The O’Fallon MO Police Department is
announcing the passing of K-9 Dar,
on Wednesday, December 29, 2010. He
was a retired police canine. He was
more than just a dog he was a very
valued member of the O’Fallon Police
Department for 4 years until he
retired on October 1st of 2008.
K-9 Dar was a true friend to his K-9
handler Officer Bob Schoonover.
Officer Schoonover remembers K-9 Dar
as doing his job to assist and
protect without complaint. The two
spent more time together during
their working years than Officer
Schoonover spent with the rest of
his family. His son Christian used
to tell him how lucky they were to
have Dar, because none of his
friends could say they had a police
dog in their home.
Officer Schoonover and K-9 Dar began
their work together with the
Missouri State Highway Patrol on
February 1st of 2000. In 2003,
Officer Schoonover came to work at
the O’Fallon Police Department.
During their partnership they found
over 5000 pounds of marijuana, 1000
pounds of cocaine, several meth labs
and heroin. The two of them had
numerous successful tracks, finding
murder suspects, drug dealers and
even missing persons. At the
O’Fallon Police Department K-9 Dar’s
first task in 2004 was apprehending
2 out of 3 carjackers that were on a
rampage from Tennessee. The two of
them located the first suspect in
minutes and worked an additional 5
hours to apprehend the last suspect.
Officer Schoonover considers their
most important call at the O’Fallon
Police Department was when they
saved a little girl’s life in 2006.
She had taken too many pills and lay
lifeless by a frozen creek. K-9
Dar’s sense of urgency saved her
when she was literally minutes from
dying.
K-9 Dar finished out his working
career with hundreds of dog demos,
being available for the police open
house and his favorite, Safety Town.
He will be missed and remembered for
all of his hard work during his
police K-9 career.
submitted by Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
MORE:
Officer Dan Lane has been a member
of the Waterford Police Department
since 2000 and a K9 handler since
2001. Dan has handled two K9's to
date, K9 Czar from 2001 to 2003 and
K9 Blitz from 2003 to 2010. Dan and
K9 Blitz were acknowledged as
"runner up" for the Daniel Wasson
Memorial Award in 2003 and 2004 and
have assisted numerous local
agencies in both criminal and
narcotics arrests. In June 2009 Dan
became an accredited trainer with
the North American Police Work Dog
Association in the areas of patrol
and narcotics. He has trained or
assisted in the training of K9's
from both Connecticut and Rhode
Island. Dan has attended seminars
throughout the east coast both as a
trainer and decoy. Dan currently
holds in service training for teams
in Southeastern Connecticut and
Rhode Island. He is currently the
State Coordinator for Connecticut
with the North American Police Work
Dog Association. Officer Dan Lane
has been a member of the Connecticut
Police Work Dog Association since
2001.
Diana Damke <DDAMKE@ofallon.mo.us>
thank you for your help......
In Loving Memory of
K9 DUTCH
December 27, 2010
Handler:
Officer Scott Smeeks
scott.smeeks@WCS084.us
Washington County Sheriff's Office
309 4th Street
Marietta, OH 45750
(740) 376-7070
WEBSITE -
http://www.washingtoncountysheriff.org/index/index2.html
Dutch,
the law enforcement K-9, will be missed
Few bonds exist in life stronger than that of a
law-enforcement officer and his partner. K-9
Officer Scott Smeeks of the Washington County
Sheriff's Office had one such bond with his
partner Dutch. Dutch passed away on Dec. 27,
2010, following a sudden illness; he left behind
his family - Scott, Annette, Jessie and Jacob
Smeeks. Dutch received his training at Lynnwood
Kennels in Fremont, Ohio, and was just over 1
year old when he joined the Belpre Police
Department and served five years before he and
Smeeks transitioned to the Washington County
Sheriff's Office, where he served an additional
four years.
Dutch retired to the Smeeks' residents on March
21, 2010; he was respected and loved by fellow
officers and feared by the criminal element he
encountered on a daily basis. A Dutch Shepherd
by breed, Dutch had an intimidating stature with
an unwavering dedication and passion for his law
enforcement career. He was more than a partner;
he was a constant companion and protector of the
public he served. Dutch was issued multiple
commendations and certifications. He had
extensive training in locating, narcotics,
evidence search, building and area searches,
patrol, arrest and interdiction.
Dutch retired to the Smeeks' residents on March
21, 2010; he was respected and loved by fellow
officers and feared by the criminal element he
encountered on a daily basis. A Dutch Shepherd
by breed, Dutch had an intimidating stature with
an unwavering dedication and passion for his law
enforcement career. He was more than a partner;
he was a constant companion and protector of the
public he served. Dutch was issued multiple
commendations and certifications. He had
extensive training in locating, narcotics,
evidence search, building and area searches,
patrol, arrest and interdiction.
Smeeks and Dutch were awarded Officers of the
Year in 2007. Often we overlook the hard work
and dedication of our law enforcement canines;
their rigorous endurance and agility training is
time consuming and costly. Their extensive
training is designed with a single purpose, to
protect the public. Countless civilians and law
enforcement officer's lives have been saved by
these dedicated and relentless law keepers. To
Smeeks and every law enforcement officer that
has felt the wrenching pain of loosing a canine
partner we wish to express our heart felt
sympathy and to assure them brighter days are
ahead. In honor of the working and retired law
enforcement canines, as well as the ones that
are no longer with us, consider making a
monetary contribution to help support and train
these dedicated law keepers. If you cannot make
a donations, send the department a note and let
them know how much you appreciate their officers
and their canines. Smeeks will always remember
Dutch's dedication and passion for
law-enforcement and more importantly, Dutch will
be remembered for his companionship and love
that he freely offered the Smeeks family. A
protector and champion of the people he served,
Dutch will be long remembered and missed by
many.
MORE
DICE TEAM K-9 OFFICER SEIZES 71 GRAMS OF COCAINE
Washington County Sheriff’s Office DICE Team and
K-9 Officer Scott Smeeks apprehended two
suspects traveling southbound on Interstate 77
at Milepost 6 who were in possession of over 71
grams of cocaine. The cocaine has a street value
of approximately $7,500. The two suspects Jeremy
B. Green, age 26, 551 College Parkway, Apartment
202, Parkersburg, WV and Chad M. Hatfield, age
23, 9235 Radcliffe Road, Adamsville, OH were
stopped for a traffic violation. Deputy Smeeks
detected an odor of alcohol coming from the
vehicle and had the driver exit the vehicle to
determine his sobriety. Dutch, Smeeks’ K-9 was
deployed and gave a positive indication of
narcotics in the vehicle. A probable cause
search of the vehicle revealed a burnt marijuana
“roach” in the ashtray and 71 grams of cocaine
inside a coat pocket lying on the back seat. A
field test indicated cocaine. The individuals
were interviewed by an agent from the Major
Crimes Team and indicated the cocaine had been
purchased in Zanesville for resale in
Parkersburg. The vehicle used to transport the
cocaine and $280 in cash was also seized. Both
suspects have been charged with possession of
cocaine and are incarcerated in the Washington
County Jail awaiting an initial appearance in
Marietta Municipal Court.
all
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 DAISY
September 5, 2010
Handler: Donald Coleman
Pittsburgh Probation & Parole Department
Columbia County PA
K9 Daisy was a
rescue out of
Pittsburg, PA. At two years of age she
became certified in narcotics. She worked
actively in Columbia County, PA with the
Probation and Parole Departments as well
as all local and
state law enforcement in the area. Due to
a lack of K9's in the area Daisy continued to do
what she could when called to duty. Unexpectedly
on Sept. 5th 2010 she passed away in the early
morning hours. She was not only a member of the
law enforcement community but a great
member of handler Donald Coleman's family. She
will be missed. Submitted by Jim
Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 DEVO
February 20, 2010
Handler: Keith Byrd
Umatilla T Tribal Police
Department
73303 July
Grounds Lane,
Pendleton, OR 97801
PH; 541 278.0550
submitted
by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 DAKOTA
October 15, 2010
Handler: Sgt. B.
Campbell
Cottonwood Police
Department
199 S 6th Street
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Investigation into K-9 death
Dakota, one of the Cottonwood's Police
Department K-9's, died Friday. Dakota had been
with Cottonwood Police Department for over 2
years and was a valued tool the fight against
drugs and crime.
