In Loving Memory of
K9 BOSS
October 27, 2013
Handler: Deputy Shane Jones
Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office
123 5th Ave
Okanogan WA, 98840
Sheriff’s K-9 deputy Boss died Oct. 17 after undergoing emergency surgery last week. Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Joe Somday said the 3-year-old German shepherd suffered from “flipped stomach,” a condition that mostly
affects large, deep-chested dogs. The condition involves the stomach flipping over itself, cutting off the flow of food
to the intestines and sometimes cutting the blood supply to the stomach and pinching nerves. Chief Criminal Deputy
Dave Rodriguez said the dog, handled by deputy Shane Jones, underwent surgery with Brewster veterinarian Mike Isenhart.
Boss was trained in narcotics detection. Somday said the dog likely will be replaced. A trained drug-sniffing dog,
deputy training, certification and other costs could run to $10,000, he said. Donations will be accepted for
the K-9 program. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BUDDY BOY
October 11, 2013
K9
Handler: Charles Barnett
charles barnett
Oklahoma Mounted Search and Rescue
This is a pic of Buddy Boy SAR K9. I had him for almost 14 years. He was one of the best K9s I ever had. He loved to
train and play hide and seek was one of his favorite games. He will forever be in my heart and on my mind and will
live in the other K9s i train. Following in his foot steps is Scout a black mouth cure and Ruby a blood hound.
Buddy passed on 10-11-13 My dogs and I now belong to Oklahoma Mounted Search and Rescue.
I am currently the lead K9 handler. submitted by Charles Barnett
In Loving Memory of
K9 BARUK
December 24, 2013
Handler: --
Newberry County deputies Office
520 Wilson Road
P.O. Box 247
Newberry, SC 29108
Police dog dead after hit by car
Newberry County deputies said the companion dog of a law enforcement dog is back home, but the canine is dead
He was hit by a car Monday. Deputies had been trying to help get the word out about the missing dogs after
they got out from their Duck Bill Road home's property after a tree fell on the fence. Deputies said the
dogs belonged to the Newberry County resident who works for the Batesburg-Leesville Police Department.
The companion dog eventually returned home, but the missing police dog, a black German Shepherd who
answered to the name Baruk, was found dead late Tuesday morning by a resident. Deputies said he was
hit by a car Monday night in the Blacksgate Subdivision off SC Hwy 391 near Lake Murray, but he
ran off into the woods.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BOK
December 16, 2013
1st Handler: Officer Plunkett
2nd Handler: Officer C. Morgan
Albertville Police Department
201 South Broad Street
Albertville, Alabama
Albertville police dog dies
Albertville lost a good buddy on December 16. He was a loyal friend and companion. Police dogs are known for
their tough exteriors and gruff demeanors but Bok, of the Albertville Police force, often displayed that side
of his personality while working. Bok was a great K9 officer. Bok was retired last February after 12 years
of service. He will be missed by his K9 Officer C. Morgan and Bok's former handler, Officer Plunkett.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
MWD BRIT DO59
Birth Oct. 1999 - Retired Nov. 2010 - Died Dec.2013
11 years of Service
Handlers:
SSgt. Pensyl, SSgt. Lewis & SSgt Navarrete
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BOSCO
December 10, 2013
Handler: Patrolmen Jeremy Busby
McAlester Police Department
PO Box 388
McAlester, Oklahoma 74502
Popular K-9 served police, churches has died
McAlester police officer Jeremy Busby holds a poster used in connection with presentations he and his
German Shepherd, Bosco, made at churches around Oklahoma. Bosco, a retired police dog from the
McAlester Police Department, remained with Busby after leaving the force.
Bosco, the Wonder Dog, the scourge of criminals and the friend of children, is with us no more. Bosco’s owner
and handler, McAlester Police Patrolmen Jeremy Busby, said Bosco had to be put to sleep last week because
of a rare, debilitating illness that left him unable to walk. Although he retired from the police department
in 2007, Bosco continued to serve the community. Following the German Shepherd’s retirement, Bosco and Busby
presented programs at a number of churches and schools over the past six years, not only in the McAlester area,
but also as far away as Broken Arrow.
The two had spent nearly a decade together and officer Busby is obviously saddened at the loss of his canine
companion, who lived to be nearly 12 years old. They first started working together in 2004. Busby became
Bosco’s primary handler in 2005, earning his state certification for the K-9 Detection Team that September.
Busby said during the three years Bosco worked for the McAlester Police Department, he sniffed out a
lot of drugs. “In the three years we ran him, he found approximately 500 pounds of marijuana, 10 pounds
of methamphetamine, several ounces of cocaine and $45,000 in cash,” Busby said.
The canine detected the cash because it had the scent of drugs on it, Busby said. Busby said Bosco
occasionally made mistakes, but so do people. “All in all, he was a great K-9. He was very successful,”
Busby said. While some German Shepherds are docile, Bosco tended to be more on the hyper side and it
took a strong hand to control him, the officer said. Bosco became the center of a dispute between Busby
and the city of McAlester in 2007. Jim Lyles, police chief at the time, suspended the city’s police dog
program after Busby’s attorney filed a suit in federal court alleging that the city failed to adequately
compensate Busby for the many off-duty hours the officer had spent caring for the dog.
Lyles said at the time the added expense of paying for the dog’s care hadn’t been budgeted and he didn’t
think the program was worth the added expense. Busby’s lawyer, Oklahoma City attorney James Moore,
had said he didn’t think the expense was a valid issue. “First, the seizures made with the dog allow the
city and county to also seize property, such as cars and houses that are used to traffic drugs,” Moore
had said. “The city gets part of the proceeds from these seizures and forfeitures, so the canine is actually
a money-maker for the city.” In a case reported by the News-Capital on Feb. 18, 2006, Bosco sniffed
out 205 pounds of marijuana after police pulled over a driver on the George Nigh Expressway.
Police said then that the marijuana had a street value of $205,000. Members of the McAlester City
Council in office in November 2007 decided to settle the lawsuit for $29,000 and also gave Bosco to
Busby as part of the settlement. They also gave Busby the small building that had served as Bosco’s dog house.
Bosco had been housed at the Renegar Animal Hospital since that September after Lyles had suspended the
city’s drug dog program. Busby said the lawsuit was not about money, but about giving him a legal right to
have input as to what would happen to Bosco if the police program ended. Busby said he had heard
about plans to have Bosco sent back to South Carolina.
