Memorials to Fallen K-9s
2014-T
The F.A.S.T. Co. donates sets of memorial cards to all partners 
 I need your help to inform me of such losses.

Dept. addresses available for those who want to send condolences to officers. See below

In Loving Memory of
MWD K9 TOM
December 29, 2014

Handler: Staff Sgt. Kyle Kottas
34 1st Security Forces Sqd.
Great Falls Police Department 

Police say goodbye to working dog Tom

Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” but for military working dogs and their handlers, the bond is even stronger. Tom, a military working dog, entered service in February 2010. The dog, born Jan. 6, 2008, died Dec. 29, from acute cardiac arrest. On Friday, his handler, Staff Sgt. Kyle Kottas, said a tearful goodbye to the dog who had become his friend. Tom had been at Malmstrom for more than four years, and Kottas was his handler for most of that time. Kottas was joined by other handlers, members of the 341st Security Forces Squadron, the Great Falls Police Department and others.

About 100 people filled a room to pay their respects to the dog who had completed dozens of random anti-terrorism checks, housing patrols, vehicle and building checks and bomb searches. Tom even provided security detail for the president, vice president and other dignitaries. “Tom was more than just a military working dog to me,” Kottas said. The good-humored dog had nicknames like Tommy, Showtime Tom and Thomas. Kottas said that Tom would prance, whine and jump into his arms when they weren’t working. “He was kind of a nice guy,” Kottas said. They never spent more than 12 hours apart.

Tom trained as an attack dog, but Kottas said he didn’t have it in him to bite bad guys. But he made up for that with his excellent detection skills. And as a snuggler. Kottas said that he would paw at his arm until Kottas started petting him again or let the dog snuggle up with him. Last month, Kottas spent a third and final Christmas with Tom. On the morning of Dec. 29, Tom had a heart attack. Kottas said he did what he could to save the dog and kept repeating, “Tom, don’t leave. You’re going to make it buddy.” “We lost a defender,” Kottas said. “I lost my friend.”

Maj. Kelli Green, 341st SFS commander, said that some people might wonder why they held a memorial ceremony for “a puppy.” But military working dogs commit their lives to the service of others. “Tom, your watch is over my faithful defender,” Green said. Lt. Shane Sorensen of the GFPD coordinates the departments K-9 unit. He and another police officer attended the ceremony to support their fellow cops. The GFPD and Malmstrom K9 units have trained together, Sorensen said. “We know them, we know their dogs,” he said. “It hurts to lose one of them.”   Submitted by Jim Cortina, CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TITAN
March 3, 2002 - December 30, 2014

Handler: Officer Jason Venditto
Hamden Police Department
2900 Dixwell Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut, 06518 

 

In Loving Memory of
K9 THOR
December 30, 2014

Handler: Officer Matt Harger
Antioch Police Department
300 L Street
Antioch, CA 94509 

Famed police K9 Thor passes away

Antioch Police Officer Matt Harger walks in with K-9 officer Thor, 10, who sports one of the new custom-fitted bullet and puncture-proof vests that were given to the four police dogs at a press conference held at Antioch Police Department on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, in Antioch, Calif. The vests are a gift from a Bay Area nonprofit and Pet Food Express. Last August Thor was shot in the shoulder by a robbery suspect and would not have suffered a bullet wound if he had been wearing a vest, according to Harger.
 

On the final day of 2014, the Antioch Police Department announced with a heavy heart that famed K9, Thor, passed away Dec. 30. He was 14. Described on the department's Facebook page as a "truly epic working dog," Thor was known for his heroism while serving the city of Antioch between 2002 and 2012. He was shot once in the neck in 2010 while helping to capture 29-year-old suspect Christopher Miguel Johnson, who had opened fire on officers during an interrupted home burglary. Though wounded, Thor held onto Johnson while officers returned fire, killing the suspect who had an already extensive criminal history.

"This is the utmost demand for a police dog, and that night, without a doubt, Thor saved our lives," Antioch police Officer Matt Harger said in a statement on the department's Facebook page. "There is no other story that can top that." Thor, who received a Purple Heart Award for his bravery that day, was also responsible for hundreds of arrests and suspect surrenders, dozens of narcotic finds and more than 40 apprehensions of suspects, according to Antioch police. In addition to being shot, while on duty, Thor was run over on Highway 4 while attempting to catch a suspect who had just been involved in a shooting.