The circumstances surrounding the death of Dakota have caused
the Department to launch an internal
investigation to determine if there were policy
or equipment failures. Chief Jody Fanning has
also requested the assistance of the Yavapai
County Sheriff's Office to conduct a criminal
investigation to determine if there is any
criminal violation on the part of the K-9
handler.
Information at this time shows
that Sgt. B. Campbell reported to work at the
Cottonwood Police Department on Friday morning
around 6 a.m. He had Dakota in his patrol
vehicle in the parking lot with the vehicle
running. This is a standard
procedure for K-9 handlers because the vehicles
are especially equipped with the "Hot Dog" alarm
system. Cottonwood Police Department K-9
vehicles are equipped the "Hot Dog" alarm to
notify handlers if the interior temperature
reaches an unsafe level.
The alarm did not activate.
Reports indicate that Sgt. Campbell prepared for
duty and remained in the police department
building until 11:30 before realizing that he
had not checked on Dakota.
Campbell went to his patrol vehicle and found
Dakota in distress and immediately rushed him to
the veterinary office.
They were unable to revive Dakota and he passed away at about 1
p.m. The interior temperature of the vehicle is
not known but the outside temperature was about
84 degrees.
The vehicle and all of its
equipment will be inspected during the
investigations.
"After both investigations are concluded we will look at all
policies and procedures to see if there is
anything we as a police department can do to
better serve our K-9 partners," said CPD
spokesman Gareth Braxton-Johnson.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 DUECE
August 12, 2010
Handler:
Officer George Walker
Anoka Police Department
275 Harrison Street
Anoka, MN 55303
763-576-2800
WEBSITE -
http://www.ci.anoka.mn.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={BF5EC6EC-CD87-49FB-B9D2-A6F0E789B91A}
Loss
for Anoka PD with sudden death of K9 Deuce
The Anoka Police Department suffered a loss last month
with the sudden death of the squad’s only K9. K9 Deuce,
a 4 1/2-year-old German shepherd, died unexpectedly Aug.
12 after likely suffering from a rupture in his
digestive system, according to Police Chief Phil
Johanson. Deuce was the partner of Officer George
Walker. The pair had been working together for nearly
two years, after Deuce got his start with Officer Willie
Koch. When Koch opted for an assignment as the police
liaison at Anoka High School, Walker and Deuce were
paired up.
According to Johanson, when Deuce started throwing up a
bit of blood he was taken to Rum River Veterinary
Clinic, where Anoka’s police dogs are treated. The dog
then vomited a lot of fresh blood while undergoing
tests, and was then taken to the University of
Minnesota’s veterinary clinic. A short time later Walker
learned that Deuce was not going to make it, said
Johanson. Veterinarians said the dog had likely eaten
something, maybe a stick, that caused the rupture.
“The K9s do have a lot of value for the police
department,” said Johanson. “A K9 is cheaper than an
officer, they offer officer protection and they can do a
lot of tracking.” The department uses police dogs to
track lost children and vulnerable adults, find
narcotics in schools and treatment facilities as well as
track criminals who flee the scene of a crime. Since
joining the Anoka Police Department in 2007, Deuce had
received a number of certifications with officers Koch
and Walker.
His accomplishments included tracking down a missing
86-year-old man in the Lino Lakes area, tracking
numerous suspects and sniffing out narcotics leading to
the arrests. Johanson said the department is in the
process of finding a replacement dog, which could cost
between $5,000 to $6,000. At its last meeting, the Anoka
Anti-Crime Commission agreed to donate $3,000 to help
offset those costs. While the extra money was not in the
budget for a new canine, Johanson said adjustments will
be made to add a young dog to the department. Although
he is not soliciting donations, two people have already
come forward with contributions specifically for a new
police dog. The working life of a police dog is five to
seven years, although the German shepherds often can
live to be up to 14. Once a police dog is retired, it
continues to live with its handler, according to
Johanson. Up until last year the Anoka PD had been
operating with two dogs, when the decision was made to
retire K9 Champ and not add a second dog to the force in
an effort to cut costs.
Johanson said having only one working police dog is
working out fine for the department. In the meantime,
Anoka will rely on help from neighboring police
departments including Coon Rapids, Fridley, Blaine and
Lino Lakes, as well as the Anoka County Sheriff’s
Office, when a police dog is needed in the city.
Johanson said the department is looking for a dog
between the ages of eight months and 1 1/2 years old – a
good age for police training. The new dog will also be
placed with Walker. Along with tracking and narcotics,
there are plans to also have the future police dog
certified in bomb detection.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In
Loving Memory of
K9 DIGGER
August 20, 2010
Handler: Retired Detective Cpl. John Sabo
Melvindale Police Department
3100
Oakwood Blvd
Melvindale, MI 48122
(313) 389-2890
Fax: (313) 382-6038
Department's first police dog dies
Retired Detective Cpl. John Sabo is getting over
the death of his longtime partner, family pet and
friend. The Police Department’s first dog, Digger,
died Friday. Sabo was his handler. “He was like the
foundation for the canine unit, and the future of
it,” Sabo said. Digger came into the department in
1998 and retired in 2006; Sabo followed one year
later. The dog was a purebred German shepherd and
was brought over from Holland when he was about 18
months years old. His coat was a sable color
enhanced by black and brown tones.
Sabo said former Police Chief John Difatta asked him
if he was interested in starting the department’s
first police dog unit, and in 1998 they began
training. Before then, Sabo said, they depended on
Allen Park and Dearborn’s police dogs. However,
because of availability, they decided to do it with
their own. Sabo became the department’s first police
dog officer, and Digger was the department’s first
dog. The department received grants to pay for
training and went through the U.S. Police Canine
Association.
Through the association, Digger won five trophies
and three medals for his knowledge and work in
narcotics through competitions. Digger once found 4
pounds of marijuana in a basement’s dropdown
ceiling. Sabo said Digger indicated the area in the
basement and that it was high. “He would look at
me,” Sabo said. “He stood on his hind legs,
scratching at the wall trying to get up higher.”
Police checked the area above Digger and found the
large illegal stash. “He was pretty good at
marijuana,” Sabo said.
Digger also tracked a kilo of cocaine in a
residence. He spent time going to schools and
community events, although, Sabo admitted, Digger
did not especially love children because he had “big
ears and a big tail.” Mackey, another German
shepherd, replaced Digger in 2006. Since retirement,
Digger has been the Sabo family’s dog. “Whenever I
needed him, he was there,” Sabo said. “He had my
back and the other officers’ backs.” AAA Pet
Services of Taylor handled the arrangements after
Digger’s death. The service dog’s remains will be
cremated and kept at Sabo’s house.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
K9 DASTY
January 2010
Handler: Elizabeth Kirk
Madison Twp. Police Department
Police Department
211 S. Carroll St.
Madison, WI 53709
CHIEF'S OFFICE:(608) 266-4022
waiting for more information......
The department’s K9 teams provide a great service to the
community, tracking missing persons, apprehending suspects
and locating evidence. They allow patrol officers to work in
a safer and more efficient manner and perform functions that
human officers are simply unable to do. For example,
officers searching a building—without the benefit of a K9
team—will take much longer to perform the search (and will
be exposed to greater risk). Performing a building search
with a K9 team will enable to the search to be performed in
much less time, increasing efficiency (freeing up officers
for other calls/duties) and decreasing risk to officers. The
K9 teams have tracked (and located) missing persons,
apprehended dangerous suspects, and been responsible for the
removal of a significant amount of illegal drugs and weapons
from the community. All the costs of the patrol K9
teams (except for officer salaries) are provided by
community donations. A non-profit organization – Capital
K9’s – staffed by community volunteers raises funds to
support the unit.
In
Loving Memory of
K9 DEVIL
2010
Handler:
Officer Shirley
Norfolk Southern Police Department
Norfolk Southern, GA
STRUCK BY A TRAIN WHILE CHASING BURGLARY
SUSPECTS)
Norfolk Southern Police officers worked
as part of the security team during the Democratic
National Convention in Denver In August. K9
Specialist Ron Lubek and his partner, K9 Devil, from
Chicago, and Officer Troy Smith, Special Agent from Kana
City, MO worked with nearly 75 other railroad police
agents and 40 K9 teams from Burlington Northern Santa Fe
Railway and Union Pacific Railroad, all under the
direction of the U.S. Secret Service to Provide
security. Lubek, Smith and Devil were assigned to
protect NS office cars at Union Station. K9 Devil,
a trained explosives dog, helped check the office cars
and other rail properties for possible explosive devices
several times a day.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir.
