Memorials
to Fallen K-9s K9 MAVERICK
Dec. 2004 - 2011
To whom it may concern,
In Loving Memory of
K9 MIDNIGHT
August 2011
Handler: Detective Donna M. Green
Atlantic City Police Department
Special Investigations Section
2711 Atlantic Ave.
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
609 347-5858
My name is Detective Donna Green from the Atlantic City Police Department. I received information from my Sergeant to contact you regarding my K9’s. I had 2 K9’s in my career as a K9 handler. Both dogs were Narcotic Detection Dogs. I started K9 in 1993 with my dog Samson. Sammy as I called him was a mix of yellow lab & great dane. Sammy served with the department from 1993 to 2003. Sammy was put down in September 2004 for health reasons. I fed him treats and stayed with him until his last breath. That was one of the hardest things I had to do. That same year, 2003, before Samson was put down I trained with a new K9, Midnight, a black lab. Sammy & Midnight were buddies. They actually would train together, before Sammy was put down. Midnight served with the department from 2003 to 2010, when he retired. Midnight enjoyed retirement until August of 2011, when he also had to be put down for health reasons. Both of my K9’s were obtained from an SPCA, and both were great dogs. Thank you for what you are doing, honoring the service dogs.
Feel free to contact me if need be.
submitted by Det. Donna Green
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAXIMUS (SAR- MWD)
December 15, 2011, 6:00 PM
RI State Police Search and Rescue canines
&
Handler: Matthew Zarrella...
The passing of Rhode Island Trooper Sgt. Matthew Zarrella's Search and Rescue K-9 partner Maximus. This team had many searches throught the United States and in other countries. He is one of my trainers and Instructors that I alwauys looked up to and hoped to be successful in finding missing people. If you are sent a picture of K-9 Maximus would be able to make up those Memorial cards. I would be happy to pay for them. They were an awesome team.
I am fowarding a E-mail I got from Andy Rebmann another of my instructors and trainers that I also look up to. Andy is a Retired Connecticut State Trooper also involved in Search and Rescue.
Teammates and friends, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you that on December 15th 2011, at 6:00 PM canine Maximus succumbed to cancer. Despite the best medical treatment available, the cancer which was diagnosed in November was too
far advanced to be stopped.
I found Maximus at a dog pound in Scituate RI in July 2002. That same month, the division adopted him and we immediately began his training in search and rescue and human remains detection.
At one year old Maximus became the youngest K-9 in the history of the division to pass a human remains detection certification.
In 2003, Maximus and I traveled to Vietnam to assist the US Military in the very first attempt since the war ended to use canines to try and detect human remains of US service men left behind after the war. After a two month search mission, Maximus was credited with locating a site containing the remains of one US Air force pilot shot down on July 3, 1966 on the coast line about 15 miles northwest of the city of
Rach Gia in Giang Province, South Vietnam.
In 2005, Maximus traveled with the RI Urban Search and Resuce Team to Mississippi and spent two weeks in the devastated areas searching for
victims of Hurricane Katrina.
In 2007, Maximus traveled to Bolivia South America to assist the US Peace Corps with a search for a missing American Peace Corps worker missing for six years in the
rugged mountains near Lapaz.
During Maximus 10 year career with the division, he conducted over 100 searches and traveled to many locations around the north east US assisting local, state and federal law enforcement agencies with missing person cases. Many of those cases resulted in body searches related to criminal investigations as well as water searches for drowned victims. Maximus was also credited with searching for and locating several live, lost/missing persons which directly resulted in their rescue. During Maximus tenure he held many certifications, including being the first canine in the history of Rhode Island State Police to
be certified in Disaster Search.
Since 2010, Maximus has been a major focus of a new documentary called, "RELIANCE", which is a film about the RI State Police Search and Rescue canines.
Respectfully yours and Merry Christmas,
Matthew
submitted by Sue Keenan
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAKO
December 20, 2011
Handler: Const. Barry Wills
Niagara Regional Police
Ontario Canada
Retired police dog dies
A retired police services dog has died. Niagara Regional Police said Mako, the canine partner of Const. Barry Wills, was euthanized Tuesday as a result of illness. The dog started working with police in 2002 and spent his entire career with Wills. Mako retired from regular patrol duties in 2009 but maintained his status as an active explosives detection dog. Police said his loss is mourned by the service and the Wills family. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
MORE:
On behalf of the Niagara Regional Police Service, Chief Wendy E. Southall regretfully announces the recent passing of Police Services Dog “Mako”.
Mako began service with the Niagara Regional Police Service in 2002 and was partnered his entire career with Cst. Barry Wills. In 2009, Mako retired from regular patrol duties, however he maintained his status as an active Explosives Detection Dog.
Mako was euthanized due to illness on December 20th, 2011.
His loss is mourned by all members of the Service, and the Wills family.
MORE:
Constable mourns the death of his crimefighting canine partner
By Erica Bajer, Standard Staff
When police dog Mako died Tuesday, Const. Barry Wills lost more than just a partner. He lost a friend, and his family lost a loved pet. Wills said his longtime partner Mako, who was semi-retired from the Niagara Regional Police canine unit, had to be euthanized due to debilitating arthritis in his spine. Putting his partner down was one of the hardest things Wills has ever had to do. He stayed with his canine companion until the end. "I know he would never have left me," the constable said, adding Mako always had his back and would have given his life to keep him safe. Wills' son Carson, 10, said Mako had a protective streak. "Whenever we fell down, he'd always check on us," he recalled. Carson and his sister Brenna, 12, said Mako was good at a game most dogs don't know how to play — hide and seek. "He was really amazing," Brenna said. Carson added he would tell Mako to sit, and then he would run off and hide. Before long, the pooch would sniff him out. Sniffing out bad guys was one of Mako's many talents. The pair teamed up in 2002 when the dog was 18 months old. They worked general patrol together — tracking suspects, retrieving evidence and finding missing people — until Mako retired from the frontline in 2009. However, the long-haired German shepherd continued to work part-time in explosives detection, including at the G20 summit in Toronto in 2010. The most important call Mako ever took was a life-and-death search for a missing woman who had been lost for 33 hours. Mako found the unconscious woman in the woods. "I know he saved her life," Wills said, noting the doctor said she would have died had she not been found. "Mako wasn't even with me on a leash, I just let him go and his God-given ability took over." Wills said his time working in the NRP canine unit is the highlight of his 15-year policing career. "That's probably the greatest job there is," he said, noting he'll always cherish the time he spent living and working with the canine crimefighter. The NRP has six full-time canine teams. Wills said Mako was involved in more than 60 incidents that resulted in arrests, the location of evidence or finding missing people. "He was really good at his job and a great partner," Wills said.
ebajer@stcatharinesstandard.ca
The following is a list of highlights from Mako's career with the NRP, provided by his human handler Const. Barry Wills. — Mako tracked a distraught teen not dressed for the elements in -10 C weather for three kilometres. — located a suspect from a violent break-and-enter who had a stun gun. — searched for more than an hour and located a male who had been involved in recent thefts and a police chase. The male went over the wall near the Sir Adam Beck power plant in Niagara Falls and was in a precarious and dangerous location. — on several occasions, located potentially violent suspects involved in domestic incidents. — tracked a man who had robbed a convenience store at gun-point. — tracked a male who had robbed a convenience store with a knife. — tracked three males who entered a yard with the intention of stealing marijuana plants. The homeowner confronted the suspects while wielding a machete and the males fled. — chased three males to an apartment building after they robbed a cab driver. — searched a home and located a man who hid in a small area armed with a knife, allowing officers to approach him safely, aware of his location and knowing he was likely pre-occupied with the barking dog. — the bulk of Mako's captures were from late night break-ins or thefts in residential areas. — he donated blood several years ago to save the life of another NRP dog named Shadow.
In Loving Memory of
December 10, 2011
PO Box 504
WEBSITE - http://www.louisacounty.com/LCsheriff/index.htm
The Louisa County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of one of its K-9 officers. K-9 Maggie died from injuries sustained on Saturday. Maggie was being used in the search for a suicidal person when she was attacked by a pit bull. She was a black and tan bloodhound with six years of service to the community. Her handler was Lieutenant Patrick Sheridan. K9 Maggie was AKC registered, black and tan bloodhound, that came to us from Magpie Kennels in Milford, New Jersey. She has answered over 300 calls for service. In 2010 alone, K9 Maggie had 55 call-outs that varied from trailing a Breaking and Entering suspect to looking for a missing 5 year old child. She also has assisted local, state and federal agencies with cases. Both attended several training seminars a year. Because of her extensive training, K9 Maggie had proven to be beneficial in helping to locate a large amount of marijuana during a narcotics complaint and she helped to identify a suspect that led to an arrest in a Breaking and Entering case. K9 Maggie also had the pleasure of being the star of several demonstrations throughout the County and in neighboring jurisdictions. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA - Painting by: Tracey Klett:
In Loving Memory of
K9 MISTY
May 16, 2011
Handler: Scott Hoglander
RCIPS K9 Unit
Prince George's County Fire/EMS Dept.
Cayman Islands
On Monday May 16, 2011, retired Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Arson Canine "Misty" was laid to rest. Misty served the Department from 1999 through 2006 after completing an intensive six week training program in Maine with her handler Scott Hoglander. They graduated together and were certified by the Maine Criminal Justice System through a scholarship given by State Farm Insurance.
Throughout her career Misty provided assistance on many arson scenes. In addition to her work in Prince George's County, she also responded to assist the following agencies: Office of the State Fire Marshal, Annapolis Fire Department, Anne Arundel County Fire Department, Baltimore City Fire Department, Howard County Fire Department, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, District of Columbia Fire Department and several Fire Departments in Northern Virginia.
Most notably, Misty was instrumental in finding patterns that led to a serial arsonist that was striking the Washington, DC area. Through her training, Misty was able to detect the presence of an ignitable liquid at many fire scenes which was one of many similarities. As a result, a task force was created and a 22 month investigation brought to justice an individual that was responsible for over 300 fires. This collaborative effort was featured on an episode of Forensic Files entitled "Hot on the Trail" in which she appeared. For her work on this case, she was awarded several presentations including a Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Unit Citation, County Council Proclamation and a Special Achievement Award from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Misty, a Labrador Retriever, was 13 years-of-age. Misty was originally a rescue dog in a pound before entering into the ranks of Arson Canine. Throughout her Fire/EMS Department career and after; Misty remained a faithful pet, companion and family member to Scott Hoglander.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
Author: Prince George's County Fire EMS Dept Press Release
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAX
aka Maximus
November xx 2011
County of Orange
Retired OCSD K-9 Max, Loved Police Work to the End of His Life
What does retirement look like for a retired police canine? It started off with a firm hand to me by then Canine Sgt Rob Gunzel transferring ownership of the asset for the County of Orange to me; his only handler in the United States. Maximus would reluctantly adjust to not getting to go to work everyday nor attend weekly canine training. When friends would stop by the house on duty, Max never forgot the trick of being able to open the back door to the patrol car and would get in the back seat and look intently as if to beg, “Please, just one more time!” I had the privilege of working with two great canines during my career with the Sheriff’s Department. After my first canine Jericho passed away suddenly, Investigative Assistant Susan Kindberg and her parents generously purchased Maximus.
Like most retired cops, it is with canines, very hard to get police work out of your blood. Max was always up for some impromptu obedience and bite work training at home. Last year on the day I had Max flown to our new home in Texas, I let him out in the front yard as I was getting something out of my car. I noticed Max looking in the direction of two people walking down our cul de sac. They were unaware we were outside. As they passed in front us, I noticed they were wearing gloves, had flashlights, and were carrying one of my neighbor’s laptop cases. It seemed like a good time to introduce to Max. They laid in the street waiting for the deputies to come and escort them out of our neighborhood. Max was an instant hit on our street!
Maximus continued loving being the center of attention and was always willing to assist in keeping the kitchen floors clean as my young children frequently donated to his cause. He was gentle interacting with visiting adults and children at our home. I was definitely the most fortunate of all who got to know him. He was a hardworking police dog, loyal companion, and became a great neighborhood and family dog. This past weekend, I noticed Max had not finished his dinner which was extremely out of character, and he had trouble standing firmly on the floors in the kitchen that had become his favorite patrol area. I feared this might be signs of something serious, but took him to the Vet hoping it was something minor.