 

He was also run over while in the middle of apprehending a car thief who had fled from police. A Belgian Malinois, Thor was born Dec. 14, 2000, and brought home by Harger when he was just 7 weeks old. Thor joined the Antioch Police Department in September 2002 and retired in December 2012. "Thor was truly an amazing K9 with 9 lives & a lot of heart," the Antioch Police Department stated. "We have lost an iconic police dog who spent a decade serving his community, saving the lives of officers (and) taking some of the toughest felons off the streets."   Submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TINA
 December 2014

Handler: Officer Philip Ehling
Dayton International Airport
Dayton, Ohio

 Dayton Airport Loses K-9

One of the three police dogs at the Dayton International Airport has died from cancer. According to a release Thursday,
 TSA K-9 Tina worked with partner Officer Philip Ehling, since July 28, 2006. K9 Tina was recently diagnosed with
 inoperable cancer after battling an intestinal illness. The DAI established its K9 Unit that year with three police dogs.
 Each K9 goes through a ten-week training course in Texas at Lackland Air Force Base. A memorial service is
 being planned for Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014 at the Dayton Expo Center on the grounds of the airport. “K9 Tina will
 be deeply missed by her Airport family,” says Terrence Slaybaugh, Dayton’s Director of Aviation. “Our Police dogs come
 to work every day and are very much a part of what it takes to keep the Airport and our passengers safe.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TROLL
December 11, 2014
 
Handler: Officer Brian Keetle
Springfield Police Department
230 4th St.
Springfield, Oregon, 97477

 

5-year-old Springfield Police K9 Troll dies
A 5-year-old police dog on the job for 2 years has died from complications after surgery, the Springfield Police Department said.
 On Wednesday, police rushed K9 Troll to his veterinarian with symptoms of gastric torsion or bloat. Troll was transferred to
Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates, where the dog underwent surgery. Troll appeared to be out of danger and was sent
home with his handler Officer Brian Keetle to recover. On Thursday, Troll's health took a sudden downturn, and he was
 returned to OVRA.
During a second surgery, veterinarians discovered unforeseen complications which ultimately led to Troll's death later in
 the day, police said. K9 Troll, a German shepherd, was purchased with money donated to the K9 Unit by Dean and
Rita Maxwell. He had been on the job for 2 years. The K9 Unit said it thanked McKenzie Animal Hospital,
OVRA and Veterinary Surgeons Dr. Aimee Csiszer and Dr. Curt Daly for their efforts over 36 hours to save Troll.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TIL
October 29, 2014

Handler: Officer Benoit 
Salem Police Department
9 Veterans Memorial Pkwy.
Salem, NH 03079

Salem police dog loses battle with cancer 

Salem police are mourning the department's K-9.  The dog, named Til, lost his brief battle to cancer on Wednesday.
 Officer Benoit was with Til when he passed. Police said Til and his officer, Ofc. Benoit, were respected throughout
 the region for their hard work and consistent results.   Submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 THUNDER
September 29, 2014

Handler: Officer Richard Moreno  

Marina Police Department

211 Hillcrest Ave.

Marina, California  93933

 

website - http://www.ci.marina.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=17

It is with great sadness that the Marina Police Department announces the loss of Thunder – one of our beloved K-9.
Thunder was euthanized due to a progressive spinal condition that was causing paralysis and extreme pain. Thunder, who
 had been with the Marina Police Department since 2007, was a key element in the arrest of several felons.
 Officer Moreno and Thunder made up one of the greatest K-9 teams found in the tri-county areas. Thanks to their
diligent work, bank robbers, violent armed felons, drug dealers, and other law breaking individuals, have been apprehended
 and secured to the justice system. Thunder, who is the first Marina Police K-9 to pass while on active duty, will be
 greatly missed. R.I.P. Thunder. Thank you for your service!!!  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
 

In Loving Memory of
K9 TOMI
2014

Handler: Officer Benjamin Dean
Hattiesburg Police Department
701 James St.
Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Hattiesburg Police K-9 laid to rest

A police k-9 is part of an exclusive and unique group of law enforcement professionals that put their life on the line everyday
for their officer. Today the Hattiesburg police department laid one of its own to rest. “For those of you that have never
 worked a dog before, it’s a very special bond. Our partners look to us for food, water, they look to us for training,
they look to us for love and affection,” said Sgt. Robert Sybert. K9 Tomi has been a member of the department
for six years. He died unexpectedly during a surgical procedure. He was laid to rest under the watch of Officer Benjamin Dean.

"You look at him for things we can’t do, when its dark out, and you have to go in a building and you can’t see things,
 your partners senses compliment your own, he can smell out your enemy  He can see better than you, and he can
definitely run faster than most of us,” said Sybert. During the service Tomi was remembered for the number of
 arrests he helped with, along with always offering another line of defense for his handler. “Tomi will be truly
missed by the Hattiesburg police departments command staff, operations division, K-9 squad, but none of us
 will miss  him as much as his handler, Officer Dean,” said Stefon Richardson.