CPWDA
In
Loving Memory of
K9 DAISY
June 15, 2010
Handler: Russ Luke
Beretta Protective Services
Edmonton Police Service
Canada
Saying goodbye to a beloved canine friend
Leduc residents are mourning the passing of a beloved
canine friend. Daisy, a purebred German shepherd who has
been the face of Beretta Protective Services for almost
nine years, was put to sleep June 15 at 3:30 p.m. after
suffering massive organ failure. Daisy's owner, Russ
Luke, said Daisy was just six weeks shy of her 10th
birthday and retirement from her position as marketing
dog for Beretta when she became ill, but said she
enjoyed a wonderful life and career teaching local
children about dog safety. "We're very thankful we had
the time we had with her," he said. "She was one of a
kind." Daisy was a "miracle dog" who wasn't expected to
live past age five, Luke said. Bred to be a police dog,
she was disqualified by the Edmonton Police Service when
she was a year old after an x-ray showed she had a
degenerative hip condition.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 DOLFO
May 21, 2010
Handler: Officer Wayne W. Holben
West
Reading Police Department
West Reading police dog Dolfo, suffering from
cancer, is euthanized
West Reading's police dog, Dolfo, has died.
Dolfo's partner, Officer Wayne W. Holben, said he
noticed the German shepherd in quite a bit of pain
Sunday so he took him to a veterinarian. The dog was
diagnosed with terminal cancer. Holben said he had
Dolfo put down Friday afternoon at a veterinary
office. He and Dolfo, who would have turned 9 next
month, had been working together since October 2003,
when the Hungarian-born shepherd came out of
training.
"I see him more than I see my family," Holben said.
"He's with me 24/7, so when something like this
happens, it hurts." Dolfo lived with the policeman
and his wife and their 2-year-old daughter. "He's
part of the family when he's at home," Holben said
before taking Dolfo to the vet Friday. "When it's
time to go to work, he's ready to go." Dolfo was
trained for patrol and narcotics detection. A
highlight of his career occurred in 2008 when he
found a man who had fallen after wandering into the
woods from Hamburg.
Holben and Dolfo responded to a Hamburg police
request for help in finding the man. Dolfo was
credited with saving the man, who was in the
beginning stages of hypothermia, Holben said. For
that, Dolfo was honored by Hamburg Borough Council
and the Berks County Fraternal Order of Police, he
said. The borough police department plans to get
Holben a new partner.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In
Loving Memory of
K9 DOZER
April 3, 2010
Handler: Rachel Panter
Bandon Police Department
Chief of
Police Bob Webb
PO Box 67 555 Highway 101
Bandon,
Oregon
97411
Phone: (541)347-2241. Fax: (541)347-2206
Police Dog Dozer Died
Dozer the Bandon Police Department's dog was recently put to
sleep.
The community lost a fuzzy friend on April 3 when 9-year-old
black Labrador retriever Dozer, a local canine officer, was
put to sleep after developing a prostatic tumor. Owner
Rachel Panter, an administrative assistant at the Bandon
Police Department, said Dozer’s lineage included champions
in the fields of agility and hunting. “Dozer was like my
first child,” Panter said. “He became my dog and a member of
the department when he was five weeks old.” Dozer, who sired
64 puppies, was trained in narcotics detection and in
tracking/search and rescue. He also was the department’s
official greeter.
As part of a cold water rescue team that disbanded several
years ago, Dozer was trained to take a life ring to someone
in the water and to tow a victim or a small boat back to
land. His water rescue training sessions, with former police
chief Bob McBride’s dog, Maggie, drew crowds to the
waterfront. “I still see (Dozer) flying off the dock like a
rocket and Maggie just flopping into the water like a tug
boat,” McBride said last week. Both dogs were in the water
at the South Jetty during the December 2003 rescue of a boy
that resulted in the drowning death of reserve officer Russ
Simpson.
