detail has seen many positive outcomes since its inception, there has also been a down side.  The Long Beach K-9 detail has, in the past, lost dogs while working in the line of duty. Bondo, a shepherd, received a severe brain injury and was put to sleep after being struck with a pipe wrench by a felon.  Argo, a Rottweiler, fell to his death while chasing a suspect during a rooftop pursuit.  A third dog, Asko, was shot while disarming a violent woman, but survived and received the Police Department's Purple Heart Award. Most recently, in 2006, Ranger, while in pursuit of a suspect hiding underneath a front porch, was shot, was quickly transported to an emergency facility by Long Beach Air Division, but with every effort to save him, succumbed to his wounds and died. **- seen in previous memorials..... The Long Beach Police Academy provides a dedicated resting place for the K9's who have lost their lives in the line of duty, as well as for those whom have retired from duty and passed on.
submitted by Renee' Konias

In Loving Memory of
K9 STAZZO
November 7, 1999 ~ April 1, 2006

Handler: Deputy Ian Carver (K94)
  Sacrament County Sheriff's Dept.
9250 Bond Rd.
Elk Grove, CA  95624  - (916)876.7448

K9 Stazzo's Passing   By Ian Carver (K94)
Deputy Ian Carver and K9 Stazzo in El Dorado County during a training day.  I never had any thoughts of writing anything like this for Stazzo in the near future, however, it is my unfortunate position to tell people that Stazzo died in a freak accident on April 1, 2006. The specifics are not important, the only thing to know is that we lost a tremendous canine and loyal partner.   My family, Sgt. Tim Albright and his family, and all of our SSD Handlers are all very upset at the sudden and tragic loss. Stazzo had retired in January of this year and had been living the “good life” for the past six weeks.  Thanks to our supporters, the SSDK9 Association will be holding a burial ceremony for Stazzo as he is laid to rest at the Garden of Valor at the East Lawn Cemetery in Orangevale. Stazzo will be laid next to many of his old four legged SSD partners and other Law Enforcement Canines who have unselfishly served the citizens of Sacramento County and surrounding jurisdictions.  I cannot say more good things about Stazzo that would not take up pages of text. He was good at everything he did, even being a pain in the butt some days! Stazzo went into every situation asked of him without fear or hesitation. He was my first canine partner and has a special place in my life. Sgt. Albright feels the same way about the time he spent with Stazzo.  In the end, you realize you can learn a lot from a dog like Stazzo – There are moments to be taken seriously in life, but the rest of the time it’s all just a game and good time.  Stazzo, I look forward to throwing the Kong for you again in another time and place.
Rest In Peace, my friend.   
submitted also by Denae Bennett and submitted by Dusty Simon

In Loving Memory of
K9 SHAKA ZULU XII
May 11, 2006

Handler: Sgt. Leo McKay
Maysville Police Department
201 E. 3rd St.
Maysville, KY  41056
606 564.9411

The Maysville Police Department maintains a Canine Team of Officer Tim Mitchell and his Belgium Malinois, Bartje. The K-9 team is trained in narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, building search, tracking and article search. The Maysville Police Department is proud to have had a K-9 program since 1976. Officer Mitchell and Bartje work closely with area groups and schools conducting K-9 demonstrations throughout the community.  A ceremony  recognized a K-9  of the police department, who retired in 1999 and died last week. Police dog Shaka Zulu XII, the lovable black Labrador retriever responsible for taking thousands of illegal drugs off the streets, as well as more than $100,000 in forfeiture money, was remembered with tears and pride.  "(Shaka) and I rode together for 8 and a half years," said Sgt. Leo McKay, who adopted the dog after Shaka was retired from the department. "You can't have somebody for 15 years and not be attached."  McKay said he first got Shaka in 1991, after the canine had already been trained in narcotics. For the next eight years, the two worked together, and in 1996 Shaka made the biggest drug bust of his career by locating $77,000 in drug money being transferred through the mail system, according to Butcher.  "Leo and Shaka had been partners for nearly 15 years, and wherever one went, the other would usually follow," Butcher said as he addressed the crowd. "Shaka was devoted not only to Leo, but to Leo's family. He was faithful to the community he served, asking only in return the necessities of life and a pat on the head and the love from his devoted partner, Leo McKay."  As part of the McKay family, Shaka was well-loved by all, but especially close to 13-year-old Jacob McKay, Leo McKay's son. "He was a great dog," Jacob McKay said. "Shaka was special."   Jacob McKay described the dog as loyal, obedient and gentle. Shaka was a companion and friend, and Jacob McKay said he often threw a tennis ball or frisbee when out spending time with Shaka. Shaka meant so much to Leo McKay, that he had the canine cremated and intends for the dog to be "laid out" with him when he dies. He said unless people have a dog, few will understand. "I had to do this," he said. "Some people might think it's crazy ... (but) I'm kind of attached to this guy.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA