In Loving Memory of
K9 MACHO
December 3, 2013
Handler: Sgt. Robert Strand
Detroit Lakes Police Department
1025 Roosevelt Avenue
PO Box 647
Detroit Lakes, MN 56502
Detroit Lakes Police Department K9 Macho dies
K9 Macho, a retired Police K9 here died late Tuesday night. Ten-year-old Macho was taken to the vet after being sick
for the past couple of days, according to a release from the Detroit Lakes Police Department. X-rays showed
he had a tumor on or around his spleen. Macho served the Detroit Lakes Police Department from January 2007
until his retirement in July. His partner, Sgt. Robert Strand, said in a statement that Macho touched the
hearts of many and left a lasting impression on others. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAX
November 9, 2013
Handlers: Officer Larry Middleton
&
Officer Tim McMillan
Garden City Police Department -
GA
Retired Garden City police K-9 dies
By Savannah Morning News
A K-9 who was retired from the Garden City police died last week following a stroke.K-9 Max, who retired at the end of last year following about six years of service, died Nov. 9, said Garden City Police
Capt. Al Jelinski. Max joined the police department, where he was trained to find drugs, track people, clear buildings
and apprehend suspects, in 2006, three years after he was born in Holland. As a young nationally certified police dog,
Max was awarded the United States Police Canine Association’s top novice dog for region 2 award.
Throughout his career, in which he was credited with assisting on numerous arrests, Max worked with Larry
Middleton and Lt. Tim McMillan. After retiring, Max lived with McMillan’s family where he enjoyed
playing with the family’s English bulldog and eating scraps from the family’s toddler, Jelinski said.
McMillan said Max never lost his police instincts and once found marijuana while going for a walk in the park.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MACO
November 1, 2013
K9 Maco was struck and killed by a vehicle on Courthouse Road during a training exercise in the Five Forks Battlefield area of the county. Maco was off lead when he spotted a herd of deer in the field and began chasing them.
He was struck by the car as he chased them across the road. Maco had served with the
Dinwiddie Count Sheriff's Office for one year. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
MORE:
Dinwiddie K-9 deputy remembered for his love of people during memorial service.
Maj. William Knott unveils a portrait, contributed by Petersburg artist Mary Kate Gerschick,
during a memorial service for Dinwiddie Sheriff's Office K-9 Deputy Maco held Friday at the historic Dinwiddie Courthouse.
DINWIDDIE - K-9 Deputy Maco was known for his love of life. While at work, the German Shepherd-Belgium Malinois had located illegal drugs for the Dinwiddie Sheriff's Department on at least 50 occasions. During off-hours, he would aid his handler,
Deputy Brock Tomlin, in catching fish while the two were sailing. On other weekends, Maco and Tomlin would hike in the mountains.
"Everywhere I would go, he would go," Tomlin said....but on Nov. 1, Major William Knott with the
Dinwiddie Sheriff's Department got the call that no one ever wants to get.
Maco had been struck by a car during an early morning training exercise in the Courthouse area of the county.
His watch ended that day. "This was a devastating blow to all of us," Knott said.
Tomlin said he best remembers the most talented K-9 deputy that he ever worked with by thinking back
to Maco on the sail boat. Maco would also never hesitate to greet people - or the camera.
"He was a show-off. Whenever we brought out a camera, he would always ham up to the camera," he said.
The Sheriff's Department honored Maco with a memorial service Friday, which featured a poem written
by Deputy Terrell Coles.
"I gave you my paw, and you gave me your hand.
I promised to protect you, just as you have done for me, my friend.
Every time I strapped on that harness, I knew it was time to go to work.
I hit the ground hard, my nose pressed against the dirt.
I never had someone that knew me better than you.
I almost learned how to tie your boots,"
part of the poem read.
Maco was born in the Czech Republic in July 2011 and joined Dinwiddie's K-9 team a year later,
specializing in drug and narcotics detection, tracking and article location.
Knott previously noted that hardly a day went by that Maco did not find drugs.
In his last call, Maco caused a traffic stop to lead to a drug arrest.
After he tapped on the trunk, deputies recovered
a small bag of marijuana that had been packed inside a suitcase.
"Even during his short time in service, his service was significant and sincere," Deputy Steven Pugh said during the service. "Celebrate knowing that his life in service was not in vain."
A portrait of Maco donated by Petersburg artist Mary Kate Gerschick was unveiled during the ceremony.
"I was blown away by it. I thought it really captured Maco," Knott said.
The portrait will be hung in the Sheriff's Department as a permanent memorial to Maco.
"We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support following this tragic loss," Sheriff D.T. "Duck" Adams said in a press release. "The Sheriff's Office has received cards and calls from law enforcement officers and animals lovers from across the country. These expressions of sympathy and support mean a lot to me and to my officers."
J.T. Morriss & Son provided free cremation services for Maco. His remains were given to Tomlin and remain in
his possession. - Vanessa Remmers can be reached at 804-722-5155 or vremmers@progress-index.com.patrick
kane/progress-index photo
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAX
September 13, 2013
 
Handler: Officer Christopher Bezio
Miami Gardens Police Department
1020 NW 163 Drive
Miami Gardens, FL 33169
Florida K9 Dies in Surgery after Search for Burglary Suspects
Glass panel came loose and severely lacerated Max’s ear
Officer Christopher Bezio and his canine partner Max, age 5 years old, responded to assist Operations personnel who were responding to a reported burglary in progress on NW 176th Terrace in which multiple suspects were believed to be inside of a residence. Upon arrival officers believed that the subjects were still inside the residence. In an effort to confirm their presence, Officer Bezio deployed his canine partner Max and brought him to a jalousie window that appeared to be a potential access point. During this deployment a glass panel above Max collapsed, causing a severe laceration to one of his ears. Max was immediately transported to Hollywood Animal Hospital where Veterinarians performed surgical procedures to repair the laceration. During this procedure, Max’s cardio vascular system failed and all revival measures were unsuccessful. Canine Max was assigned to Officer Bezio on May 19, 2009 and he has served the City of Miami Gardens meritoriously as a certified apprehension and explosive ordinance detection K9 for four years until his death. Max will be deeply missed by Officer Bezio, our K9 Unit, the entire Miami Gardens Police Department family.
MORE:
Max, a Miami Gardens K9 officer, gets a heartfelt goodbye
9/25/13
The Miami Gardens Police Department holds services Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013,
for Max, a German Shepherd K-9 officer killed in the line of duty.
The Miami Gardens Police Department holds services Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013,
for Max, a German Shepherd K-9 officer killed in the line of duty.
The Miami Gardens Police Department holds services Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2013, for Max, a German Shepherd K-9 officer
killed in the line of duty.
Police officers throughout South Florida gathered Wednesday to say goodbye to Max, a highly decorated police dog killed
in the line of duty. “Max was an integral part of the Miami Gardens Police Department ,” Police Chief Matthew Boyd
said during the ceremony at Tropical Park in Southwest Miami. “His services will definitely be missed.”
The 5-year-old German Shepherd died from injuries sustained while responding to a burglary call at
740 NW 176th Terrace on Sept 12. Police dogs often respond to burglary calls
to see if there are any suspects still inside, Sgt. John Muclahy said.
Their keen sense of smell allows them to quickly do the work of three or four police officers. During the search a
glass window panel fell on the back of his head. The head injury required emergency surgery and Max was
transported to Hollywood Animal Hospital. He did not survive. About 100 police officers and some of their
canine partners from agencies in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties attended the service. K9 officers
from various departments often train together and develop a strong community. Officer Chris Bezio, Max’s partner,
thanked everyone who showed up to “say goodbye to the best partner a handler could ask for.”
Max joined the Miami Gardens K9 Unit in 2009 when he was 13 months old. In his four years of service he
apprehended multiple suspects, including a man who sent a police officer to the hospital after a fight.
He was certified in apprehension and explosives detection and received the second highest level of
certification in the country. The German Shepherd participated in multiple high profile security sweeps
including two presidential visits, a Super Bowl and Heat championship. “The only thing he would
ask for in return was a toy, a scratch under his chin, and the occasional ‘good boy,’” Bezio said.
The service, which featured bagpiper leading the procession to Highland Cathedral, mirrored that of an
officer killed in duty. Officers and their canine partners develop a strong bond with one another,
Sgt. John Mulcahy said. Their dogs live with them and the two never stop training. K9 officers spend
more time with their god than they do with family members. Stoic uniformed officers shed tears for
Max during the ceremony. “The bond is stronger than any human bond,” said Mulcahy, who worked as
a SWAT officer for 14 years before joining a K9 unit.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MARKO
September 2013
Handler: Officer Phil Yarnell
Springfield Police Department
321 E Chestnut Expy.
Springfield, MO 65802
Police dog's career lauded after death
Marko, a Belgian Malinois, served with Officer Phil Yarnell for 10 years. Marko died earlier this month.
A retired Springfield police dog credited with helping find more than 50 suspects in almost 1,000 deployments has died. Marko, a Belgian Malinois from Holland, was 12 years old. Marko served with the police department with Officer Phil Yarnell from 2003-2012. During his nine-year career, Marko had approximately 550 narcotic search deployments and about 400 patrol deployments. According to a release from the department, he was responsible for locating 53 suspects, several weapons and many lost and stolen items. He also assisted with cash seizures of about $15,000. The release says the department “appreciates the service of Marko to the department and the community he served. He is and will continue to be missed by his handler and the officers who have worked with him over the years.” Marko, who died earlier this month, is buried at the Police Service Dog Memorial on South Lone Pine.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 Max & K9 Meika
August 22, 2013
 
Handler: Deputy Tracy Andrews
PCSO
Police Community Support Officer
United Kingdom
The ceremony also honored Meika, another German shepherd, who served the department several years in the mid-1990s and is considered its first canine deputy. “We remember a time when canine units did not exist,” said Sheriff Robert Radcliff.
“But with the rampant influx of drugs and the things we deal with on almost a daily basis, we can’t imagine doing
the job without them now. They are faithful, true officers who serve with bravery, distinction and dedication.”
Deputy Tracy Andrews, Max’s handler and long-time partner, delivered the eulogy for the canine who served as his partner
for nearly a decade and retired just last summer. Andrews said Max was responsible for numerous drug seizures
and apprehensions on a professional level but also commended the dog for his personal loyalty. “He was a great partner,”
Andrews said. “When he retired, he continued his loyalty to me, my family and my home. He was a great dog,
he did a good job, and may he rest in peace.”
Thursday’s ceremony was led by Dr. Doyne Wiggins, Sheriff’s deputy and chaplain for the PCSO, who also helped
dedicate the ground where the permanent memorial is planned. A permanent marker is planned for the grassy
area near the entrance to the Sheriff’s Office. Members of the SALT Council agreed Wednesday at their
regular monthly meeting to head up a fundraising effort for its construction.
“This hallowed ground will be a memorial for our fallen canine units,” Wiggins said. “God bless them for their
loyalty and unselfish service to their community.”
The service was provided by Schoedinger Pet Services and Defenbaugh-Wise-Schoedinger Funeral Home.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAKI
August 19,2013
Handler: Officer Brian Grant
Bloomfield Police Department
785 Park Avenue
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Maki, the Bloomfield police dog, has died due to an ongoing medical condition.
For years, Maki the police dog helped find missing people, apprehend criminals and recover evidence of crimes. Now, the Bloomfield Police Department is mourning the loss of their K9. Maki died due to an ongoing medical condition. Maki entered into police service with his handler, Officer Brian Grant, in March 2009 and became a recognizable face in the community. He was certified in Patrol and Narcotics Detection by the CT Police Work Dog Association and North American Police Work Dog Association. Officer Grant and K9 Maki attended numerous trainings and certifications together and would become one of the most professional and effective police K9 teams in the region. Their efforts led to several criminal apprehensions, located missing persons, and evidence recovery. They also participated in a variety of community events, making it a point to visit public schools, the senior center, day care facilities, health care facilities and other public institutions within the town on a continual basis. Maki was certified in patrol and narcotics detection and through the years of service, Maki and Grant have been one of the most professional and effective police K9 teams in the region, according to police. He will be missed by all. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MIRANDA
July 17, 2013
Handler: Detective William Gebhard
Vernon Police Department
21 Church St
Vernon Township, NJ 07462
Beloved Vernon police dog dies
K-9 Miranda is seen with her handler, Vernon Police Detective William Gebhard.
A decorated member of the Vernon Police Department, K-9 Miranda, passed away Wednesday in her sleep at the age of 10. For the past 10 years, Miranda has been collaring criminals, tracking lost hikers and searching down missing people and children in Sussex County with her handler, Detective William Gebhard. “You remember the first call and you remember the last call, and there was just so many in between,” Gebhard said. “She was not only a police dog, but a family pet.” Miranda’s patrol work earned her the highest and most prestigious national award given by the National Police Bloodhound Association for outstanding man trailing in 2010, Sgt. Daniel Young said.
At 9 months old, Miranda tracked and captured her first burglar. In 2012, she tracked and located an escaped inmate after trailing him for four miles into Ogdensburg. In 2010, Gebhard received the Marcum Award, presented by the National Police Bloodhound Association, for his work with bloodhounds in law enforcement. The Marcum Award is given to only one individual yearly. Bloodhounds often live to be 10 to 12 years old, according to Gebhard, seeming to “age overnight.” Three years ago, Gebhard obtained Amber, another bloodhound, to train for law enforcement, not knowing at what age Miranda would pass.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MICO
May 15, 2013
Handler: Cpl. Christopher Yarborough
Shreveport Police Department
1234 Texas Ave
Shreveport, LA 71101
Shreveport police K-9 Mico laid to rest
A five-year veteran of Shreveport Police Department was laid to rest. K-9 Mico, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, died Wednesday, May 15, after a brief illness. Dozens of officers and law enforcement supporters gathered at the Shreveport Regional Police and Fire Training Academy to pay their respects to Mico. Mico, along with his handler Cpl. Christopher Yarborough, was responsible for the apprehension of countless felony suspects and in locating of tens of thousands of dollars of illegal narcotics. Mico was known to officers for his prowess in battle and never cowered under duress or at the responsibility of protecting fellow officers in the line of duty. His uncompromising loyalty and courage will not be forgotten by the department and its employees.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 MAJOR
May 2013
Handler: Officer Dave Thompson
Westbrook Police Dept.
570 Main St.
Westbrook, ME 04092
Ph: 207 854.0644
K-9’s death leaves gap in Westbrook
Officer Dave Thompson and Maria, his partner for six years on the Westbrook police force.
(degenerative myelopathy, euthanized)
Dave Thompson said he spent more time with his dog, Maria, than with his family, friends or even work colleagues, because Maria was all of those. Maria, his K-9 partner on the Westbrook police force, died earlier this month after serving six years under Thompson’s watchful eye. “I was Bill Belichick and Maria was Tom Brady. She knew what she was supposed to do and when to do it, and she did it well,” said Thompson. Thompson said Maria, despite only living for eight years, spent every day “doing what she loved” as an “awesome” police dog.
A year ago, Maria was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy, an incurable, progressive disease of the spinal cord, and she was forced to retire. Within 12 months, Maria could no longer walk and had to be euthanized. “It’s devastating to lose a member [of the force] and that’s really how we view Maria,” said Chief Mike Pardue, director of public safety. “You look at the dog as member of the department, they put in just as many hours as the vast majority of employees, if not more so. They’re here for 40 hours like the rest of us. It takes a unique individual to be a K-9 handler.
They are, without a doubt, very dedicated, not only to the law enforcement, but to the K-9s as well. All hours, home or away are spent together. Maria will be sorely missed.” Maria is credited with saving at least four lives in her time on the force. She was trained as a patrol dog, but also worked with SWAT and drug teams. The dogs and policemen depend on the animals’ remarkable sense of smell, which is somewhere between 10,000 to 100,000 times better than humans. Thompson said she saved a woman who had wandered away from her home, got lost and broke her hip. She also found a person who tried to commit suicide and a person with dementia.
All survived, thanks to Maria and her sniffing ability. Thompson and Maria were first paired together during training six years ago. At the time, Thompson was working with a dog that, he said, wouldn’t pass the final exam. He began what he thought would be an exhaustive search for a new dog that would have a better chance of passing, despite being nearly halfway through the class. At the same time, in Austria, 2-year-old Maria was looking for a new home. Her original owner had just broken his back and knew the sports-trained dog could be very useful to a police unit. Thompson said since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, all dogs used on the police force are purchased overseas.
Soon, Maria arrived in Maine and was meeting her new owners, Thompson, his wife and his two children. “At first it was hard. She came from one-man owner and she was brought into a family with two screaming kids and a wife. At the end of it, my wife would take her anywhere and she’d listen to the kids,” Thompson said. The dogs, which cost $7,500 on average, live at home with the officers. In many other states, the dogs live at the office where they work. Thompson said Maria was good at playing her duel roles: family dog and police officer. When Thompson put on his uniform, Maria knew it was time to work, but when the family car came out, Maria knew she had the day off.
Westbrook has one other K-9 unit, Roxie and her handler, Officer Phil Robinson. Roxie was recently credited with saving the life of a woman who attempted suicide near Andover Road in Westbrook. Thompson is training a new dog to join him on the force, and at home, ironically named Brady. “He’s a good dog. He does very well, but he’s not Tom Brady,” Thompson said. “I think I’m a big military guy and I’ve been a police officer for over 13 years. My two boys had never seen me cry until I held Maria when she was put to sleep,” said Thompson. “Not only because she was my partner, protector and friend, but also because she loved going to work every day and doing her job and being around people.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In
Loving
Memory
of
K9
MAJOR
April
26,
3013
 
Handler: Officer Jorgensen
Roseville Police Department
2660 Civic Center Drive
Roseville, MN 55113
Roseville Police Dog Dies From Bacterial Infection
Tragedy has hit the Roseville Police Department’s K-9 unit again. After Major, a police dog that got stabbed and is no longer in service, another police dog from the unit died last Friday. Tasco, whose partner was officer Tom Gray, was brought into the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, after he was running a temperature and lethargic. Doctors ran a series of tests and determined Tasco had a bacterial infection around his heart. A short time later, Tasco died. Roseville Police officials said they are grateful for the care that the university veterinary staff provided to Tasco. He had been a member of the Roseville Police Department since 2006.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
MORE:
Roseville police officer John Jorgensen used to joke that his K-9 partner was indestructible. As a 2-year-old, Major developed bloat, an often fatal condition that causes a dog's stomach to fill with gas. He had pots broken over his head. Suspects punched and kicked him.
On one police call, Jorgensen said, Major nearly drowned chasing a man in to a lake. On Nov. 12, 2010, he proved his grit again when a man involved in a Maplewood burglary repeatedly stabbed the dog with a butterfly knife. The assault left Major paralyzed in his hind legs and forced his retirement from the police department, but it didn't kill him. Two and half years later and in deteriorating health, Major was euthanized at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. He was 11 years old. Using a wheeled sling to preserve mobility, he lived out his retirement with Jorgensen and his family. "He was a tough dog. ... He caught a lot of bad guys and made a strong name for himself and I was lucky and honored to have him as a partner," Jorgensen said. "I miss him terribly, but I think he is in a better spot. He is probably chasing down bad guys on four good legs now." In his final days, Major had started to develop pneumonia and was going on his third bladder infection in three months. "I promised myself and I promised him that we would make that decision if his quality of life deteriorated to the point where he was too weak and he didn't have the same happiness," Jorgensen said of the choice to put Major down. "It was just time." The old partners spent Major's last day driving around to spots they'd patrolled together during Major's eight years with Roseville police. For his final meal, he was given cheeseburgers from McDonald's and ice cream from Dairy Queen. The man who assaulted Major, Roel Joseph Perez Jr., was sentenced in February 2011 to 120 days in jail, but ended up serving a year after he violated the terms of his probation, Jorgensen said. The Roseville police officer pushed for harsher penalties for those convicted of assaulting police dogs after the attack on Major. In 2011, Gov. Mark Dayton signed new legislation that makes any assault resulting in substantial bodily harm to a police K9 a felony. Major's death is a blow to the entire Roseville Police Department, said Lt. Lorne Rosand. "They were great crime fighters," Rosand said of the work Jorgensen and Major did for the department. "They did a lot of wonderful things for our agency and for the citizens of Roseville." Jorgensen has been working with a new police K9, Otis, for the past year. "I always say, "If Otis ends up being half the police dog that Major was, he will be phenomenal," Jorgensen said. "He was truly a handler's dream."
Sarah Horner can be reached at 651-228-5539. Follow her at twitter.com/hornsarah.
In
Loving
Memory
of
K9
MATTIE
&
OFFICER
GILBERT
CORTEZ
March
25,
2013
California
Department
of
Corrections
&
Rehabilitation
(CDCR)
San
Diego
County,
California
A
correctional
officer
and
his
K-9
died
Monday
morning
when
their
car
rolled
off
the
road,
the
California
Department
of
Corrections
and
Rehabilitation
(CDCR)
said.
Officer
Gilbert
Cortez
and
his
K-9,
Mattie,
and
four
other
K-9
teams
in
separate
cars
were
driving
south
on
Highway
79
in
San
Diego
County
on
their
way
to
conduct
a
search
of
La Cima
Fire
Camp,
according
to a CDCR
news
release.
The
cause
of
the
accident
remains
under
investigation.
No
other
vehicles
were
involved.
Officials
say
Cortez's
vehicle
was
ahead of
the
others.
"All
of
us
at CDCR
mourn
the
tragic
death
of
Officer
Gilbert
Cortez,"
said
CDCR
Secretary
Jeff
Beard.
"He
was
a
valued
member
of
our
department
and
his
untimely
passing,
in
the
line
of
duty,
is a
huge
loss
to
all
who
worked
with
him.
Our
thoughts
and
prayers
are
with
Gil's
family,
friends
and
colleagues.
We
are
also
deeply
saddened
by
the
death
of
Gil's
K-9
partner,
Mattie."
CDCR
officials
say
Cortez,
46,
worked
at
California
Rehabilitation
Center
(CRC)
and
was
part
of
the
Southern
Regional
K-9
Unit.
He
started
his
career
at CDCR
in
1990
at
the
California
Institution
for
Men.
The
next
year,
he
transferred
to Calipatria
State
Prison
where
he
was
assigned
to
the
Investigative
Services
Unit
and
promoted
to
the
rank
of
Sergeant.
In
2001,
Cortez
was
transferred
to
CRC
where
he
subsequently
completed
K-9
training.
Officer
Cortez
is
survived
by
his
wife,
their
two
children
and
his
parents.
The CDCR
says
Cortez's
K-9
partner,
Mattie,
was
a
Belgian
Malinois,
donated
by a
private
citizen
in
the
San
Diego
area.
She
started
service
with
Officer
Cortez
in
August
2011
and
was
certified
to
search
for
contraband
and
narcotics. CDCR's
K-9
program
uses
dogs
and
skilled
handlers
to
detect
cell
phones
and
drugs
in
prisons.
submitted
by
Jim
Cortina,
Dir.
CPWDA-
Photo
found
on
line.
In Loving
Memory of
K9 MIRZA
February 8,
2013
Handler: K9
Deputy
Andrew Morse
LaPorte
County
Sheriff's
Department
LaPorte,
Indiana
Police dog
Mirza passes
away
When Deputy
Andrew
Morse, his
family and a
few
co-workers
from the La
Porte County
Sheriff's
Department
were
at the
animal
hospital on
Monday
night, they
did not
expect such
tragic news.
K-9 Deputy Mirza,
the
11-year-old
Belgian
Malinois and
faithful
four-legged
servant to
the county,
was
euthanized
at
the
Michigan
City Animal
Hospital due
to a
malignant
tumor.
Sheriff Mike Mollenhauer
was at the
hospital
with Morse,
Mirza's
partner and
best friend.
He said
Mirza became
sick
and
Morse
immediately
took her to
the animal
hospital.
The
veterinarian,
Dr. Rex
Bailey,
examined
Mirza and
diagnosed
her with a
fatal
twisted
stomach.
Bailey
regularly
treats the
sheriff's
department's
canines and
tried to
perform
surgery free
of charge.
After the
surgery,
Bailey said
the stomach
was taken
care of but
the problem
was a
malignant
tumor. If
the tumor
was removed,
Mirza would
have a
difficult
three
months. A
decision had
to be made.
"We did a
lot
together,"
said Morse
on Tuesday
afternoon,
reflecting
back on his
four years
together
with Mirza.
Many that
were touched
by Mirza's
presence
have flooded
Morse's
Facebook
page and
have
personally
contacted
him with
tears and
condolences.
Morse said
there were a
lot of tears
at the
Sheriff's
Department
when
officers
heard the
news. The
K-9 Deputy
had
just
received a
package with
pages of Mirza
drawings
done by
students
from a
school in
South Bend.
Morse
said
she has had
big impact
on the
community. Mirza was
born on
March 15,
2001, in
Peru,
Indiana, and
she was
already
named when
she arrived
at the
department.
She knew a
lot of
tricks. Her
best friends
were
Morse
and bouncy
balls. One
of Mirza's
favorite
things were
the Slim
Jim's that
Tracy, who
works at the
Family
Express on J
and 6th
streets,
would sneak
through the
glass to
her.
Morse always
wanted to be
apart of the
K-9
Division. He
found it an
interesting
aspect of
the
department
and
in 2009
he was
granted his
first
faithful
furry
partner, Mirza. "It
was
incredible,"
said Morse
about his
pairing with Mirza. "On
the first
day we did
street
patrol and
she chased a
burglar
down." From
that day on,
Mirza was
with Morse
everyday. "Mirza
was the best
in the group
to apprehend
drugs," said
Morse. He
said
she had
a nose for
tracking
narcotics.
In 2009, Mirza
assisted the
Indiana
State Police
on the
Indiana Toll
Road
with
apprehending
187 pounds
of
marijuana.
She has
caught a
prisoner
escapee from
Starke
County,
numerous
burglars and
other
criminals.
"She was
also one of
the best to
take into
the schools
for
demonstrations,"
said Morse.
"I don't
know if one
kid at
Rolling
Prairie
Elementary
doesn't know
who Mirza
is."
Mirza was
previously
Sgt. Harlan
Williams'
partner
from
2004 to
2008.
Outside of
work, Mirza
lived at the
Morse
family's
home. Morse
said she was
with him
more
than
anyone else,
family and
co-workers
included.
"You know,
the dogs are
more than
just a
partner to
that
person...they
are a family
member too,"
said Mollenhauer
to the La
Porte County
Commissioners
and the
public at
the
commissioner's
meeting on
Tuesday.
"It was a
very
emotional
time. I
happen to be
an animal
lover like
most people
and it just
was
difficult."
Mollenhauer
said they
previously
had
discussions
to have a
replacement
dog in order
but they
were hoping
she would
have had
another year
or two left
on the
force. He
said they
had a dog on
each shift
for drug
apprehension
and
tracking. He
is a bit
weary of the
outcome of
acquiring
another dog
since they
can be
costly and
the county
council
denied them
two years
ago. "We all
utilize
those dogs.