Dozer participated in dozens of tracking and water rescue
trainings, and was involved in a like number of police dog
demonstrations at local schools, at Bullard's Beach State
Park and a few other venues. According to his owner, Dozer
never ran away, chewed on shoes or furniture, or had any
accidents inside the house. He didn’t dig holes, or howl or
bark unnecessarily. He never bit people, had a flea
infestation or complained. He was rarely ill, but was struck
by a porcupine once and by a skunk a time or two.
Panter said, “You could lay anything next to him in the car
— a steak, a plate of cookies — and leave him alone for any
length of time and he wouldn’t even look at it, let alone
touch it. “(The late sergeant) Carl (Nayaert) always thought
he was part deer because he could jump so high. … You could
tell him to fly and he’d jump really high into the air. If
he caught a tossed Frisbee or tennis ball before it hit the
ground, he’d do a victory dance, spinning around and around
like a washing machine. That always cracked people up.”
In addition to his official duties, Dozer accompanied Panter
and her family wherever they went — work, shopping, family
events, the beach, vacations, football games, etc. “He
always lived to please anyone and everyone around him, and
he went everywhere with us,” she said. “To all those happy
moments in our busy lives, and to those emotionally fraught
times when it seemed like he could comfort you when nothing
else could.” He was probably happiest when playing ball.
“He has been loved and spoiled by many, similar to that of a
local celebrity, without any of the ego,” Panter said. “He
was content just to be part of our pack. To the end, he was
more concerned with how we were feeling — distraught, upset,
grief — than about his own ills.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir.
CPWDA
In
Loving Memory of
K9 DRAGO
April 7, 2010
Handler:
Sheriff’s Deputy Bob Perkins
Lorain County
Sheriff's Department
46268 Butternut Ridge Road
Oberlin, OH 44074-9731
(440) 774-1025
Sheriff’s
canine officer Drago has died after battle with cancer
Drago,
canine partner to sheriff’s deputy Bob Perkins for seven years,
died today after a brief battle with cancer. Drago, a German
shepherd, was retired in October at age 9, and at the time
Perkins expressed his displeasure at the decision. “It was not
my choice to retire him. He’s not ready to retire and isn’t
showing any signs of slowing down,’’ Perkins told The Chronicle.
“It’s funny, but when we’re on vacation, I have to play with him
with his toys or hide stuff to let him have some fun.
“He’s just so gung-ho. He gets that pumped up.” Drago officially
joined Perkins’ family of two sons, a fiancée, and five other
dogs after Perkins bought the shepherd from the county for
$1.Drago apparently took a turn for the worse shortly after his
retirement. Perkins posted the following to his Facebook page
Wednesday evening:
“Today a part of me died.
K-9 Drago was a
Loyal Partner, companion, and friend.
He passed away in my arms
today after a brief battle with cancer.
His retirement lasted
only 5 months, but his memories will be with me forever.
Rest in
Peace.”
Drago has had more than 100 narcotics and patrol apprehensions
and was recognized by Lorain County commissioners at the time of
his retirement. At the commissioners meeting the CT’s Steve
Fogarty reported: Just as Commissioner Ted Kalo wished Drago a
long and happy retirement, the dog barked loudly, almost as if
on cue, which triggered laughter throughout the room and sparked
an even more boisterous round of barks from the dog, who seemed
to know the fuss was about him. Among the mementos Perkins
received from fellow deputies was a throw blanket bearing a
likeness of him and Drago, who was imported from Germany by a
Cleveland police officer and animal trainer.
MORE:
Police dog Drago's funeral service will be Saturday in
Elyria
Drago patrolled for seven years with Lorain County Sheriff's
Deputy Bob Perkins.
The funeral service for police dog
Drago is set for Saturday. Drago died of cancer April 7
after
serving
for seven years
alongside Deputy Bob Perkins. The procession lineup will
start at noon at the Lorain County Sheriff's Office, 9896
Murray Ridge Road. At 12:30 p.m.,
the
vehicles will go north on Murray Ridge,
right onto Leo Bullocks Parkway, veer right at West 3rd
Street into downtown, go right on Middle Avenue and left at
the AMVETS Hall, 11087 South Middle Ave. The service will
begin at 1 p.m., followed by a reception at the hall.
**********************
Law enforcement says goodbye to "a good
police dog"
More than one of the approximately 100 people who
turned out to honor Lorain Sheriff’s Office K-9
Drago at his memorial service Saturday afternoon
wiped away tears as Drago’s number was called for
the last time. “K-9 317, K-9 317, K-9 317 … Drago …
Rest in eternal peace,” called a voice over a police
radio. Drago, who retired in October, died from
cancer April 7 and was honored with a processional
through downtown Elyria that included
representatives from at least eight other law
enforcement agencies, their K-9s in tow.
Drago’s handler, Deputy Robert Perkins, made the
crowd laugh and cry during his remarks about his
partner of eight years, at one point mentioning
Elyria Officer James Kerstetter, who was shot and
killed March 15 while responding to a call. Perkins
said he and Kerstetter were very good friends, and
he’s been struggling to deal with the loss of
Kerstetter and, now, the loss of Drago. “On this
day, I lost my partner, my hero, my friend, my dog,”
Perkins said.
“Drago has moved on from his temporary home and is
guarding the gates to heaven, waiting till we meet
again for another journey … Jimmy Kerstetter, take
care of my Drago. May God bless you both … Partners
forever.” Perkins was choked up and wiping away
tears by the end of his remarks, as was his family,
which lost a beloved pet. Fellow sheriff’s K-9
Officer Mike Mettler said the bond among K-9
officers, as well as the bond between a K-9 and his
handler, is unique.
“The reality is, they’re a tool for the department,”
Mettler said of his own dog, Kaspar. “The reality
is, when push comes to shove, they’re not supposed
to come home and we are, but there’s an attachment.
I work him, (my family) loves him.” Mettler said
when everyone told him to give up on Kaspar because
of the dog’s aggressive tendencies, Perkins
volunteered to work through those problems with him
and Kaspar - something he’s very grateful for.
Sheriff Phil Stammitti said after the service that
Drago, who had a paw in 100 apprehensions during his
career, was “a good police dog. He was dedicated to
the citizens of this county.” Perkins, a 22-year
veteran with the sheriff’s office and a 14-year K-9
officer, said he hopes to work with a K-9 again.
“I’m totally dedicated to the program,” Perkins
said. “I would love to finish out my career in the
K-9 unit.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
MORE:
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Hi Lulu,
Things are good here. thank you
for your email. We did get another
German Shepherd...it all was a blessing.
He is NOT a working K9;but has been a
source of compassion, love and Healing
for both of us, but especially Bob.
This dog is the most mild
mannered, loving,laid back old man in a
puppy body! There are soo many times we
just look at eachother in amazment at
the things he does that makes us believe
our "Drago" has been reincarnated into
this new baby.
He was abandoned in a field at
approx 8 wks old. The lady who lives
across the street, saw the woman dump
him and drive off.She actually
chased her down to her house and
knocked; they denied it was theirs
despite the parents and other pups in
yard....but it all worked for good; as
they saw the news story on Drago and
drove to the Sheriffs Dept to get in
contact with Bob. We went out to look at
him but I said no;we had only just lost
Drago 3 days earlier. We had the
memorial service for Drago that saturday....and
sunday we were driving out to pick up
this new pup...Bob really felt drawn to
him...and the rest is history!
God does work in mysterious and
wonderous ways.. for our own good. Other
than about 23 shoes hes chewed up; hes a
blessing. He got Bob thru the hard
times...and still does.
I had emailed you as our county
lost anothwer K9;Bandit from Amherst was
in our training group; Bob planned his
memorial service;so all the feelings
were drudged up...very emotional again
but we were blessed to be put in a
position to support mark Cawthon and his
family.
Thank you again for following up
on us. I sooo appreciate your friendship
and the service you provide.
Many wishes of health and
blessings over these Holiday times!