Within an hour, testing revealed liver cancer. The Vet graciously gave our family time to say our “see you later” to Max. When the time had come, I left the room momentarily, put on the bite sleeve, and walked back into the treatment room. Max instantly stood tall and firmly on the floor he earlier had trouble walking on, looked intently at the bite sleeve, and began wagging his tail continually. Max took hold of the sleeve and held on to it wagging his tail until he passed away! On the form then Sgt Gunzel had given to me when Maximus was retired, it stated that I agreed to care for Max and provide a comfortable environment for the remainder of his life. Reporting back to y’all, mission accomplished! Thank you for entrusting Max to my care! submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAX
Estherville, IA 51334
Estherville police K-9 dies
German shepherd succumbs to disease
The Estherville Police Department said farewell far too soon to one of its own on Wednesday, Oct. 5 with the passing of Max, the 100 percent German shepherd officer, who was sworn in by Mayor Lyle Hevern on April 21, 2008. The trained K-9 was born in Czechoslovakia and trained at Brodie's Kennels in Tennessee. He and his handler, Estherville Police Officer Matt Reineke, underwent the final two weeks of training together before the 18-month-old dog moved into the Reineke home and joined the police force. "It was through the generosity of city residents as well as residents from all over Emmet County, including Armstrong and Ringsted, who donated the necessary funds for the purchase of Max at $8,500," said Estherville Police Chief Eric Milburn.
In the three-plus years he was part of the force, Max helped in the confiscation of $59,000 worth of illegal drugs, two vehicles involved in illegal drug activity and $3,500 in cash also from apprehended suspects accused of drug dealing. Milburn said, "The head of the Iowa Great Lakes Drug Task force described our K-9 unit and his handler as a well-oiled professional canine team that possessed impressive and accurate narcotic detection skills." "Max also assisted in looking for missing persons and helped in the apprehension of hidden and fleeing suspects." Reineke added, "Max was a hardworking dog who never quit. He really loved his job."
Milburn commented, "The reputation and work product provided by Officer Reineke and Max were well known throughout Northwest Iowa, amazing drug enforcement officers with their abilities and skill. When Matt and Max said yes, you knew it was there. When they said no, you could focus your investigation elsewhere, saving time and resources." Everything humanly possible was performed to save the canine that was suffering from Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. Milburn said he was hospitalized for five days, had numerous IVs and endured two blood transfusions.
"In the past week, he was attended by Dr. Arlyn Omtvedt and Dr. Lisa Dreeszen whose special care went above and beyond the call of duty. Max also spent a couple of days at the Veterinary Emergency Hospital in Sioux Falls. Everyone did everything possible to save Max but the complications from the disease were too severe." When Max joined the force, he was filling the K-9 position that was vacated by the retiring Cyber. The police department will begin considering whether to initiate a replacement process in the near future to fill this empty spot on the force.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
Estherville police to begin fundraiser for new K-9
October 13, 2011
Estherville Daily News
In the wake of the recent death of the Estherville Police K-9, Max, the police department has decided to honor the fallen K-9 by replacing him with another police dog. Max died on Oct. 5, 2011 from a sudden onset of Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia. The disease attacked Max's red blood cells causing his internal organs to fail.
The police department purchased Max with funds donated by businesses and individuals within Emmet County. Without the help of our community it would have been impossible to purchase Max and will be impossible to purchase another police K-9.
This is the 13th year that the police department has had a K-9 on patrol. In three short years, Max assisted in the confiscation of $59,000 in illegal drugs, $3,500 in cash from suspected drug dealers, and two vehicle confiscations. Having a police K-9 has been great for our community.
Estherville K-9 officer Matt Reineke has been in contact with our police dog supplier, Cindy, at Brodie's K-9 Training Center. Cindy sent her regrets and sympathy in regards to Max's death. She has agreed to give the Estherville Police Department a large discount toward the purchase of a new K-9. Officer Reineke has chosen a 15-month old yellow Labrador retriever, named "Max", that is currently in training. The cost of a new K-9 officer will exceed $5,000.
New "Max" will not be an apprehension-type police dog. He will be trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking of suspects or lost individuals, as well as article searches. The new K-9 will be used on the streets, Estherville Lincoln Central Schools, Iowa Lakes Community College, local businesses, public presentations, and available to the citizens upon request.
The police department has had great success with the K-9 program and would like to ask the assistance of the public in raising funds to make the purchase of a new K-9.
If you are willing or able to make a donation for the purchase of a new K-9 or have questions, Officer Reineke would be available to speak to you, your group or organization.
He can be reached at 712-362-3515.
If you would like to send a donation, you can mail them to:
Estherville Police Department
114 North 6th St. Suite 1
Estherville, IA 51334
Attn: Matt Reineke
In Loving Memory of
MICKEY C
aka: "MIK"
August 29, 2011
Chicago Police Department
https://portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath/About%20CPD/Specialized%20Units/Mounted%20Unit
MORE: Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Police Department - Mounted Patrol Unit
Police Mounted Patrol Horse Michael "Mikey" C.
End Of Watch: 08-29-11
Police Horse Mikey C., 18, lost his life to what appears to have been a seizure while on patrol. Mikey was on his normal beach patrol with his rider/partner Police Officer Paul Casasanto when, at 1400 hrs., Mikey started to buck as if he were spooked by something. Ofc. Casasanto dismounted and tried desperately to calm his partner, but Mikey continued to rear his hind legs. Suddenly, Mikey just collapsed to the ground. Brother Paul tried to get him to stand and Mikey tried but he weakened so very fast. Within moments, Mikey C. took his final breath in the arms of his devoted partner. Standing with tradition, Brother Paul cut a section of Mikey's tail and removed one horseshoe before his partner was removed from the scene. An exact cause of death is not known at this time and I will update once results are final.
Mikey had been providing an integral service to the People of Chicago for seven years. This statuesque 16/1 hands creature had a special grace to him. Before coming to the CPD, Mikey was a race horse. When CPD acquired this horse, he was to be named in remembrance of Chicago Police Officer Michael Ceriale. Ofc. Ceriale was killed by gunfire in the Line Of Duty on August 21, 1998. With intense training, he and his partner Officer Casasanto formed a bond like no other. Working as a team for years, they were more than just rider and horse. They were partners who knew one another so well and though no words needed be spoken, grew to learn how to work in graceful tandem, Saving, Serving and Protecting the people. Along with their patrol duties on the beach, in the parks, and working crowd control, this team worked many community and special events and were a favorite among the citizens. But there was no greater pleasure for them both than to see the joy of a child's smile at the sight of this majestic animal. Mikey will be missed by many, forgotten by few.
Mikey leaves behind his partner Paul and family. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Casasanto family as well as to all the Men and Women of the Chicago PD Mounted Unit, the entire agency and to everyone who had the privilege and the pleasure of working along side this Hero.
Mikey, as you now cross over the rainbow bridge, may you look back with your head held high knowing you made a difference in this world. We thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. We thank you for your life. Job Well Done.
Rest In Peace Police Mounted Patrol Horse Michael "Mikey" C. ... We have the watch from here.
"You left your hoof print on our hearts" ~Nessie~
Mikey is the second Police Horse to lose his life In The Line Of Duty this year of 2011. Please be sure to visit remembrance page of Belmont County S/O Mounted Patrol Horse HANK at this link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
CPD - Mounted Unit: https://portal.chicagopolice.org/portal/
efmeyer@gmail.com
submitted by: Bobby Earl
In Loving Memory of
K9 Capt.Morgan
(ret.) 9-11-01 K9-NYC
July 25, 2011
Handlers: John Frank & Jason Berrang
Dee Morton - Owner
New York City, NY
You won’t hear about this on the evening news, but a hero died today. K9 Capt. (retired) Morgan was one of the first cadaver dogs to reach Ground Zero with her human partners John Frank and Jason Berrang, and her K9 partner Molly and Molly’s human, Doug Sahlberg. They traveled nonstop, lights and sirens going, from Savannah to New York City, answering the call from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for help.
During the long, dark, dangerous days that followed the terrorist attack on New York City in 2001, Morgan took a huge fall in the rubble. John and Jason rushed her to the vet, but no major injury was detected. Morgan went back to work, and continued working even though she did, in fact, have some hidden injuries. Together, the two K9 teams searched for and discovered many human remains. Forensic scientists used these remains to identify victims so that their families could be officially notified. It was hard news for families to get, of course, but some comfort to know their
loved ones had been found.Molly passed away rather suddenly in early 2005. Still on the job, though for a different agency, Molly’s death was almost certainly a result of the toxins at Ground Zero. The police department in Richmond Hill, Ga., held a beautiful memorial service for Molly. Doug Sahlberg, Molly’s owner and handler for so many years, was devastated by her loss. We all mourned for Molly.
Morgan had some trouble adjusting after the horrors of 9/11, and so in 2002, she received early retirement. That also didn’t set too well with Morgan, staying behind while John, Jason and their new dog went out to work. Morgan, however, had built up some very good karma. Dee Morton, a friend of John’s and of Morgan, was able to adopt Morgan and let her just be a dog. Dee was exactly what Morgan needed, and the two became much more than best friends. They were family. Dee took care of Morgan, and Morgan took care of Dee.
Lynnette Spratley <lynsprat@yahoo.com>
In Loving Memory of
K9 MILLY
June 26, 2011
Handler:
United Kingdom Metropolitan Police Department
Two Police dogs die after being trapped in car during sweltering heat
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAKO
Handler: Sgt. Troy Hanenkratt
Independence, MO 64050-3013
(816) 325-7300
WEBSITE - http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/IPD/Default.aspx
Independence police lose K9 officer
MORE:
KC Veterinarians Care for Dogs on Duty BY: Jen Nigro
When Police Sergeant Troy Hanenkratt and his dog “Mako” hit the streets of Independence, MO anything can happen. Hanenkratt has been a member of the Independence Police Department for 17 years with “Mako” at his side for nearly five. They are one of five K-9 Units on patrol in the city. It’s a strenuous job that requires constant training even before dog and handler become partners. “The dogs undergo roughly three or four months of training then we go through a one-month handler course with the dog to learn how to interact and pick up on each others’ cues,” says Hanenkratt. Once together, these teams continue to train once a week, three times a month. “We’ll do narcotics searches using cars or buildings; we work on tracking for people; we do article searches where we look for items.” The dogs, four German Shepherds and a Belgian Malinois, are all dual-purpose dogs, meaning they are trained to sniff out drugs or explosives as well as perform patrol work like finding an item used in a crime.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
May 16, 2011
Handler: Officer Mike Bockheim
Kentwood Police Department
4742 Walma Avenue Southeast
Kentwood, MI 49512-5220
(616) 698-6580
WEBSITE - http://www.ci.kentwood.mi.us/cityhall/Departments/police.asp
In dog years, Mel, a retired Kentwood Police K-9 officer, was over 90 years old. This weekend Mel died from a combination of old age and illness. "Found out he had Lymphoma cancer," says Officer Mike Bockheim, Mel's owner and former handler on the force. Mel retired from the Kentwood Police Department 3 years ago after 10 years of notable service. "He got respect and attention right away," says Officer Bockheim. Since leaving the department he's been the Bockheim family pet, strictly a stay at home dog doted on by Mike, wife Melissa and their 3 daughters.
"We just smothered him with love," says Officer Bockheim. "He slept with us, slept next to Mike," says Melissa . "Followed him wherever he goes." A week ago the family noticed Mel was moving more slowly. Their veterinarian had bad news. "He said it was pretty dire and it wouldn't last much longer," recalls Mike. "That was Saturday. Sunday Mel got really sick and that was pretty much it. We brought him to the emergency clinic and had him put down." Mel is now gone, but family members say they still find themselves looking and listening for him.
"I can hear his paw prints walking on the stairs and stuff," says middle daughter Logan. "You come home and he's right there barking at the door," says Mike's wife Melissa. "And he's not there." Mel first came to the Bockheim family 13 years ago when he was barely more than a puppy. Mike trained him to be a police dog. "He was a quick learner," he says. Considering the vigorous, dangerous work they do, K-9 officers don't always reach the ripe old age of 13. That's a lot of dog years. The family says the veterinarian told them it's a tribute to how well they cared for Mel and cared about him. "How much we loved him," says MIke. "He was basically my best friend. He protected me and the family loved him." submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