“I’m glad Bosco gets to come home, and I’m glad they’ve got this settled,” Busby said in 2007. Busby
and his wife, Tiffany Busby, along with their children, Kylee and Kord, considered Bosco a part of
their family. Although Bosco retired from the police department in 2007, he began working with Busby
during presentations at church programs to demonstrate faith in God. Busby said God had taken the
dog from him for a time, a reference to when the dog had to be housed at Renegar’s during the dispute
with the city. “He took the dog away and He gave the dog back to me,” Busby said.
The officer said he then received an inspiration on how the two could continue working together. “I wanted
to show how our lives should work for Christ,” Busby said. He used three key words in his presentations:
Love, obedience and reward. “Bosco had to have love for me to develop this relationship,” Busby would tell
the church gatherings, often consisting of children and youth groups. Because of that love, Bosco would obey
him, Busby said during the presentation. For obeying Busby, Bosco would be rewarded with praise and his
favorite toy. “I wanted to show them that Christ loved us so much, he died on the cross for us,” Busby said.
“That makes us want to obey Christ. “We receive our reward through eternal life with Christ in heaven,”
Busby said. At the end of the program, Busby said he would let all the children pet Bosco, who always
acted friendly toward his young admirers. “The only kids I had to watch were the babies,” Busby said,
referring to the smallest toddlers. “He liked them so much he wanted to lick them.” After arriving in
the United States as a pup, Bosco had been trained at the Cross Creek Training Academy in Edgefield, S.C.,
where he underwent training on patrol and tracking.
He also learned to detect the odors of 12 different narcotics, including some prescription drugs.
When the McAlester Police Department acquired the dog, officer Kevin Bishop had been his primary
handler, a job Busby took over about a year later. Watching Bosco and Busby work together, it became
obvious they had a special affinity. They even shared the same birthday, with Busby born on Jan. 25, 1972,
and Bosco born on the same day in 2003. Busby said he discovered he and Bosco shared the same birthday
when he found the canine’s original shipping papers. “I thought, ‘This was meant to be,”’ Busby said.
“This was my sign it was going to work.” During his time with the MPD, Bosco made a lot of friends on the force.
“We appreciate his service for the department and we have sympathy for officer Busby and his family
for their loss,” McAlester Police Chief Gary Wansick said Friday. “Whenever you have a loss like that,
it’s difficult for the entire family, because police dogs become family members.” After his years of work
and play, Bosco had developed a rare condition, finally diagnosed at Oklahoma State University.
Dr. Ewell Center, of the Kiamichi Veterinary Clinic, said the condition is known as fibrotic ossifying myopathy.
Center said the condition is seen in German Shepherd working dogs, and there have only been 20 to 25
cases diagnosed in the United States. “The tendons and muscles become damaged and are replaced with
almost bone-like tissue that doesn’t allow for normal range of movement,” Center said. Like a number of
others, Center had gotten to know Bosco over the years. “He was always an excellent patient,” Center said.
“You could tell there was a real connection between him and his handler. “He was a special animal.”
It’s a sentiment echoed by Busby, who was with Bosco when he breathed his last breath, peacefully going
to sleep. “He had a full life,” Busby said. “I’m very proud of the accomplishments we had.
“He was a very good dog.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BARON
November 25, 2013
Handler?
Essex Police Department
@EssexPoliceUK Sad death of police dog Baron
FALL FROM ROOF – EUTHANIZED
Police dog dies after falling from roof during training exercise
Police dog Baron was put to sleep after a fall from a roof.
Police dog Baron, a five-year-old old German shepherd, has died following a training exercise with his handler.
The canine cop, pictured, was working at a disused building in Danbury on yesterday (Monday, November 25)
when he fell from a flat roof. He was injured and immediately taken to a vet but had to be put to sleep.
A spokesman for the force said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy were currently being reviewed.
Baron's handler and family are understandably very upset. Baron has been paired with his police officer
partner for the past four years and together they have made many arrests.
Superintendent Steve Johnson said: "As a former member of the dog unit myself, I know the strong bond between
a police officer and his dog. “Whilst they are working dogs they also become a close and important
member of the police officer's family. This is a very sad occasion.” Essex Police today confirmed an
investigation has been launched into the circumstances that led to Baron’s untimely death. Two police dogs
died after they were locked in a car with the windows closed at a Met training centre in June 2011.
The animals - a Belgian Malinois called Chay and a German Shepherd puppy named Tilly —
died when temperatures soared to 29C.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
MORE:
The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are currently being reviewed.
Baron's handler and family are understandably very upset. Baron has been paired with his handler for
the last four years and while working together they have made many arrests.
Supt Steve Johnson said: "As a former member of the dog unit myself, I know the strong bond between
a police officer and his dog. Whilst they are working dogs, they also become a close and important
member of the police officer's family. This is a very sad occasion
In Loving Memory of
K9 BRUIN
November 5, 2013
 
Handler: Officer Scott Pearl
Portsmouth Police Department
3 Junkins Avenue
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Portsmouth police mourn death of K-9 Bruin
Portsmouth police K-9 Bruin has died after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Portsmouth police officer Scott Pearl and K-9 Bruin join other police dogs and handlers for training
earlier this summer. Bruin has died after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
One of the city's two police dogs, a German shepherd named Bruin, died from cancer Tuesday, said Police Chief Stephen DuBois. Mourning bunting hung from the front of the police station on Wednesday, with a photo of Bruin and his police handler Scott Pearl. Bruin was diagnosed with terminal cancer in August and, said DuBois, continued to work through some pain. As the dog's condition grew worse, the police chief said, the “tough decision” was made to end his suffering. K-9 Officer Pearl was at Bruin's side, he said. “When Bruin was at work, he switched on and was good and productive,” said DuBois. “But it got too much, too fast.”
Bruin joined the city police force just over two years ago, after the sudden death of K-9 Wess from an intestinal disorder in January 2011. He has responded with Pearl to armed robberies, assaults, burglaries, prowlers and people running from crime scenes, police said. He also assisted with searches, SWAT calls, foot patrols, parades and in public demonstrations, according to police. Bruin's illness was announced during an August meeting of the Police Commission, when Pearl and Bruin were recognized for tracking and apprehending suspects accused of stealing from cars parked in the area of Beechstone Apartments on May 23.
In a letter of commendation, DuBois said one of the men fled the scene into some adjacent woods and Pearl released Bruin to pursue him. “Within seconds, scaling dense vegetation and large rocks, Bruin tracked and apprehended the suspect,” DuBois wrote. “Because Bruin obeyed every command issued, the suspect was taken into custody uninjured.” The police chief said the alleged thieves “were prepared to meet resistance with force, if necessary,” with brass knuckles, knives and a handgun found in their alleged getaway car. DuBois also noted that stolen items, surveillance equipment, tools for breaking and entering, heroin and prescription drugs were also tied to the suspects.
DuBois said his department is now “giving Scott some space,” before a decision is made whether there will be a memorial service “and what that would look like.” When K-9 Wess died Jan. 18, 2011, at the age of 5, he was mourned by a large contingent of police officers from across New England during an emotional ceremony at the Elks Lodge. The Police Department also announced in August that Novel Iron Works of Greenland donated $7,500 toward the selection, purchase and training of a new police K-9. Novel Iron Works owner Holly Noveletsky told the Herald at the time that her father, Ralph, was also supporter of the Working Dog Foundation, which conducts police dog programs from its headquarters at Pease International Tradeport. With that donation, the department bought another Shepherd, which Pearl named “Steel,” said DuBois. That dog has been working with Pearl and Bruin and is in the process of being certified, the police chief said. Titan, the city's second police K-9, and also a German shepherd, joined the force in 2009 and is teamed with officer Eric Kinsman.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BINKY
October 19, 2013
Handler: Cpl. Amanda McGruder
Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department
201 Habersham St
Savannah, GA 31401
Metro Police: Saddened By Death Of K-9 Officer
A Belgin Malinois who helped start the existing Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department Canine unit has died. Binky, known for his superb sniffing ability and veteran of hundreds of arrests, died Saturday at the home of his original partner and handler Cpl. Amanda McGruder and his Metro replacement Djieno, on Saturday. He had been living with McGruder and Djieno since his retirement in 2009. He was 14 years old. His passing was sad for the many Metro police officers who worked with and behind him, said Acting Police Chief Julie Tolbert: "Police dogs quickly earn their respect from the officers who come to depend on them," she said.
"We call them a ‘force multiplier' because they add another layer of resources for us, but they also are co-workers to many officers and partners and to their handlers who become closely attached to them. We feel for Cpl. McGruder and mourn the loss of such a valued colleague." Binky began working with the Savannah Police Department canine unit when it was established in 2001 and retired as a member of the Metro department after eight years of service. He had accumulated more than 330 arrests, had been called out for 210 tracks and performed 172 searches for evidence, 820 for narcotics and 207 building searches.
The death was particularly painful for McGruder, who admitted she spoiled Binky. "He wanted for nothing," she said, "including doggie ice cream he got on his birthday every year. His death was just surreal for me." At his retirement, he was recognized for various captures, including one where he found a man under water in Bryan County after catching a scent from air bubbles and diving into a swamp to drag out the burglary suspect. "Binky was the smartest police canine that I have ever seen," said Sgt. Eric Dukarski, supervisor of the Canine Unit. "Everything that we tried to teach him, he would pick up on it so fast. It was amazing to watch him work. Cpl. McGruder loved that dog very much and I know he will be greatly missed."
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BRITTA
October 5, 2013
Handler: Sgt. James Anntonelli
Danbury Police Department
375 Main Street
Danbury, CT 06810
In Loving Memory of
K9 BARRY
September 23, 2013
Handler: Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Antcliff
Genesee County Sheriff's Department
1002 S Saginaw St
Flint, Michigan
Police dog remembered as hard-working, loyal member of Genesee County Sheriff's Department
After nearly 8 years of serving as a Genesee County Sheriff's Department K9 officer, 13-year-old Barry is remembered as a serious and hardworking partner by his handler. Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Antcliff said he got Barry, a German shepherd dog, in the fall of 2002 and continued to work with him until February 2010, when Barry was retired. Barry continued to live with Antcliff until he noticed his former partner was getting tired and it was his time to go. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, Antcliff took his partner to Fohey Veterinary Clinic in Clio for the last time. "He was just getting old and tired." Antcliff said.
"He got banged around a little here and there, and he had a really great life span for a working dog." Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said he followed Barry throughout his entire career. Pickell said Barry was cross trained, meaning he was a drug dog and a tracking dog. He said he saw how effective he was, and how some of the department's biggest drug busts happened because of Barry. "He would go into a house and he would find drugs in places a human being would never think to look in," Pickell said. When Barry was working, there was no play, Pickell said, he would start on a track and he was completely focused on what he was doing.
When a Genesee County Sheriff's deputy takes on a K9 partner, they don't just work together -- they live together as well. Antcliff said even after Barry retired he served as a mentor to Antcliff's new K9 partner Uzi. He said Uzi is now reaping the benefits of the experiences he had with Barry. "Barry probably lived as long as he did because of the younger guy living here," Antcliff said. "They had a lot of fun playing in the back yard." The day Barry was put down, K9 officers from around Genesee County who knew Barry gathered at the Clio Police Department to pay their respects. Pickell said Barry may not have been the most friendly dog, but most everyone got to know him.
Antcliff said Barry could be a handful, but he was always a hard worker and loyal partner. "I know he is running around raising hell right now," Antcliff said. "I'll guarantee it." Barry was born and raised in Hungary, where he went through rigorous training before he was purchased and brought to the Genesee County Sheriff's Department. "The training is pretty intense," Pickell said. "All of the K9 handlers have one thing in common -- they all love their animals, they become their partners."
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
K9 Name not released.... so placing under B for Bahamas
Royal Bahamas Police Force
August, 2013
Police Dog Dies From Heat In Van 8/22/13
A German Shepherd dog owned by the Royal Bahamas Police Force died from heat stress on Monday after being found in the back of a van. In view of the incident, animal rights activists are calling for a full investigation into the matter. Jim Crosby, a canine aggression expert at the Bahamas Humane Society, said the dog was brought “into the clinic near death” after being found in a van where it is believed he stayed for more than a day. When the dog’s temperature was recorded 35 minutes later, his temperature was 110 degrees. The normal temperature for dogs is between 101 to 102 degrees, Mr Crosby said, adding: “His temperature was enough to basically fry him. It causes brain failure and organ failure. He obviously died from heat stress. There were no injuries and his death could’ve been completely preventable.” Mr Crosby said
Police Force officials know who is responsible for the dog’s death and that person could have performed criminal negligence. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BEAR
July 11, 2013
Handler: Deputy Nare
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
200 Clark Dr.
Fultonville, NY 12072
He was a member of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department for almost a decade. On Thursday, retired K-9
Deputy Bear, passed away. Bear joined the sheriff's department in 2003. He spent his career alongside
his partner, Deputy Jason Nare, until his retirement in 2012. During his time with the sheriff's department,
Deputy Nare and Bear tracked and found drugs, locating thousands of dollars worth of narcotics which resulted
in dozens of arrests. They also did hundreds of local demonstrations, touching thousands of citizens
within Montgomery County. Later in Bears career Deputy Nare and K-9 Bear became certified by NAPWDA,
a National K-9 Organization, for certifying K-9 teams. Bear was 11-years-old.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
MK9 BEYCO
June 17, 2013
Handler: Joe Kelly Sturm
U.S. MARINE K9
Kentucky
Canine Iraq Marine honored after stellar career
A decorated Iraq War veteran will be remembered during a memorial service tomorrow, with complete military honors.
The Marine Corp Sgt. is credited for saving countless lives, even though she stood on four legs not two.
"I told her it would be alright that I'd see her one day again and that it would be ok," says Joe Kelly Sturm.
Sgt. Beyco's last handler spoke with WDRB at Veteran's Park in Jefferston town. He and his beloved
German Shepherd spent many nights here walking the trails. The streets Beyco spent her military career
on were far less safe. "More firefight combat in the first more searching for explosives in the second," says Sturm.
The Iraq War vet served two tours from 2005 to 2008. She logged 3,200 combat search hours, sniffed out 6 IEDs
and found 6 armed insurgents, one wearing a suicide vest hiding in a canal. "She was a soldier, a K-9 soldier
a marine and a hero," he says. In 2011 it was time for her to retire. Sturm stumbled upon a Facebook message
and the next thing he knew he was driving her home from North Carolina. "She became a normal dog
probably 6 months, 7 months and she realized she didn't have to work anymore," says Sturm.
The pair spent 19 months together. They traveled with the Patriot Guard, paying tribute to fallen heroes,
like Bardstown Police Officer, Jason Ellis. Beyco had the ability to offer comfort during times of grief.
On June 17th she lost a battle she could not win. "I had no clue what was going to happen that day.
That I'd go to the vet and by 9:30 I'd be covering her with the American flag and kissing her, saluting her,"
he says. Cancer had spread through her body. "She was alive and on the table so hopefully she heard me,"
says Sturm. Joe Sturm, is keeping Beyco's remains close. "She'll rest with me," he says. Finally rest, for
a tireless servant. Not just a military dog, but a Marine till the very end. "She's worthy of and deserving
of as a Marine and a K-9 veteran of the United States of America," he says.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BERRY
July 12, 2013
Handler: Officer Jason Parker
Terre Haute Police Department
17 Harding Ave
Terre Haute, IN 47807
website - http://www.terrehaute.in.gov/departments/pd
Special services for local K-9
The Terre Haute Police Department says goodbye to one of their police canines.
Berry, the police canine, died of natural causes not too long ago. His handler, Jason Parker, works as
the Seelyville Town Marshall.
The team helped out the Terre Haute Police Canine Unit whenever they needed.A special ceremony was
held earlier this afternoon. The canine served for more than four years helping to fight crime.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BRAD
February 4, 2007 - July 6, 2013
Handlers: Corporal Mark Matthews (deceased)
& Officer Tony Durham
Hinesville Police Department
123 E M.L.King Jr.Dr.
Hinesville, GA 31313
Memorial Service Held For Hinesville K9 Officer
Monday night, the Hinesville Police Department and friends gathered to say their final goodbyes to K9 Officer Brad.
The canine was put down and finally laid to rest on Saturday in Orange Park, Florida after tripping and shattering
his front left leg less than a week ago. It was the latest in a list of painful, pre-existing injuries that the K9
obtained while serving the Hinesville community. Officer Brad's handler says those injuries included a hip
displacement and two bulging disks. After struggling on the road with those injuries for a year, the handler said
the possibility of cancer in the canine's leg and a subsequent amputation would have meant more pain for Officer Brad.
So the decision was then made to put the canine down. Officer Brad was born in Poland on February 4, 2007.
He was hand-picked and brought to the United States, where he was trained at a North Carolina K9 kennel.
He went on to became the first certified K9 Police Officer at the Hinesville Police Department. On October 8, 2008,
Officer Brad was partnered with Corporal Mark Matthews. On February 16, 2011 Matthews passed away and
Officer Brad went to a new handler, Special Patrol Officer Tony Durham. Durham shared these emotional word's at
Monday's memorial service, "I spent more time with Brad, basically more time than with my family.
People often say K9s, are tools, but to me Brad was my K9 and my friend. You just can't help being a K9 officer not
getting attached to your partner. I trusted him with my life. I knew if there was ever a problem on a stop or
something went bad, I'd bail him out the car and he'd come to me. He would be there no matter what." In the
five years that K9 Officer Brad spent with the Hinesville Police Department, he assisted in more than 300 drug
related arrests and was key in helping convict two murderers. Officer Brad also helped recovered stolen
merchandise and solved numerous burglaries by trailing the criminals. Plus, he defused possible violent incidents
keeping fellow officers and Hinesville citizens safe.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BARO
June 25, 2013
 
Handler: Officer Felicia Figol
Newtown Police Department
3 Main St
Newtown, CT 06470
WEBSITE - http://www.newtown-ct.gov/public_documents/newtownct_police/index
Fondly Remembered, Former Police Dog Baro Dies
(Photo on the right) Baro, the police department’s German shepherd, takes a rest at a May event at which
police demonstrated the dog’s law enforcement skills. Baro died this week.
Baro, the town police department’s German shepherd, who was retired from service recently due to health problems, died on Tuesday, June 25, while under medical care at Newtown Veterinary Specialists, police said. Lieutenant George Sinko, the department’s patrol operations commander, said in a statement that the dog, which had been retired from service on June 5 due to an unforeseen medical condition, died at about 5 pm on June 25. “K-9 (Officer Felicia Figol), who was Baro’s handler, had adopted Baro after his retirement and was caring for him since June 5,” Lt Sinko said. The male dog was about 10 years old when he was retired.
“Baro took a turn for the worse, prompting Officer Figol to take him to Newtown Veterinary Specialists on June 25. Baro was not able to recover and passed away,” the lieutenant added. “The Newtown Police Department and all its members are saddened by this sad turn of events. Baro had served the department faithfully since 2005 and will be greatly missed,” Lt Sinko said in the brief statement. Police acquired Baro in October 2004, and after being trained in law enforcement tasks, he was “sworn in” in April 2005. Before his medical problems were diagnosed, it had been anticipated that Baro would provide police with another 12 to 18 months of service.
Police have said they are working with their K-9 partners to acquire a new dog and continue with their police dog program. Police expect that between $12,000 and $20,000 would be needed cover the costs of acquiring new dog and providing training. During the time that Newtown police are without their own dog, they will rely on neighboring towns such as Monroe, Brookfield, Bethel, Seymour, and Danbury, as well as the state police, to assist with any dog-related calls. After assisting with numerous arrests involving narcotics, as well as locating lost and missing persons, Baro earned a well-deserved rest, Lt Sinko had said on the dog’s recent retirement.
At a recent Police Commission session, Police Chief Michael Kehoe said that when considering the projected working life of a police dog, town police have been planning to replace Baro with another dog. Officer Figol will continue working as the police department’s dog handler when a new animal is acquired, the chief added. Former patrol officer Andrew Stinson was Baro’s first handler. Before Baro, the police department had not had a dog for more than 20 years. Baro got his initial training in the Czech Republic, receiving police dog-command training in the German language. Baro often demonstrated his law enforcement skills at public events.
another article.....MORE:
Newton Police Department's K-9 Baro's health took a turn for the worse today. His handler/partner Officer. Felicia Figol
made the difficult decision to put him to sleep. Officer Figol and Baro were surrounded by friends,
fellow Newtown Police Officers and fellow K-9 handlers when he entered eternal rest.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 DANJA - May 8, 2013 & K9 BELLA - May 24, 2013
 
DANJA DIED (kidney failure) - Handler: Officers Brian Gaylord
BELLA DIED (gastric disorder) - Handler: Officer John Greenwood
Toledo Police Department
525 N Erie St.
Toledo, Ohio 43604
Retired canines die 16 days apart - Officers thank veterinarians for caring for Toledo police dogs
Danja and Bella, retired Toledo Police Metro Drug Task Force Canine Unit dogs,
both died in the past three weeks.
(also under "D" 2013)
Two Toledo Police Department retired canines died recently within a few weeks of each other. Danja, a 12-year-old German shepherd born in Germany, died May 8 from kidney failure. Bella, a 12-year-old German shepherd from West Virginia, died May 24 from a gastric disorder. Their partners, officers Brian Gaylord and John Greenwood, presented a plaque last week to thank the veterinarians and staff at High Point Animal Hospital in Maumee. "We can’t put into words how much we appreciate all you have done,” Officer Greenwood told the staff during
last Friday’s presentation. “The community needs to know how well you take care of our dogs.”
High Point has cared for Toledo Police Department police dogs free of charge since 1995.
“It’s our way of giving back to the community,” said Dr. Thomas Mowery,
who offered his services to Officer Greenwood, whose personal dog was a patient at the clinic.
The vet clinic also has treated the police dogs from the University of Toledo and the Waterville Police Department.
Danja retired from the force in November, joining Bella, who retired in October. Their partners each took them to
their homes to live out their lives, but Danja didn’t enjoy a more leisurely lifestyle, said Officer Gaylord.
“She would get excited when she would hear me get my keys out to go to work, and I’d have to tell her she couldn’t go,”
Officer Gaylord said. “She hated having to stay at home.” Danja started with the department in April, 2002, while
Bella joined the force in October, 2004. Bella, who was bred by a police officer in West Virginia, was an AKC Certified Pedigree,
and her official registered name was Princess Bella von Bear. Both dogs were trained to detect and alert to the odors of
marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, hashish, LSD, and their derivatives.
Both officers have new police dog partners — German shepherds named Wespe and Tanko — who had been living with their
predecessors before they died. When Bella didn’t return from the vet the last time she went in, her housemate,
Tanko, couldn’t understand where she had gone, said Officer Greenwood. “He kept looking from room to room for her,”
he said. “He really misses his buddy.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BAK
October, 2009 - March 11, 2013
K9 Bak - the GSD on the right
Handler: Sgt. Marel Molina
Wright Army Airfield
1116 East Lowes circle Hinesville, GA 31313
Fort Stewart Soldiers Say Farewell to Fallen Canine Partner
Military working dogs (l-r) Sgt. 1st Class Brian, escorted by handler Staff Sgt. Christopher Bozovich, Staff Sgt. Nykita, escorted by handler Sgt Daniel Franklin, and Staff Sgt. Schester, escorted by Sgt. David Mertz, all assigned to the 93rd Military Working Dog Detachment, 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade, attends the memorial ceremony at Wright Army Airfield May 14 of fellow military working dog,
Staff Sgt. Bak, a patrol explosive detector dog, who was killed while serving in Afghanistan earlier this year.
A Fort Stewart military police unit recently held a memorial for a military working dog who was killed recently in Afghanistan. The bond between a military police and his military working dog is very close and special. This bond is built upon a high level of trust and companionship. When joined together, they become a working team that stretch beyond the battlefield. When an MP loses the other half of his working team on the battlefield, it can be very hard to deal with. On March 11, Staff Sgt. Bak, a military working dog, along with his handler, Sgt. Marel Molina, both assigned to the 93rd Military Working Dog Detachment, 385th Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade, were injured by enemy gunfire in a blue-on-green attack. Bak died later that day during surgery from wounds he received.
On May 14, the Fort Stewart community paid tribute to Bak at a memorial ceremony held at the MWD Kennels at Wright Army Airfield. “In the MP world, we classify them as soldiers because that’s what they are. They are our battle buddies. When we deploy with the dogs or when we are on road with the dogs, that is our partner,” said Capt. Douglas Bryant, commander of the 197th and 93 MP Battalions. “Losing one of our own like this is very sad because the Army might see it as we lost property, but it’s actually a dog and it’s considered a person.” Bryant said Molina took it hard, but he understands the situation after having handled other dogs.
“Sgt. Molina will never be the same,” Bryant said. “It’s very hard to lose that soldier. We go through the same remorse as anyone else, there’s always the pain and the loss of losing one of our own.” More than a hundred people from the community, including other working dog handlers from law enforcement agencies from outside of Fort Stewart, attended the ceremony. “I think that meant the world to all of us [to see so many people attend the ceremony]. It lets us know just how much everybody appreciates these dogs and what they do,” said Lt. Col. Jerry Chandler, commander of the 385th MP Bn. “Most people feel the way we do.
We feel the military working dog stands beside the soldier as one of the Army’s most valuable resources; you can never measure the contribution that Staff Sgt. Bak and all of the military working dogs have made.” Staff Sgt. Bak, a German Shepherd, was born in October 2009. He completed basic training as a Patrol Explosive Detector Dog, and was assigned to Fort Stewart. Staff Sgt. Bak’s work includes conducting an explosive sweep for President Barack Obama and the Army Chief of Staff. He deployed to Afghanistan with Molina on June 1, 2012. While on deployment, he was injured from an improvised explosive device and received the purple paw award. Bak had six major IED finds.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In
Loving
Memory
of
K9 BOSCO
May 16,
2013
Handler:
Cpl.
Jason
Tkach
Tampa
Police
Department
One Police
Center
411
N. Franklin
Street
Tampa,
Florida
33602
WEBSITE -
http://www.tampagov.net/dept_Police/
Retired
Tampa
police
K-9
Bosco
dies
Tampa
police
K-9
Bosco
recently
died
from
cancer,
the
Tampa
Police
Department
announced
Thursday.
Bosco,
who was
9 ½
years
old when
he died,
was one
of the
most
successful
police
dogs the
agency
has had.
He
helped
seize
more
than $1
million
in
narcotics
and more
than
$100,000
in drug
money.
He also
helped
arrest a
number
of
criminals,
according
to Tampa
police.
In 2008,
Bosco
helped
apprehend
a man
wanted
in a
domestic
disturbance.
Police
chased
the
suspect
to a
home,
1309
Clifton
St.
Bosco
found
the
suspect,
Harold
Osborne,
hiding
under
the
home.
Cpl.
Jason
Tkach,
who was
Bosco’s
partner,
told
Osborne
if he
didn’t
come out
he’d
send
Bosco.
Osborne
didn’t
come
out, and
Bosco
went in.
The dog
found
Osborne
and bit
him.
Tkach
and
another
officer
then
went
under
the
house
and
arrested
Osborne.
In his
pursuit
of
suspects,
Bosco
was
punched
and
kicked
but
never
deterred.
But the
rigors
of life
as a
police
dog left
Bosco
with a
back
injury
and at
the age
of seven
years
old the
German
shepherd
retired
in
October
2010.
Outside
of
police
work,
Bosco
entertained
many
students
and
adults
at
presentations
and
community
events,
police
said.
"He
proudly
bridged
the gap
between
the
public
and the
police
department
and was
always
approachable
and
accepting
of a pat
on the
head,”
Tampa
police
reported.
submitted
by Jim
Cortina,
Dir.
CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BRITT
April 18, 2013
Handler: Deputy
Dennis Taylor
Wicomico
County Sheriff's
Office
401 Naylor
Mill Rd
Salisbury,
MD 21801,
K-9 dies
after brief illness
Dennis
Taylor and his
German shepherd
Britt are shown in
this 2008
One of the
longest-serving dogs in
the Wicomico County
Sheriff's K-9 unit has
died after a brief
illness, the agency said
today. Britt, a German
shepherd, had worked
alongside his handler,
Deputy Dennis Taylor,
since 2003. The pair
served in the agency's
explosive-detection
team, but they also
worked several major
public events from Ocean
City to Annapolis. Britt
also trained with K-9
teams from Dover Air
Force Base that had been
involved with finding
improvised explosive
devices in Iraq and
Afghanistan. Taylor was
with the dog when he
died. Britt was still on
active duty at the time.
submitted
by Jim Cortina, Dir.
CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BENNY
March 2013
Handler: Officer Paul Osella
University of Connecticut Police
Dept.
126 North Eagleville Road
Storrs, CT 06269
Ph: 860-486-4800
K9 Benny retired 2010. He
gives
a fair picture of every aspect
of this amazing dog who had over
500 documented narcotics finds,
was feared on the street just for his mere presence, was recognized and
commended by the FBI and US
Attorney's Office,
sired 26 pups, and was dearly loved by every member of the UConn Police
Department. There was nothing he
didn't excel at
and is the only dog I've ever seen that didn't have at least one
aversion or weakness. He walked
with an aloofness
and regal quality that typified
a German Shepherd's most notable
quality, yet became an
affectionate dog
around the station and home.
submitted by Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA &
Officer
Osella, Paul
In Loving Memory of
K9 BOBBY
February 22, 2013
Handler: Sgt. Jamison
Weisser
Geneseo Police Department
119 S Oakwood Ave
Geneseo, IL 61254
Geneseo police mourn loss of
K-9 Bobby
Geneseo
police officers are mourning the
loss of their K-9 colleague. Bobby,
the department's police dog, died on
Feb. 22. Bobby was approximately 6
years old and his death was
unexpected. German Shepherd Bobby
was taken to the vet after vomiting
blood.
An exam
revealed the dog had a twisted
intestine. "Shortly after 3 p.m., he
was rushed to the animal hospital in
Bettendorf, Iowa," said Geneseo
police chief Tom Piotrowski. At 8
p.m., the decision was made to
euthanize Bobby. Kinked or twisted
intestines, known commonly as
"twisted gut" is a condition that
can sometimes affect larger breeds
of dogs, including German Shepherds,
and can occur after physical
exertion.
"He was a loyal companion who showed
dedication beyond any words," said
Piotrowski. "It was very sudden.
Bobby had undergone routine good
health check-ups and had even been
on patrol that morning." On Feb. 23,
a procession, including
representatives from the Geneseo
Police Dept., Geneseo Fire Dept.,
Geneseo Ambulance Service, Kewanee
Police Dept. and Illinois State
Police escorted Bobby's body from
the Bettendorf Animal Hospital back
to Geneseo. The procession passed by
Richmond Hill Park where Bobby often
trained as well as by the home he
shared with his K-9 handler Sgt.
Jamison Weisser before arriving at
Vandemore Funeral Home.
The procession passed under an
American flag, suspended, from a
Geneseo Fire Dept. ladder truck as
it entered the funeral home
property. Police officers saluted as
Bobby's body was transferred from
the patrol vehicle he shared with
Weisser to the care of the pet
cremation staff at Vandemore
Funeral Home. A memorial service for
Bobby will be held at a later date.
The K-9 also will be honored with a
special mayoral proclamation at the
Feb. 26 meeting of the Geneseo
City Council. Bobby joined the
Geneseo Police Department on Oct.