Melody
"It came to me that every time I lose a
dog,they take a piece of my heart with
them. And every new dog that comes into
my life, gifts me with a piece of their
heart. If I live long enough,all the
components of my heart will be dog,and I
will be as generous and loving as they
are."
p.s. emails like this bring joy to my
heart helping others.... lulu
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In
Loving Memory of
K9 DASHER
January 13, 2010
Painting by Tracy
Klett
Handler: Deputy
Thomas Crompton
Oconee County
Sheriff’s Office
300
South Church Street
Walhalla, SC 29691-2126
(864) 638-4111
Painting by Tracy
Police dog injured in crash
dies
Steve
Jenkins, captain of field operations for the Oconee County
Sheriff’s Office, confirmed to The Journal on Wednesday night
that Dasher, the law enforcement dog injured when the K-9 Unit
vehicle he was in was hit in Monday’s accident that claimed the
life of an 82-year-old man, has died. Jenkins said the dog’s
handler, deputy Thomas Crompton, noticed swelling in the dog’s
belly Wednesday morning, more than 24 hours after the crash.
Later veterinarian examinations, including an evaluation from a
Greenville vet, revealed that Dasher’s stomach had been
irreparably twisted during the accident, causing delayed injury.
Jenkins said a surgery likely would have been able to put
several days on the life of Crompton’s canine partner, but
Crompton ultimately decided to have the police dog euthanized to
spare its suffering. The Journal will report further on Dasher’s
death and accomplishments as a police dog of Oconee County
Sheriff’s Office in Friday’s issue.
MORE:
Oconee County sheriff's deputy Sgt. Tommy Crumpton lost his
partner Dasher, a law enforcement dog, after a three-vehicle
accident on Interstate 85 on Monday. Dasher suffered
internal injuries and died Wednesday. The accident claimed
the life of an 82-year-old Rock Hill man.
The
Oconee County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday that a
memorial service will be held to honor the service of a law
enforcement dog that died in the line of duty. Lt. Travis
Tilson, public information officer for the Sheriffs Office,
said details of the service would be announced when
arrangements were complete. “Dasher gave his life in the
line of duty, faithfully at his handler’s side during a
traffic stop on the interstate,” Lt. Tilson said. Dasher, a
German Shepherd, was euthanized Wednesday after the
discovery of internal injuries resulting from a Monday
traffic accident on Interstate 85 involving a Sheriff’s SUV
and two other vehicles.
Tilson
said Dasher’s handler, Sgt. Thomas Crompton, noticed
swelling in the dog’s stomach area Wednesday. Initially, the
dog had been examined only for apparent minor injuries to
its nose. An examination revealed that Dasher’s stomach had
been irreparably damaged during the accident, Tilson said.
Tilson said Dasher served with the Sheriffs Office from
August 12, 2005 to January 13, 2010 and was a dual purpose
K-9, trained in both narcotics detection and suspect
tracking and apprehension.
According to Tilson, the dog was instrumental in a list of
achievements that included, in various incidents, seizure of
five firearms, more than 80 pounds of marijuana, about half
a pound of crack cocaine, three kilograms of cocaine, seven
pounds of methamphetamine, more than 1,000 ecstasy pills and
more than $500,000 in cash. The dog was also involved in
five felony apprehensions. The incident in which Dasher was
injured occurred Monday near Exit 4 of Interstate 85’s
northbound lane and cost the life of an 82-year-old Rock
Hill man.
Sgt. Crompton had stopped a vehicle in the emergency lane
when his Sheriff’s Office Tahoe containing Dasher was struck
from behind by a 2004 Toyota driven by Thomas Linton of Rock
Hill. Linton died of his injuries Monday at AnMed Health
Medical Center in Anderson, according to Oconee County
Coroner Karl Addis.
MORE:
Memorial Service Held For
Upstate K9 - Police Dog Killed In Car Accident
An Upstate police dog, who recently died from
injuries he sustained in a car accident, was
remembered Monday morning. The Oconee County
Sheriff's Office K9, named Dasher, was injured in a
wreck on Interstate 85. He was later put down
because of internal injuries. Monday, members of the
Oconee County Sheriff's Office as well as members of
the community arrived at the law enforcement center
for a memorial for Dasher and to support his
handler, Sgt. Tommy Crompton. Dasher was 7 years old
and the first Oconee County K9 to died in the line
of duty. "We had a good run. He done good work we
enjoyed doing what we were doing," Crompton said. A
marker will go in front of the law enforcement
center in memory of Dasher.
submitted by
Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
|
Memorials
to Fallen K-9s 