I hope that
we can
renegotiate
that to have
three dogs,"
said Mollenhauer.
Morse hopes
the
department
will still
be able to
have the K-9
Division.
"They do a
lot of good
to the
community,"
said Morse.
"The more
tools we can
have for the
department,
the better.
And she was
more than a
tool - a
partner and
family
member."
Morse said
it was
extremely
difficult to
break
the
news about Mirza to his
seven-year-old
son. "It's
been a hard
year," said
Morse after
he stated
the
other
tail waging
family
member,
their
13-year-old
black
Labrador,
passed away
this past
August.
The
procession
for Mirza on
Saturday
will start
at the
Michigan
City Animal
Hospital,
2525 E.
Michigan
Blvd.,
Michigan
City. Morse
will then
bury Mirza
with his
family in
their
backyard
that
afternoon.
"Friday will
be rough,"
said Morse
after a
pause. "That
will be my
first day
back without
her. She is
definitely
going to be
missed."
submitted by
Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 Sgt. MINA
2013
Military K9 Dog
Handler: Sgt. Corey
McCourt
US ARMY
A bomb-sniffing
military dog is being
denied burial in a
national military
cemetery where his
handler's family is
buried.
Mina, a Labrador
Retriever, achieved the
rank of sergeant and was
adopted by his handler,
Army Sgt. Corey McCourt
when he retired at age
11.
Last week, Mina was
euthanized at age 13
after suffering an
incurable lung ailment.
Army Sgt. McCourt
continues to
serve
overseas so his mother,
June Etlinger, is
arranging for Mina's
burial.
Mina was a bomb-sniffing
dog and served nine
tours in Afghanistan. He
served with June's' sons
several times.
"They were battle
buddies,' June said. "He
brought my son home
three times and six
other people before him.
My feeling is you need
to honor him."
She thought it would be
a fitting tribute to
Mina to have the dog
buried at Great Lakes
National Cemetery in
Holly, Michigan along
side her father and
grandparents who are
buried there. "It’s a
beautiful cemetery and
it’s an honorable
cemetery, and I just
feel that Mina deserves
that as well,” she said.
Unfortunately, under
federal law, dogs are
not permitted to be
buried in national
cemeteries.
There are no provisions
for military service
animals.
The family is now
considering their
options. They are
contacting senators and
congressmen representing
Michigan and are hoping
to have the ruling
overruled to allow a
canine burial. The
Military War Dog
Cemetery
in Lyon Township also
contacted WJBK News to
say that they are
offering the family a
service
with full military
honors.
A petition has also been
set up by others on the
Whitehouse website here.
submitted by Jim
Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In
Loving Memory of
K9 MEGHAN
July 2, 2002 - January 11, 2013
Handler: Agent Jim Imbert
Federal Protective Service
K9 Meghan a Dutch
Sheppard specializing in
explosives detection
born on July 2, 2002 in
Holland, took her last
ride on January 11th,
Meghan was able to see
friends do training and
enjoy being a “work
dog”. Meghan was
initially trained by
Auburn University, she
was certified by
CPWDA, NAPWDA, USPCA,
IPWDA and was up on her
ATF NCI, NORT
certifications, she
loved to work everything
else was an extra.
During her career she
was called upon to do
many explosive detection
sweeps and dignitary
protection details
throughout the US, she
traveled everywhere from
the northeast to
Georgia, Washington and
Chicago. Meghan was
retired from service in
2011. She never really
retired, she was up
every day at 0400 ready
to go. When the phone
would ring she would run
to it and wait for the
word. When there was a
call out, she would wait
at the door. Meghan was
a dedicated partner,
work dog and something
all handlers realize
much more. She will be
missed by all who met
her over the years
especially the sniff,
smile, bark or lick
everyone was accustom
too.
submitted by Jim
Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
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