15, 2007. He was brought to the
United States from Hungary and was
introduced to Weisser at training
sessions in Michigan.
The dog was trained to find
narcotics, help capture suspects and
do article searches. "He was trained
to put himself in harm's way," said
Piotrowski. "Bobby would do anything
for any of us in uniform." "Working
with Bobby is a whole other aspect
of police work," said Weisser, in a
2009 interview with the Geneseo
Republic. "He's a partner to me, and
we're together almost 24/7. "When we
work, we're together, and when we're
at home, we're together. It's like
working with a partner who doesn't
speak the same language," Weisser
said. In addition to Bobby's
abilities to assist with police
work, the K-9 also served as a
public relations tool.
He and Weisser would give
demonstrations and presentations to
area organizations and at local
elementary schools. "We're able to
go into schools and talk to kids.
The kids love him, which helps us
bridge a gap between the police and
the Geneseo community," said Weisser
in 2009. "Bobby was a great
ambassador for our city," said
Geneseo mayor Linda Van Der Leest.
"This is a sad day for Geneseo." "He
was very popular with the school
children," said Piotrowski.
Students, and others in the
community, would give tennis balls
to Bobby. "Everything we do is a
game to Bobby," said Weisser in
2009.
The dog's ultimate goal is to
receive a tennis ball as his reward
following an activity. "The tennis
ball is his life," said Weisser. "He
will skip over food to go for the
tennis ball." Weisser's police
vehicle could often be seen in
Geneseo with tennis balls tucked
under the SUV's light bar. The
tennis balls would be placed there
in an attempt to dry them out
following Bobby's training sessions.
Bobby was trained to locate
marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine
and heroin and any derivative of
those drugs, including crack and
ecstasy. "When he knows there are
drugs, his behavior changes," said
Weisser in 2009.
"His breathing gets deeper and his
tail wag becomes more
deliberate." When Bobby would locate
drugs, he would sit or lay down to
alert Weisser to his find. "There
was a wonderful level of trust Bobby
and Jamison (Weisser) had together,"
said Van Der Leest. "They were
partners 24-hours a day." Weisser
addressed the small crowd gathered
Feb. 23 at Vandemore Funeral Home
saying, "This has been very
difficult, but Bobby would have
loved it. He loved everything." As a
K-9 with the Geneseo Police
Department, Bobby was considered an
officer. In his memory, flags at the
Geneseo Police Station and Geneseo
Fire Station will be flown at
half-mast.
submitted by
Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BART
February 12, 2013
Handler: Officer Ron Santa
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police
Department
50 North Alabama Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Bart, 12-year IMPD K9 police dog, dies of
cancer
Bart,
the 12-year K9 police dog forced to retire last
fall because of inoperable cancer, has died. The
Belgian Malinois died Tuesday, said Kendale
Adams, spokesman for the Indianapolis
Metropolitan Police Department. Bart sniffed out
drugs and chased down bad guys with Indianapolis
Metropolitan Police Department Officer Ron
Santa. “"Hundreds upon hundreds of the city’s
worst are currently in prison, and some will
likely remain there the rest of their lives,
just because of this one animal’s abilities,”
Santa said last fall after announcing on his
Facebook page last fall when he announced he had
decided not to put Bart through chemotherapy or
surgery. The treatment was not guaranteed to
help Bart live longer, Santa said at the time.
Instead, Bart would get to retire — with all the
benefits Santa could offer. “He is coming home
from the hospital ..... where he will be
unconditionally spoiled and taken care of until
he passes.” Bart was 22 months old when he
joined the force in 2000. Santa was his only
handler.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BEEZEL
February 6, 2013
Handler: Sgt John
Virban
Windsor Police Service ( Canada )
150
Goyeau Street
P.O. Box 60
Windsor, ON
N9A 6J5
Retired Police Dog Beezel Passes Away
Windsor Police sadly announced today, the loss of retired
Police Service Dog Beezel, who passed away at home with his
handler Sgt John Virban and family at his side. Beezel was
born in 1999 and served on The Windsor Police Service from
July 2001 to December 2006. Beezel provided operational
support for Patrol and was trained in general purpose duties
which included tracking, searching, building searches, open
searches, article searches, handler protection, and
apprehension. Windsor Police say that Beezel posted
impressive working stats including; 3 Divisional
Commendations, 30 letters of Meritous work recognition, 128
arrests, 3 found missing children, 5 apprehensions, 105
V.I.P classroom visits, 2402 canine calls, 124 articles of
evidence found. Beezel competed in various trials where he
excelled. He won several awards including; 3 consecutive
USPCA Regional Championships (2004-2006), 20th place finish
at the USPCA National Trial held in New Jersey in 2003,
Obtained expert tracking certifications under USPCA for 5
consecutive years. Police say that although Beezel enjoyed
his Certifications, Trials, VIPs, and awards, his true and
only passion was to work. He played hard, trained harder,
and worked the hardest.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In
Loving Memory of
K9 BACH
January 18, 2013
Handler: Cpl. Mike Conti
Washington Township Police Department
1 McClure Dr. Sewell, NJ 08080
PH 856 589.6650
http://www.gcpk9a.com/
It is with great sadness that the Washington Twp.
Police Department announces the passing of K-9 BACH.
BACH ended his tour today peacefully at the Raccoon
Valley Animal Hospital with his human partner, Cpl. Mike
Conti faithfully by his side and surrounded by fellow
handlers from their agency. Bach finished his tour with
dignity and with the an outpouring of support from the
K-9 and Law Enforcement Community especially from
Officers who escorted him today in full force from WTPD.
He will be
sorely missed and fondly remembered with countless
stories of great K-9 jobs and family moments. Our
hearts go out to the Conti family and to the entire
Washington Township Police Department on the loss of
their fearless protector.....BACH
May he forever rest in peace~
With the utmost respect for the K-9 Team of Cpl.
Mike Conti and his K-9 partner BACH,
We
are your brothers and sisters of the Gloucester County
Police K-9 Association
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
More
K-9 officer death leaves partner, Washington
Township police department in mourning
Cpl. Michael Conti and his K-9 partner Bach,
who worked together for eight years before
Bach died of cancer on Friday.
