Decorated Broomfield K-9 team wished fond
farewell
By Joe Rubino Camera Staff
Writer
Posted: 12/01/2010 08:55:32 PM MST
Broomfield officer Jason
Collins gives his police
dog, Nik, a hug during a
farewell ceremony Wednesday.
(David Jennings)
BROOMFIELD -- The police department said
goodbye to two longtime crime fighters
Wednesday.
Officer Jason Collins and his police dog,
Nik, an 8-year-old German shepherd, are
leaving the force this week after working
together for six years. Collins originally
joined Broomfield police in 2000 and served
on the department's patrol division before
making the move to the K-9 division in 2004.
The partners are moving to Rapid City,
S.D., where Collins will join the police
department and Nik will retire from service.
Collins' wife recently took a position as an
assistant U.S. attorney in Rapid City.
In Broomfield, Collins and Nik were
awarded a Medal of Valor by the National
Police Canine Association for their role in
the apprehension of four men suspected of
breaking into cars in January 2009. Collins
was nearly killed when he glanced off a
fleeing car containing two of the suspects
but was able to hinder their escape by
shooting out one of the vehicle's tires
while diving out of the way. Nik helped
track and apprehend two of the suspects who
fled on foot.
"I'm very proud to say that Jason and Nik
are the most decorated K-9 team we've ever
had in Broomfield," Police Chief Tom Deland
said at a farewell ceremony Wednesday.
Deland said the pair has received 25
commendations over the last six years and,
noting that police dogs and their handlers
are on call 24-7, he applauded Collins'
dedication to his work.
"It's a huge commitment, and for Jason to
do it as long as he has demonstrates his
commitment to the Broomfield Police
Department," Deland said.
Collins fought back tears when he
addressed the crowd of about 75 people.
"It was the best experience of my life,
and I appreciate it," he said.
Collins' dad, Doug Collins, said he was
grateful for Nik.
"I didn't want (Jason) to be a cop ...
but I was happy when he told me he was going
to do K-9," Doug Collins said. "I was happy
because that dog has protected him now for
almost seven years."
Dogs and handlers from the Thornton,
Commerce City, Arvada and Brighton police
departments and the Adams County Sheriff's
Department were in attendance at the
farewell ceremony.
"We just want to support our fellow K-9
officer," said Commerce City officer Mark
Douglas, who brought his 4-year-old dog,
Cobra, with him Wednesday.
Collins said that while Nik is retired
from service, he plans to take the energetic
pooch out on Rapid City's police-dog
training course every chance he gets.
"It's going to be hard to retire him
because he's still got so much puppy in
him," he said.
Read more:
Decorated Broomfield K-9 team wished fond
farewell - Boulder Daily Camera
http://www.dailycamera.com/broomfield-news/ci_16754622#ixzz175e7Dki9
DailyCamera.com
Decorated Broomfield K-9 team wished fond
farewell
By Joe Rubino Camera Staff
Writer
Posted: 12/01/2010 08:55:32 PM MST
Broomfield officer Jason
Collins gives his police
dog, Nik, a hug during a
farewell ceremony Wednesday.
(David Jennings)
BROOMFIELD -- The police department said
goodbye to two longtime crime fighters
Wednesday.
Officer Jason Collins and his police dog,
Nik, an 8-year-old German shepherd, are
leaving the force this week after working
together for six years. Collins originally
joined Broomfield police in 2000 and served
on the department's patrol division before
making the move to the K-9 division in 2004.
The partners are moving to Rapid City,
S.D., where Collins will join the police
department and Nik will retire from service.
Collins' wife recently took a position as an
assistant U.S. attorney in Rapid City.
In Broomfield, Collins and Nik were
awarded a Medal of Valor by the National
Police Canine Association for their role in
the apprehension of four men suspected of
breaking into cars in January 2009. Collins
was nearly killed when he glanced off a
fleeing car containing two of the suspects
but was able to hinder their escape by
shooting out one of the vehicle's tires
while diving out of the way. Nik helped
track and apprehend two of the suspects who
fled on foot.
"I'm very proud to say that Jason and Nik
are the most decorated K-9 team we've ever
had in Broomfield," Police Chief Tom Deland
said at a farewell ceremony Wednesday.
Deland said the pair has received 25
commendations over the last six years and,
noting that police dogs and their handlers
are on call 24-7, he applauded Collins'
dedication to his work.
"It's a huge commitment, and for Jason to
do it as long as he has demonstrates his
commitment to the Broomfield Police
Department," Deland said.
Collins fought back tears when he
addressed the crowd of about 75 people.
"It was the best experience of my life,
and I appreciate it," he said.
Collins' dad, Doug Collins, said he was
grateful for Nik.
"I didn't want (Jason) to be a cop ...
but I was happy when he told me he was going
to do K-9," Doug Collins said. "I was happy
because that dog has protected him now for
almost seven years."
Dogs and handlers from the Thornton,
Commerce City, Arvada and Brighton police
departments and the Adams County Sheriff's
Department were in attendance at the
farewell ceremony.
"We just want to support our fellow K-9
officer," said Commerce City officer Mark
Douglas, who brought his 4-year-old dog,
Cobra, with him Wednesday.
Collins said that while Nik is retired
from service, he plans to take the energetic
pooch out on Rapid City's police-dog
training course every chance he gets.
"It's going to be hard to retire him
because he's still got so much puppy in
him," he said.
Read more:
Decorated Broomfield K-9 team wished fond
farewell - Boulder Daily Camera
http://www.dailycamera.com/broomfield-news/ci_16754622#ixzz175e7Dki9
DailyCamera.com
The holiday season had already been
difficult for Houston County sheriff’s
deputy Justin Hall -- his K-9 partner,
Nico, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, had
been missing for a week. On Christmas
Day, he received a call from his wife’s
grandmother, who told him that the dog
had returned. Then, three minutes later,
she called back -- his dog had been shot
dead.
Special To The Telegraph —
Nico, Houston Sheriff's K-9
Hall declined to give details about what
happened Christmas Day, citing an
ongoing investigation by the Bibb County
Sheriff’s Office, which he said he
didn’t want to disrupt. According to a
Bibb County sheriff’s report, Hall’s
wife’s grandparents, Liz and Guy
Jackson, were hosting their son Edward
and his daughters when Nico appeared on
the back porch and tried to attack him.
The son went back inside and the dog
went next door, back to Hall’s home.
The report said when the Jacksons
came out of the house, the dog came
charging at them chasing them back into
the house.
Edward Jackson told his parents that
he had to get his children back to their
mother by 2 p.m. and went back outside
to load his truck, the report said. The
dog then charged at him and he shot the
dog, dragged it next door to Hall’s
house, and drove off.
Bibb County sheriff’s Capt. Mike
Smallwood said the case remains under
investigation.
No charges have been filed.
Edward Jackson “is claiming
self-defense,” Smallwood said.
Guy Jackson said Tuesday that Nico
was acting viciously that day, charging
at him, his wife and Edward several
times.
“The dog attacked (Edward),” he said.
“He was a vicious dog. He came running
straight at him. Before that, I had gone
to the door to see what was going on,
and he came straight at me.”
Attempts to reach Edward Jackson on
Tuesday weren’t successful.
Guy Jackson said his son felt like he
was under pressure to get his children
back to his ex-wife.
“Our son said he had a time limit to
get them back to his ex-spouse,” he
said. “In hindsight, (waiting for Hall)
might have been the wise thing to do.
But the dog was really charging, trying
to hurt him.”
Hall had been working with Nico for
about a year, he said. He took over
Nico’s care after his former partner,
who had trained the dog since he was a
puppy, left the Houston County Sheriff’s
Office.
Hall said Nico was trained as a
narcotics dog and was one of the most
gentle police dogs he had ever
encountered.
“He was not trained to do any
attacking,” Hall said. “His only purpose
was to detect narcotics. That was the
only way he was employed.”
Hall said Nico had never been
involved in any violent incidents
before; in fact, of the county’s five
K-9 officers, Nico was often selected to
participate in public demonstrations
because he didn’t have to be muzzled.
Hall said he often left his toddler son
with Nico, and never had any problems.
Guy Jackson said he didn’t recall any
previous aggressive incidents with Nico
against his family.
“He always stayed (at Hall’s house),”
he said. “He was like any other dog. But
he was a mad dog the other day. He was
trying to get you -- to hurt you.”
Hall’s former partner first acquired
Nico when he was an officer with the
Warner Robins police department. When he
switched jobs and became a deputy, he
took Nico with him. Personal
circumstances didn’t allow his former
partner to keep Nico, so the dog went
with Hall instead.
“With a dog like that, when you put
that much training into him, you want
him to do what he is trained to do,”
Hall said.
Hall said he didn’t keep track of the
number of arrests for which Nico was
responsible, but he thinks it was
several dozen. He said a man whom Nico
helped bust for meth recently got a
10-year sentence.
Hall said he was cleaning out Nico’s
kennel Dec. 18 when some stray dogs were
walking nearby along the street. Nico
immediately gave chase to the strays and
Hall was unable to catch Nico before he
made it to some nearby woods, where he
lost track of him.
Hall said he contacted Macon animal
control officials and told them to
contact him in case any dog was turned
in.
On Christmas Day, Nico made it back
to Hall’s home on Nowell Road West about
1:30 p.m. A few minutes later, Nico was
dead.
“There’s a lot of people in jail
because of him,” Hall said. “He put a
lot of bad people in jail for a long
time. ... I’m just hoping justice will
be served.”
To contact writer Phillip Ramati,
call 744-4334.
Read more:
http://www.macon.com/2010/12/29/1391809/houston-drug-dog-killed-on-christmas.html#ixzz19VKhEglN
The holiday season had already been
difficult for Houston County sheriff’s
deputy Justin Hall -- his K-9 partner,
Nico, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, had
been missing for a week. On Christmas
Day, he received a call from his wife’s
grandmother, who told him that the dog
had returned. Then, three minutes later,
she called back -- his dog had been shot
dead.
Special To The Telegraph —
Nico, Houston Sheriff's K-9
Hall declined to give details about what
happened Christmas Day, citing an
ongoing investigation by the Bibb County
Sheriff’s Office, which he said he
didn’t want to disrupt. According to a
Bibb County sheriff’s report, Hall’s
wife’s grandparents, Liz and Guy
Jackson, were hosting their son Edward
and his daughters when Nico appeared on
the back porch and tried to attack him.
The son went back inside and the dog
went next door, back to Hall’s home.
The report said when the Jacksons
came out of the house, the dog came
charging at them chasing them back into
the house.
Edward Jackson told his parents that
he had to get his children back to their
mother by 2 p.m. and went back outside
to load his truck, the report said. The
dog then charged at him and he shot the
dog, dragged it next door to Hall’s
house, and drove off.
Bibb County sheriff’s Capt. Mike
Smallwood said the case remains under
investigation.
No charges have been filed.
Edward Jackson “is claiming
self-defense,” Smallwood said.
Guy Jackson said Tuesday that Nico
was acting viciously that day, charging
at him, his wife and Edward several
times.
“The dog attacked (Edward),” he said.
“He was a vicious dog. He came running
straight at him. Before that, I had gone
to the door to see what was going on,
and he came straight at me.”
Attempts to reach Edward Jackson on
Tuesday weren’t successful.
Guy Jackson said his son felt like he
was under pressure to get his children
back to his ex-wife.
“Our son said he had a time limit to
get them back to his ex-spouse,” he
said. “In hindsight, (waiting for Hall)
might have been the wise thing to do.
But the dog was really charging, trying
to hurt him.”
Hall had been working with Nico for
about a year, he said. He took over
Nico’s care after his former partner,
who had trained the dog since he was a
puppy, left the Houston County Sheriff’s
Office.
Hall said Nico was trained as a
narcotics dog and was one of the most
gentle police dogs he had ever
encountered.
“He was not trained to do any
attacking,” Hall said. “His only purpose
was to detect narcotics. That was the
only way he was employed.”
Hall said Nico had never been
involved in any violent incidents
before; in fact, of the county’s five
K-9 officers, Nico was often selected to
participate in public demonstrations
because he didn’t have to be muzzled.
Hall said he often left his toddler son
with Nico, and never had any problems.
Guy Jackson said he didn’t recall any
previous aggressive incidents with Nico
against his family.
“He always stayed (at Hall’s house),”
he said. “He was like any other dog. But
he was a mad dog the other day. He was
trying to get you -- to hurt you.”
Hall’s former partner first acquired
Nico when he was an officer with the
Warner Robins police department. When he
switched jobs and became a deputy, he
took Nico with him. Personal
circumstances didn’t allow his former
partner to keep Nico, so the dog went
with Hall instead.
“With a dog like that, when you put
that much training into him, you want
him to do what he is trained to do,”
Hall said.
Hall said he didn’t keep track of the
number of arrests for which Nico was
responsible, but he thinks it was
several dozen. He said a man whom Nico
helped bust for meth recently got a
10-year sentence.
Hall said he was cleaning out Nico’s
kennel Dec. 18 when some stray dogs were
walking nearby along the street. Nico
immediately gave chase to the strays and
Hall was unable to catch Nico before he
made it to some nearby woods, where he
lost track of him.
Hall said he contacted Macon animal
control officials and told them to
contact him in case any dog was turned
in.
On Christmas Day, Nico made it back
to Hall’s home on Nowell Road West about
1:30 p.m. A few minutes later, Nico was
dead.
“There’s a lot of people in jail
because of him,” Hall said. “He put a
lot of bad people in jail for a long
time. ... I’m just hoping justice will
be served.”
To contact writer Phillip Ramati,
call 744-4334.
Read more:
http://www.macon.com/2010/12/29/1391809/houston-drug-dog-killed-on-christmas.html#ixzz19VKhEglN
The holiday season had already been
difficult for Houston County sheriff’s
deputy Justin Hall -- his K-9 partner,
Nico, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, had
been missing for a week. On Christmas
Day, he received a call from his wife’s
grandmother, who told him that the dog
had returned. Then, three minutes later,
she called back -- his dog had been shot
dead.
Special To The Telegraph —
Nico, Houston Sheriff's K-9
Hall declined to give details about what
happened Christmas Day, citing an
ongoing investigation by the Bibb County
Sheriff’s Office, which he said he
didn’t want to disrupt. According to a
Bibb County sheriff’s report, Hall’s
wife’s grandparents, Liz and Guy
Jackson, were hosting their son Edward
and his daughters when Nico appeared on
the back porch and tried to attack him.
The son went back inside and the dog
went next door, back to Hall’s home.
The report said when the Jacksons
came out of the house, the dog came
charging at them chasing them back into
the house.
Edward Jackson told his parents that
he had to get his children back to their
mother by 2 p.m. and went back outside
to load his truck, the report said. The
dog then charged at him and he shot the
dog, dragged it next door to Hall’s
house, and drove off.
Bibb County sheriff’s Capt. Mike
Smallwood said the case remains under
investigation.
No charges have been filed.
Edward Jackson “is claiming
self-defense,” Smallwood said.
Guy Jackson said Tuesday that Nico
was acting viciously that day, charging
at him, his wife and Edward several
times.
“The dog attacked (Edward),” he said.
“He was a vicious dog. He came running
straight at him. Before that, I had gone
to the door to see what was going on,
and he came straight at me.”
Attempts to reach Edward Jackson on
Tuesday weren’t successful.
Guy Jackson said his son felt like he
was under pressure to get his children
back to his ex-wife.
“Our son said he had a time limit to
get them back to his ex-spouse,” he
said. “In hindsight, (waiting for Hall)
might have been the wise thing to do.
But the dog was really charging, trying
to hurt him.”
Hall had been working with Nico for
about a year, he said. He took over
Nico’s care after his former partner,
who had trained the dog since he was a
puppy, left the Houston County Sheriff’s
Office.
Hall said Nico was trained as a
narcotics dog and was one of the most
gentle police dogs he had ever
encountered.
“He was not trained to do any
attacking,” Hall said. “His only purpose
was to detect narcotics. That was the
only way he was employed.”
Hall said Nico had never been
involved in any violent incidents
before; in fact, of the county’s five
K-9 officers, Nico was often selected to
participate in public demonstrations
because he didn’t have to be muzzled.
Hall said he often left his toddler son
with Nico, and never had any problems.
Guy Jackson said he didn’t recall any
previous aggressive incidents with Nico
against his family.
“He always stayed (at Hall’s house),”
he said. “He was like any other dog. But
he was a mad dog the other day. He was
trying to get you -- to hurt you.”
Hall’s former partner first acquired
Nico when he was an officer with the
Warner Robins police department. When he
switched jobs and became a deputy, he
took Nico with him. Personal
circumstances didn’t allow his former
partner to keep Nico, so the dog went
with Hall instead.
“With a dog like that, when you put
that much training into him, you want
him to do what he is trained to do,”
Hall said.
Hall said he didn’t keep track of the
number of arrests for which Nico was
responsible, but he thinks it was
several dozen. He said a man whom Nico
helped bust for meth recently got a
10-year sentence.
Hall said he was cleaning out Nico’s
kennel Dec. 18 when some stray dogs were
walking nearby along the street. Nico
immediately gave chase to the strays and
Hall was unable to catch Nico before he
made it to some nearby woods, where he
lost track of him.
Hall said he contacted Macon animal
control officials and told them to
contact him in case any dog was turned
in.
On Christmas Day, Nico made it back
to Hall’s home on Nowell Road West about
1:30 p.m. A few minutes later, Nico was
dead.
“There’s a lot of people in jail
because of him,” Hall said. “He put a
lot of bad people in jail for a long
time. ... I’m just hoping justice will
be served.”
To contact writer Phillip Ramati,
call 744-4334.
Read more:
http://www.macon.com/2010/12/29/1391809/houston-drug-dog-killed-on-christmas.html#ixzz19VKhEglN
In Loving
Memory of
K9 NITRO
December 22, 2010
Handler: Officer Barry Delamarter
Springfield Police Department
130 Pearl
Street
Springfield, MA 01105
Non-emergency matters: 413.787.6302
The Springfield Police Department is mourning the
loss of two of the force's K-9 dogs. Sergeant John
Delaney told 22-News that one of the dogs, Nitro,
died December 22 from an infection in the lungs.
Nitro was partnered with Officer Barry Delamarter
and spent 9 and a half years with Officer Delamarter.
Both worked with the "Street Crime Unit." The other
dog, Justice, died on December 28 after being
diagnosed with malignant tumors. Justice was
partnered with Sergeant Charles "Tony" Howard. They
were also assigned to the "Street Crime Unit." Both
of the dogs helped police find lost children and the
elderly. They also tracked-down suspected criminals.
Sergeant Delaney said that both dogs were an
important part of the Springfield Police Department.
Delaney said the last time the police department
lost a K-9, the public offered donations to replace
the dog. K-9 dogs are expensive and are specifically
trained for police work.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 NICO
December 25,
2010
Handler: Sheriff’s Deputy
Justin Hall
Bibb County Sheriff's Office
1201
Franklin St. #12
Houston, TX
ph: 713 755.5300
Hall declined to give
details about what happened Christmas Day, citing an
ongoing investigation by the Bibb County Sheriff’s
Office, which he said he didn’t want to disrupt.
According to a Bibb County sheriff’s report, Hall’s
wife’s grandparents, Liz and Guy Jackson, were hosting
their son Edward and his daughters when Nico appeared on
the back porch and tried to attack him. The son went
back inside and the dog went next door, back to Hall’s
home. The report said when the Jacksons came out of the
house, the dog came charging at them chasing them back
into the house. Edward Jackson told his parents that he
had to get his children back to their mother by 2 p.m.
and went back outside to load his truck, the report
said. The dog then charged at him and he shot the dog,
dragged it next door to Hall’s house, and drove off.
Bibb County sheriff’s Capt. Mike Smallwood said the case
remains under investigation. No charges have been filed.
Edward Jackson "is claiming self-defense," Smallwood
said. Guy Jackson said Tuesday that Nico was acting
viciously that day, charging at him, his wife and Edward
several times. "The dog attacked (Edward)," he said. "He
was a vicious dog. He came running straight at him.
Before that, I had gone to the door to see what was
going on, and he came straight at me." Attempts to reach
Edward Jackson on Tuesday weren’t successful. Guy
Jackson said his son felt like he was under pressure to
get his children back to his ex-wife. "Our son said he
had a time limit to get them back to his ex-spouse," he
said. "In hindsight, (waiting for Hall) might have been
the wise thing to do. But the dog was really charging,
trying to hurt him." Hall had been working with
Nico for about a year, he said. He took over Nico’s care
after his former partner, who had trained the dog since
he was a puppy, left the Houston County Sheriff’s
Office. Hall said Nico was trained as a narcotics dog
and was one of the most gentle police dogs he had ever
encountered. "He was not trained to do any attacking,"
Hall said. "His only purpose was to detect narcotics.
That was the only way he was employed." Hall said
Nico had never been involved in any violent incidents
before; in fact, of the county’s five K-9 officers, Nico
was often selected to participate in public
demonstrations because he didn’t have to be muzzled.
Hall said he often left his toddler son with Nico, and
never had any problems. Guy Jackson said he didn’t
recall any previous aggressive incidents with Nico
against his family. "He always stayed (at Hall’s
house)," he said. "He was like any other dog. But he was
a mad dog the other day. He was trying to get you -- to
hurt you." Hall’s former partner first acquired Nico
when he was an officer with the Warner Robins police
department. When he switched jobs and became a deputy,
he took Nico with him. Personal circumstances didn’t
allow his former partner to keep Nico, so the dog went
with Hall instead."With a dog like that, when you put
that much training into him, you want him to do what he
is trained to do," Hall said. Hall said he didn’t keep
track of the number of arrests for which Nico was
responsible, but he thinks it was several dozen. He said
a man whom Nico helped bust for meth recently got a
10-year sentence.Hall said he was cleaning out Nico’s
kennel Dec. 18 when some stray dogs were walking nearby
along the street. Nico immediately gave chase to the
strays and Hall was unable to catch Nico before he made
it to some nearby woods, where he lost track of him.
Hall said he contacted Macon animal control officials
and told them to contact him in case any dog was turned
in. On Christmas Day, Nico made it back to Hall’s home
on Nowell Road West about 1:30 p.m. A few minutes later,
Nico was dead. "There’s a lot of people in jail because
of him," Hall said. "He put a lot of bad people in jail
for a long time. ... I’m just hoping justice will be
served."
To contact writer Phillip Ramati, call 744-4334.
Read more:
http://www.macon.com/2010/12/29/1391809/houston-drug-dog-killed-on-christmas.html#ixzz19VKhEglN
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 NITRO
November 12, 2010
Handler: Deputy Brent
Harris
Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office
312
S.W. First Ave. # 124
Kelso, WA 98626-1740
PH: 360.577-3092
WEBSITE -
http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/sheriff/
The Cowlitz County sheriff's office lost
one of its own Friday when "Nitro," the
department's longtime K-9 dog, was put to
sleep. The 12-year-old German Shepherd was
euthanized Friday due to health problems,
Sheriff Mark Nelson announced Friday
afternoon. Nitro's handler, master and
friend, Deputy Brent Harris, was with Nitro
when was he put down, as was Harris' wife,
Julie. Nitro was born in 1998 and joined the
sheriff's office in 2000, purchased with a
$5,000 donation from the Longview-Kelso
Kennel Club.
He quickly went to work assisting
officers in tracking suspects and responding
to scenes that were sometimes inaccessible
or too dangerous for officers. K-9 dogs live
with their handlers and develop close ties
to them and their family. "Nitro and I have
a special bond," Harris said in a 2002
interview. "He would do anything for me and
I would do anything to protect him. ... He's
like one of my kids." In 2002, first
graders at Beacon Hill Elementary raised
$800 to help buy Nitro a bulletproof vest,
key for avoiding the knives and bullets that
often kill police dogs. Among Nitro's many
successes was a 2003 Kelso case where the
dog was used to chase a man who had crashed
a stolen motorcycle and then fled on foot.
Nitro found the man hiding under a truck,
according to the Daily News archives. In
2008 Nitro helped apprehend a would-be metal
thief in Longview. The man charged at and
hit a security guard and Nitro was brought
in to help. Nitro found and fought with the
suspect, helping prevent his escape. "Nitro
was a tremendous asset to this agency, as
well as the community," Nelson said. "This
is a hard time for the Harris family, as
well as us here at the Sheriff's office. He
was a great dog." In recent years Nitro
enjoyed "the life of a retired deputy" at
the Harris house after hip problems forced
his retirement, Nelson said. Harris was
assigned a new K-9 named Fritz, and while it
took a while for Nitro to adjust to
relinquishing his place in Harris' patrol
car, the two dogs eventually got along fine.
In addition to Fritz, the department also
has a narcotics detection dog named Annie.
submitted by Jim Cortina,Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 NERO
Nov. 16, 2010
Handler: Deputy Alan Keller
Miller County Sheriff’s Office
Street: 2300 East
Street
Texarkana, AR 71854-8023
Phone: (870) 773-6286
Nero, Miller
County K-9 officer, dies
Nero, a Miller
County Sheriff’s Office canine who served for the
last eight years, has died. “He was a good dog,”
said his handler and partner, Deputy Alan Keller.
The Belgian Malinois joined the sheriff’s department
in 2002, Keller said. Nero lived in Keller’s home
and preferred sleeping inside to his kennel. His
calm disposition was unusual for a police dog.
Nero’s gentle demeanor made him safe for
demonstrations around children and at training. Nero
was trained to protect Keller and find drugs.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 NIKO
September 22, 2010
Handler: Officer Pete Paranzino
Portland Police Department
Portland Buck-Foreman
Community Building
Portland, CT
860-347-2541
WEBSITE -
http://www.portlandct.org/policedept/policeindex.htm
I
regretfully inform all, that today I had to make the awful
decision to put my partner, K9 Niko, down. He recently
developed a very aggressive tumor in his neck and I just
learned that it was pushing his windpipe to the side. All of
this took only one month to develop. But in true working dog
fashion he never showed any signs of not wanting to work.
Niko was only 7 years old and was just as spirited today as
when I picked him up 6 years ago. I have been actively
involved in the K9 world for 14 years. Niko was my second
dog. The transition to becoming just an ordinary police
officer will be hard. I only have 2 years left until
retirement and be assured that it will not be the same. I
will miss every aspect of what it means to be a K9 handler,
even all the dog hair in my car! There are too many people
to thank for all the help and support over the past 14
years. By God's grace and mercy I will enter the next
chapter of my life knowing that He does all things well.
Peter Paranzino
Portland Police Department
Portland, CT
more: copied from Portland PD Website:
|
The Portland Police Department K-9 Unit had its
inception in 1990 while working under the
Connecticut State Police Resident Trooper Program.
The unit started with Officer Scott Cunningham and
K-9 "Arrow" and was the first municipal police
department K-9 team to be trained while under the
Resident Trooper Program.
Arrow faithfully served the Town of Portland
until December of 1996. In December of 1996, Officer
Peter Paranzino and K-9 "Caleb" graduated from the
training program and continued where Cunningham and
Arrow left off. Caleb also faithfully served the
Town of Portland until his retirement in 2004. As
Caleb was leaning towards retirement, Officer
Paranzino began training his soon to be successor,
K-9 "Niko." Niko came to the Portland Police
Department as an 11-month old out of the country of
Slovakia. Because he was so young, this training
began with the detection of narcotics. At 16 months
old, Niko was certified in narcotics detection by
the North American Police Work Dog Association.
Niko then continued training towards a
certification as a patrol dog, which was
successfully obtained at about two years of age.
Since Niko began serving the Town of Portland, he
has had several successful narcotics finds along
with the usual duties of protecting Officer
Paranzino. Niko has also been successful in
"tracking" and has "gotten his man" on many
occasions.
Niko is a very friendly dog and loves to show
off in front of his fans at area demonstrations. The
K-9 team has also become an important link in the
safety and security of our local students as schools
are randomly searched for narcotics with the
complete support of our schools' administrators and
the Board of Education. |
submitted by Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 NATAN
August 14, 2010
Handlers:
Officer Johnny Freeman
&
Officer DeWayne Eickenhorst
Tomball Police Department
400 Fannin Street
Tomball, TX 77375-4618
(281) 351-5451
WEBSITE -
http://www.ci.tomball.tx.us/police/index.html
Police, community pays tribute to fallen canine
The families of Tomball Police officers DeWayne Eickenhorst and
Johnny Freeman, the handlers of police canine Natan, came
forward at an Aug. 24 memorial service for the canine who passed
away Aug. 14. Each family was presented plaques commemorating
Natan's life. From left: Ashley Wolk, Sam Wolk, Benjamin Wolk,
DeWayne Eickenhorst, Claudine Eickenhorst, Betty Young; the
Tomball Police honor guard; Johnny Freeman III, 9; Johnny
Freeman, Rebecca Freeman, and Madeline Freeman, 6.
To some, he was
only a dog. But to his handler-partners, their families, and the
members of the Tomball Police Department, Natan was a loyal
partner, a friend and a trusted, fearless companion. At a
memorial service held outside the police station Aug. 24, the
community came to honor Natan’s life and, Police Chief Rob Hauck
said, Natan’s “loving spirit, playful demeanor, his dedication
to service and his unconditional love.” Law enforcement
officials, including fellow canines, came to the service to pay
respects to the working dog who died suddenly in his sleep Aug.
14 at the home of Officer Johnny Freeman.
Natan’s other handler-partner was Officer DeWayne Eickenhorst.
Natan was born Dec. 25, 2004, and served the department for
nearly five years. He was Tomball’s first police canine. In his
career with the department, he served in many assignments
including patrol, narcotics and community outreach programs.
Hauck said officers who have been in a dangerous situation, come
face-to-face with someone hoping to take an officer’s life,
truly understand that a partner like Natan is precious. “Think
of those you trust the most, and even them, at some point, maybe
you’ve doubted if you can trust them,” Hauck said. “You never
doubt that relationship with a canine. They have no fear.”
Police chaplain Gary Crowe, who has spoken at one other police
canine service in his tenure, said a prayer of thanks that each
person at the service got to be a part of Natan’s life, and that
Natan got to be a part of theirs. The Eickenhorst and Freeman
families were given plaques commemorating the German Shepherd’s
life. The plaques featured photos of each officer with Natan,
and an anonymous poem titled Guardians of the Night. Flowers
were laid at a memorial marked by a blue and white bone-shaped
wreath made out of carnations and a poster of Natan with his
handlers.
The ceremony ended with an end of watch broadcast, an obituary
read over the department’s frequency, stating that Natan’s
police badge would be retired. Additionally, Natan will have a
memorial brick in his honor at the Houston Humane Society
shelter. Hauck said while the department is likely to get
another canine, the possibilities have not yet been discussed so
a timeframe is uncertain. There are several factors to consider,
he said, including what kind of canine to purchase: narcotic,
tracking, or dual purpose, from whom to purchase the canine, and
if and when the department can make the training commitment.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
more:
Goodbye to Our Fallen Canine Partner, "NATAN - End of watch
8/14/2010
The
Tomball Police Department
is sad to announce that Narcotic Canine (K9) Natan passed away
on Sat. 8/14/10 in his sleep at the home of his partner/handler
Officer Johnny Freeman. His cause of death is unknown at this
time, though an autopsy is pending.
Natan served 5 yrs with the Tomball PD and was the first ever K9
within the organization. He will be deeply missed by his
partner/handlers, Officers Johnny Freeman and Dewayne
Eickenhorst and their families); police department personnel;
and the countless members of the community he served with honor
and dedication during his tour of duty.
The Tomball PD will hold a
memorial service for Natan @ 6 PM on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010, on
the steps of the City Hall, 401 Market St.
In Loving Memory of
K9 NERO
August 17, 2010
Handlers: Det. Donald Bowman & Det. Chris Garland
cgarland@ci.murray.ky.us
Murray Police Department
407 Poplar St.
Murray, KY 42071-2539
Ph: 270.753.1621
WEBSITE
-
http://www.murrayky.gov/police/index.htm
Nero dies after 7
years of service
The Murray Police Department’s K-9
unit, Nero, is pictured at Murray Central Park last August during
the 2009 Crime Awareness Day. Nero died this week at the age of 10
after seven years with the department.
The Murray Police Department reported Tuesday
that Nero, the department's drug-sniffing dog, had died. “It is with
great sadness that the Murray Police Department announces the death
of K-9, Nero,” said Sgt. Tracy Guge in a written statement. “Nero
served as the Murray Police Department's only narcotics detection
and passive tracking K-9 for seven years.” Guge said Nero was
obtained in 2003 through funding provided by the Pennyrile Narcotics
Task Force and was originally assigned to Detective Donald Bowman.
Bowman picked Nero from K-9 trainer Von Liche Kennels in Peru, Ind.
After Bowman transferred to Kentucky State Police, Nero was assigned
to Detective Chris Garland.
Both the handler and Nero went through an extensive three-week
police K-9 training. Since the time he was purchased, Nero worked
not only in the Murray area, but other locations in western Kentucky
with agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration and KSP. Nero's
career consisted of highway drug interdiction work, search warrants,
school searches and demonstrations for a wide variety of civic and
school organizations. He was 10 years old. “Nero's service has made
a positive impact in out community, as well as those around us.”
Guge said. “His service and ability will be greatly missed.”
UPDATE:
MPD K-9 unit Nero dies after 7 years of
service - By Staff Report
The Murray Police Department reported
Tuesday that Nero, the department's drug-sniffing dog, had died.
“It is with great sadness that the Murray Police Department
announces the death of K-9, Nero,” said Sgt. Tracy Guge in a
written statement. “Nero served as the Murray Police
Department's only narcotics detection and passive tracking K-9
for seven years.”
Guge said Nero was obtained in 2003 through funding provided by
the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force and was originally assigned
to Detective Donald Bowman. Bowman picked Nero from K-9 trainer
Von Liche Kennels in Peru, Ind. After Bowman transferred to
Kentucky State Police,
Nero was assigned to Detective Chris Garland.
Both the handler and Nero went through an extensive three-week
police K-9 training. Since the time he was purchased, Nero
worked not only in the Murray area, but other locations in
western Kentucky with agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement
Administration and KSP. Nero's career consisted of highway drug
interdiction work, search warrants, school searches and
demonstrations for a wide variety of civic and school
organizations. He was 10 years old.
“Nero's service has made a positive impact in out community, as
well as those around us.” Guge said. “His service and ability
will be greatly missed.”
MORE:
The Murray Police
Department K-9 unit consists of one patrol dog, Nero. Nero is a
Dutch Shepherd. The canine, along with handler Officer Chris
Garland, received training and certification through Vohne Liche
Kennels in Denver, Indiana. Nero is used in many capacities,
such as searching buildings, vehicles, and schools, and tracking
individuals.
If you would like to contact Nero or Officer Garland, you can
e-mail them at cgarland@ci.murray.ky.us or call the Murray
Police Department at (270) 753-1621.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory
of
K9 NORM
May 28,2010
Handler:
NORM
(SAR)
From Rescue to Service Dog
United States of America
I recently had to put my best
friend and companion Norm down;
he was 14 yrs old and I guess a
misfit from the start. A person
bred a Black Lab to sell the
puppies. When they were born,
the litter had 11 pups, but 2
were not Lab. They looked like
German Shepherds. The neighbor
beside these people had a
pedigree German Shepherd.
The humans decided the 2
Shepherds were "not sellable"
and did nothing to care for
them: no shots, no worming, and
even moved the 2 "misfits" from
the mama's nipples till all the
sellable pups were full. I
rescued Norm and 4 days after I
got him he developed maternal
Parvo because the humans
removing him from the breast
milk stopped him for getting
protection from his mother.
I was faced with a decision.
Because of life's circumstances,
I was very poor at that point
and could not immediately pay a
large bill. The vet said he
would accept $10 a month because
I was such a good customer for
30 years and he knew I would pay
the bill. After a week in the
hospital my little buddy came
home very sick, but alive and on
the road to recovery. That
started a 14-year-companionship
of love.
Over the next few years I was
given a diagnosis for a
condition that has no cure. I
was going to loose the use of my
hands, arms and legs. I would
end up as I am today, in braces
with artificial joints and
bones. Before this happened,
Norm was trained as an
assistance/service dog by
trainers from K-9 Cops, Military
and myself. He was a quick
learner.
Norm was so good at what he did
that when I started having deep
muscle breakdown from my
illness, Norm was trained to
sniff out the area before it
became a serious problem. I have
had 9 surgeries on my legs or
feet totally because a dog
sniffed, sat and alerted
something was wrong. The first
time the orthopedic surgeon said
he was very uncomfortable doing
deep muscle surgery based on a
dog's opinion, but with my
instance, he did the first
exploratory surgery and Norm was
right.
Fact is, Norm was always right.
For the next 14 years, as I got
worse and was often recovering
from surgery, Norm was my hands
and helper. He could get the
phone, open the door, pick-up
bandages and put them in the
trash, pick up my medicine
bottles, but the most important
thing he did was give me life.
I write this for all to read
because we often forget what an
animal can do for a human and
what a human can do for an
animal. I saved Norm from Parvo
and he saved me back.
There are no words to express my
grief and loss.
I think what Norm deserved was
life, but what he would want all
to know is he had a very good
life. He had a job and as much
love as any person and dog can
share. He had a friend who, when
it came down to it, put Norm
above all else.
Remember Norm when you think
about getting an animal. You
never know what the little
sickly rescued pup will turn out
to be.
Give them love and share your
life. In the end there will be
much pain and sadness, but there
is also the story, like Norm's
story, full of richness and life
because of a simple act of
rescue.
If you choose, please note this
story, just for Norm and all
those alone humans and animals
whose life can be so changed
when they are just put
together.
I Love you Norm, I always will.
In
Loving Memory of
K9 NUX
2010
Handler: Officer
Mike Onka
Independence
Police Department
He was
man's best friend and defender
Independence Police Officer Mike Onka with his partner Nux. Nux
apprehended 174 criminals during his career which ended in 2006
when he was injured in the line of duty.
If dogs
had batting averages, Nux would have been Albert Pujols. The
Independence canine, who began his impressive career with the
department’s K9 unit in December 2002, recently passed onto a
better place, his name soon to be affixed to the granite marker
at the K9 headquarters east of the city. Nux’s handler and
owner, Mike Onka, has also moved on – but not from Nux, the
elite German shepherd who struck fear into the hearts of
criminals and admiration from those men who lived and worked
with him, but job positions.
He is now a uniformed patrol officer. “Nux wasn’t much of a
social dog,” Onka said. “ He was intense. I think he wanted only
one friend, and he chose me.” In his jeep were Nux’s remains. In
a matter of days, his ashes will be placed inside an urn and
given to Onka – the man who knew him, trained him, and nursed
him best. In fact, he was one of the last canine’s to be fully
trained by the unit, a practice that was abandoned for cost
reasons.
Before
Nux was injured in February 2006, he responded to 1,256 general
K9 calls, 687 narcotic searches, 329 narcotic discoveries, and
569 patrol searches (looking for bad guys). When it was over,
Nux caught with the swiftness of his legs and the power of his
jaws 174 criminals – easily a .300 batting average. “Those
numbers are pretty good,” Onka said. “ Nux got a lot of the good
calls.” But that February four years ago, Nux got the call that
would inevitably end his career.
Onka and
other officers responded to a call of a man who stole a car from
a parking lot. The man avoided capture after police pursued him
and, taking refuge in a house, eventually emerged and ran around
it, jumping off a retaining wall. Nux followed. “He managed to
get his leg in mid-air, but the fall hurt Nux pretty badly,”
Onka said. “Even with the back injury he suffered, he still held
on to his foot. He wouldn’t let go. They’re trained to not let
go.”
Department-trained or not, the German shepard comes to
departments nationwide with an inherent desire for play and
pursuit. When units choose dogs (Nux was purchased from North
Coast Canine in Sandusky, Ohio), they look for tell-tale signs
that spell good police dogs.
“You have to look for certain characteristics,” he said. “The
dog has have to have that drive, that determination. They have
to be willing to exhaust themselves.”
Each dog has to first have the inherent instincts for play,
defense and prey, skills that are improved as time goes on. But
each term doesn’t necessarily mean what it implies. Play means
seeking out drugs, which is taught during the four to five month
training period by soaking chew toys in drug scents; defense
means learning the skills necessary to achieve the proper
offensive tactic without sacrificing its own safety; and prey –
the ability to pursue and pursue well.
Nux had all those attributes, and more so. He was an aggressive
dog, certainly not like some of the others who could be
unleashed at an elementary school and bounce through the crowd
like a movie star. There was simply nothing he wouldn’t do, Onka
said. When he was injured, Onka did what he could with him, but
the injury to his spinal cord was too significant. Shortly after
the injury, Onka supervised an intensive recovery process,
getting up every hour on the hour and walking him.
Later that year Onka requested that he allow Nux to retire. Onka
plans on having a ceremony, something small, to remember him.
His name will be etched on the granite marker outside the unit.
It will join names of several other dogs that have served
throughout the years. Formed in 1991, the K9 Unit of
Independence is the social center for canines throughout the
Kansas City area. It’s also the training center (there’s an
obstacle course out back) and gathering place for the handlers
and owners.
It’s a
remote complex for the five Independence dogs and others, built
on a dead-end road south of Independence Power and Light.
On a recent Thursday night, several officers gathered for
routine training. Inside their idling cruisers, the hounds
barked and jumped. Their names are usually five letters or less,
and each name conveys power: Mako, Angus, Vito, Zar, Dax. There
was also Eurich, Blue Springs’ own dog. On this day, Dax was
having some difficulty locating some crack that was hidden in
one of the sedans the unit uses for practice.
Onto the
front seat, Dax paws and sniffs and grunts. Then into the back
seat, back and forth like a tennis ball trapped in a small metal
box.
“He’s having a bit of trouble,” Bob Unruh said, watching the dog
wildly search the interior. Unruh is with the Blue Springs
Police Department K9 Unit, one of many departments that are
beginning to see the importance of police dogs. Within the next
couple of months, another officer/handler – Weston Kendall, and
dog – will join the department. The unit is supervised by Sgt.
Don Rapp.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Unruh said. “It will help.”
Meanwhile, the officers stand around, talking shop, talking
dogs. “You give ‘em warnings,” one officer said. “You tell these
guys, I got the dog, I will release him, so what’s it going to
be?” Another officer laughs, but then backs off serious. “I give
‘em more than the three required warnings – I do. I don’t want
to do it, but some guys...it’s like they don’t care or they
think they can fight ‘em off.” “You get those,” another officer
said. “They’ll punch at the dogs, or try and poke their eyes
out, whatever.”
Once Dax finishes the search (the drugs were in the backseat arm
rest), another dog begins. Officer Frank Bunny, who’s been with
the unit almost 12 years, said regular practice is essential.
“Sometimes they’re into it, sometimes they’re not,” he said.
“But it’s important to run them through on a regular basis.” The
unit’s supervisor, Troy Hanenkratt, who’s been the supervisor
since 2006, said dogs maintain peak performance for about seven
years, but it depends on injuries, too. The passing of Nux was
anticipated as they heard his conditioned worsened. Most of the
officers expect it, but it’s still a surprise when it happens.
“We’ll have a little ceremony for him,” Hanenkratt said. “Just
with the guys here.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 NIKO
April 30, 2010
 
Handler: Const. Dave Karsin
Winnipeg Police Service
730 Pandora Ave. West
R2C 1N1
Winnipeg Manatoba, Canada
204-986-3864
Police
bomb-sniffing dog dies while getting tooth fixed
A six-year-old female Belgian
Malinois who was trained to sniff out bombs for the Winnipeg police
passed away recently, said officers. During a routine medical
procedure to address a cracked abscessed tooth, the dog, named Niko,
reacted negatively to the anesthetic and passed away, police said on
Friday. Niko was trained as a specialty explosive detector dog in
2005 and at the time of her passing she was expected to remain an
active member of the police service for the next five years, police
said. Sgt. David Bessason with the Winnipeg Police Service K9 unit
spoke about the emotional bond officers form with their four-legged
counterparts. "When that handler goes to work, he spends 10 hours
with that dog," Bessason said. "He actually spends more time with
his K9 partner than he does with his actual family members, so it's
really devastating and it's a bond that, unless you are a handler
with that dog, you can only relate to." Two other fully trained dogs
will take over Niko's duties in the K-9 unit, said police. She and
her partner, Const. Dave Karsin, had worked together for one year.Submitted by Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
MORE
ABOUT NIKO
Six-year-old Niko,
of the Winnipeg
Police Service
canine unit, died
April 28 after a bad
reaction to
anesthetic she
received when she
was treated for an
abscessed
tooth." It's like
losing a part of the
family... that
special bond. Until
you've been there
and experienced it,
it can't be
described," said
Patrol Sgt. Dave
Bessason, head of
the canine unit." A
dog like that is one
in a million."
Bessason said Friday
the close-knit unit
was devastated by
Niko's death. "It's
one thing to have a
pet. It's another
thing to have a dog
who not only is part
of your family at
home, but you
spend... 50 hours a
week with that dog
at work. So you
actually spend more
time with your
service dog than you
do with any part of
your family, whether
it's your wife, (or)
it's your kids," he
said. It's only the
second time in the
unit's 39-year
history an active
service dog has
died. In the early
1990s, a service dog
named Raider died
from a stomach
ailment. Niko wasn't
your typical police
dog. For one thing,
the Belgian Malinois
was a she. Of the 13
dogs who work in the
canine unit sniffing
out drugs, bombs or
suspects, the
25-kilogram dog was
one of only three
females.
She was definitely a
looker, known for
her constantly
perked ears and
soulful dark eyes.
Niko was also
enthusiastic. In
2005, shortly after
she hit the streets
with police, she
split her tail from
vigorous wagging.
"She was so happy
and so intense, that
she actually split
the end of her
tail," Bessason
said. "Her whole
passion was work."
The tail wouldn't
heal so it was
docked. But Niko's
enthusiasm didn't
wane. She was
happiest sniffing
out explosives that
endangered people.
When working, her
little stump of a
tail would wiggle
intently as she
sniffed out
explosives. Niko was
often at Richardson
International
Airport sniffing
luggage, planes and
carry-on goods to
make sure they were
safe. Her social
personality set her
apart from other
police dogs. They
are trained to work,
not be cuddly pets,
but that couldn't
stop her friendly
demeanor. "When
she's searching,
she's committed to
the task. But when
she was out there,
whether going to and
from a search,
people could come up
and pet her," he
said.
Niko was born in the
canine unit's
breeding program in
2004, alongside six
siblings who now
work for police in
Calgary, Regina and
Plymouth, Minn. She
was trained by a
now-retired officer
and had worked with
her current partner,
Const. Dave Karsin,
for about a year. A
13-month-old named
Dante will take her
place. Bessason said
he'd like to bury
Niko's body next to
her father, Buddy,
and mother, Cinder
Senior, both of whom
were police dogs.
There's a dedicated
burial ground
planned for police
service dogs at the
canine unit's new
kennel, though the
location is kept
secret. "They
deserve it," he
said. "That dog is
willing to sacrifice
itself for you in
the street."
gabrielle.giroday@freepress.mb.ca
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