For
eight years, Washington Township Cpl. Michael
Conti worked side-by-side with his partner,
trusting him with his life, knowing he would
always have his back. Friday was a somber day
for Conti, when he had to say goodbye to his
partner for the last time. Bach, the K-9 partner
he had since he was a puppy, was put to sleep on
Friday after a battle with cancer. Conti said
Bach was more than an dog, or even fellow
officer. He was family. “He was a good police
patrol dog, but more importantly to me, he was a
good family member,” Conti said. Members of K-9
units throughout South Jersey were by Conti’s
side as he said goodbye.
“[K-9 officers]
are a tight-knit community within law
enforcement,” Conti said of the showing of
support. “[Losing Bach] affects the department
as a whole, but only a handler truly understands
that bond. You can try to explain it, and other
people will kind of get the gist of it, the bond
between handler and partner, but there’s no real
way to fully articulate it until you do it.” He
said there were countless fond memories he had
with Bach, who he brought everyday on patrol, to
community events and home to his family every
night. “He came home with me, stayed in the
house. My wife and I were just looking at
pictures of the kids crawling on him, putting
toys on him,” Conti said.
“When I took
off the uniform, he was just a dog, a
well-trained dog, but just a German shepherd at
that point. He definitely became a part of the
family very quickly.” Conti was paired up with
Bach, who was cross-trained in patrolling and
narcotic detection, when he was only a year old.
They trained together for weeks and weeks to
learn the ins and outs of partnering with a K-9
officer, and then spent the next 8 years
mastering that bond. “You put your life in his
hands, asking him to go out there and do a
building search or track and show you where the
danger is before you come across it. And you’re
asking other officers to do the same, to put
their safety in your hands and your partner’s
hands,” Conti said. “That’s a tremendous
responsibility.
It’s a very
fulfilling and very rewarding aspect of law
enforcement. That makes you grow as a team
rather quickly.” In a release sent on Friday,
Capt. Richard Leonard said Bach had a
“distinguished career,” and was involved in many
searches for suspects and missing persons, as
well as detecting illegal drugs and apprehending
criminals. Every time Conti would conduct a
motor vehicle stop, Bach would start barking as
soon as the lights and sirens started up. No
matter if it was 10 degrees or 90 degrees, he
would always make sure to leave his car window
cracked, so anyone around could clearly hear
that Conti had a formidable back up.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that on many
occasions, just the simple presence of a K-9
vehicle on location and his presence there, him
barking, made people second guess or think twice
about doing anything,” Conti said. “It was a
very reassuring feeling.” The hardest thing was
returning home for the first time after saying
goodbye to Bach, who Conti said could best be
described in one word — loyal. Everywhere Conti
went, so did Bach. Even just walking around the
house, Conti said Bach was his shadow. When
Conti would come home, he was always greeted by
Bach galloping downstairs. “That’s going to be
one of the hardest things to get used to. It was
an empty feeling coming home today, knowing I
wasn’t going to hear that sound of ‘clomp,
clomp, clomp’ down the steps,” Conti said. “But
thinking of the memories and good times will
help.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BO
January 16, 2013
Handler:
Officer Lance Taylor
Cadillac Police Department
200 North Lake Street
Cadillac, MI 49601
Police
Dog Laid To Rest
The Cadillac Police Department’s loyal and beloved K-9, Bo,
was put to sleep Wednesday after a short battle with a
crippling illness. Bo was a German Shepherd who worked
alongside her handler, Officer Lance Taylor. She was
responsible for the locating hundreds of illicit drugs,
tracking criminals, locating hard to find evidence and
finding lost children and adults. Bo also participated in
dozens of public demonstrations including those for the
Wexford County Elementary School. All children who attended
these events were given a chance to personally meet Bo. Bo
will be laid to rest beside K-9′s North and Grando at the
Cadillac Police Department training facility.
submitted by Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
In
Loving Memory of
K9 BRUTIS
January
2013
Handler:
Officer Jason Berner
Genoa
Township Police
7049 Big
Walnut Road
Galena, OH 43021
Phone:(614) 568-2060
Police Say Goodbye To
K9 Officer With Final Patrol
Officers in
Genoa Township said goodbye to K9 Officer Brutus on Sunday. Officer
Jason Berner purchased Brutus from Genoa Township for $1 after he
retired last year. Brutus lived his final days with Berner who had
spent every day on the job with him. But Brutus was suffering from a
painful spinal cord disorder and had to be taken to an animal
hospital to be put to sleep. To honor him, family and co-workers
gave Brutus one final patrol ride through the streets that he once
served. Brutus rode in his favorite cruiser as people in the area
lined the streets, waving and thanking him for his years of service.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
+++++++++++++++++++++++
PRIOR to K9 Brutus death
Genoa
Township trustees on March 22 acknowledged
the resignation of Brutus, the canine
partner of township police office Jason
Berner.
The
two have worked together since
2004.Recently, Brutus, an almost 10-year-old
German shepherd, was diagnosed with
degenerative myelopathy. Brutus will
spend the remainder of his years with Berner
and his family. “Police canines are an
invaluable tool to the department,” said
Police Chief Robert Taylor. “They’re worth
their weight in gold. Over the last eight
years, Brutus has been involved in search
warrants, drug searches, tracking's and
community events. He truly has been an asset
to our department. After eight years of
service, he is retiring. We’ll miss him;
it’s a well deserved retirement.”
Taylor presented Berner and Brutus with a
plaque of appreciation from the township,
recognizing the professionalism, dedication
and unwavering service to the police
department and township residents.
Trustee Barb Lewis presented the canine team
with a plaque of appreciation, which
included a picture of the unit, from Bob
Zimmerman of Spirit Concepts and thanked
them for the memories and dedicated efforts
to the community. “This is a bittersweet
moment for me,” Berner said. “We started in
December 2004. It really feels like
yesterday.” In February, trustees
approved spending $7,250 with Azzi
International Services to buy and train a
new dog.
The department received public donations of
more than $10,000 for the new dog. The
remaining funds would stay in the fund
covering the dog’s care.
Berner is halfway through
a six-week
training
regimen with the new dog, a 2-year-old
German shepherd.
“In the last
three weeks, I’ve been training with the new
dog and I’ve been comparing him to (Brutus),
and that’s a terrible thing to do because
(Brutus) cannot be replaced and he won’t be
replaced. The new dog will start soon, and
(Brutus) we’ll stay with us, because he
absolutely loves my family and that’s where
he is going to stay,” Berner said.
Police dogs live with their handlers during
their working careers and typically in
retirement.
The department obtained its first dog in
1996.
The chief at that time thought it would be a
great asset to the community and department,
and it was, Taylor told
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
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Memorials
to Fallen K-9s