When a police dog is laid to rest the service closes with the Police K-9 Prayer. “If we should meet on another street,
 I will gladly take up your fight. I am the police working k-9, together we are "Guardians Of The Night,” said Sybert.
 Members of the department also expressed their gratitude to the people who made the service possible,
 along with helping with the cost of the service.  Submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Guardians Of The Night
Trust in me my friend for I am
your comrade. I will protect you
with my last breath When all
others have left you And the
loneliness of the night closes
in, I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all
obstacles, And search out
those who might wish harm to
others. All I ask of you is
compassion, The caring touch
of your hands. It is for you that I
will unselfishly give my life
And spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons Know that each
day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by the
coming and going of your
footsteps. I anticipate them at
every opening of the door. You
are the voice of caring when I
am ill. The voice of authority
when I've done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly for
I am your right arm, The sword
at your side. I attempt to do
only what you bid of me. I seek
only to please you and remain
in your favor. Unknown author.....

In Loving Memory of
MK9 TAMARA
July 23, 2014

 Handler: Staff Sgt. T.
Died in Gaza- Killed in the line of duty
Israel Defense Forces  

Military dog killed in Gaza blast saved handler's life

DF canine Tamara took the worst of the impact in house explosion • Her handler, Staff Sgt. T., was moderately wounded.
 "She was his best friend; he's grieving for her," says his mother • Oketz Unit holds ceremonies for dogs killed in action.
 A dog from the IDF's Oketz K9 unit who was killed last week when a booby-trapped house in Gaza exploded saved
her handler's life. Last Wednesday, Tamara and her handler, Staff Sgt. T. of the Oketz Unit, went into action in Gaza.
 The pair were inside an explosives-rigged house when it blew up. Tamara was killed on the spot, and T. was hit by
shrapnel. He is currently hospitalized in the Rehabilitation Hospital at Sheba Medical Center. T.'s mother, Anat, has not
 left her son's side.

"They were accompanying a company of paratroopers that was operating in a Gaza neighborhood," Anat said. "Tamara was
an attack dog, not a dog who was trained to sniff out bombs. She went into the booby-trapped house and was killed.
 She actually blocked the strongest blast and saved my son's life, because he was right next to her." T. was
originally classed as moderately wounded and has since been downgraded to lightly wounded. "She [Tamara] was his
best friend and he's grieving for her," Anat said. Oketz Unit tradition stipulates that the dogs killed in war be given
 a ceremonial burial at the unit's home base, but Tamara's body has not yet been recovered.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TYE
July 21, 2014

 Handler: Constable John Noble
Canada
West Grey cops mourn loss of police dog

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of West Grey Police Service's dog, Tye, who died of natural causes.
Tye and his handler, constable John Noble, became partners in 2006. Tye and John graduated from an extensive 13 week
K9 training program June 28, 2007. Tye was trained and utilized in locating lost or missing persons, locating and
apprehending suspects, property recovery, search warrants, community service and more. Tye also received a number
 of awards in competitions both in Canada and the United States.

Tye loved catching the bad guy but also loved people, especially children. Children loved him just as much. He loved
 coming to work, and got excited when John put on his uniform. He knew it was time to go to work. He loved riding
 in the car and seeing people, going places, attending functions and having fun. Tye was more than a dog to John;
 he was his partner, protector, guardian and best friend. They were a perfect match from the beginning. I would also
like to take this time to thank everyone who sent us donations to keep the program going. The K9 program operated
solely on donations from residents and organizations in our community and beyond. Tye you will always be remembered.
Thank you for your years of dedication and service. You served us well. Rest in Peace.
 submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TRACKER
July 7, 2014
 
Handler:?
Dale County Sheriff’s Office
 Ventress Correctional Facility
 Sheriff Wally Olson - 100 E Court Sq.
Ozark, AL 36360
website - http://www.daleso.com/ 

K-9 killed during shootout

A K-9 was killed by a suspect in a shootout with police Monday. K-9 Tracker was killed while pursuing 50-year-old
Billy Wayne Lomaneck. Police were searching for Lomaneck on charges of first-degree rape and incest of a child.
Officers had been looking for Lomaneck since Thursday when he was spotted running in a field Monday evening.
Four deputies opened fire, wounding Lomaneck, but not before K-9 Tracker was killed. Lomaneck had left a note
 at his home telling police he would die before going back to prison. He was convicted previously of third-degree
 burglary. Lomaneck was transferred to a local hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. No other
officers were hurt in the incident. Dale County Sheriff Wally Olson said he plans to ask the district attorney to look
 into prosecuting Lomaneck for the death of the K-9. 

No memorial service set for prison system K-9 killed in the line of duty in Dale County
 Alabama Department of Corrections
 7/11/14

No memorial service is planned to remember the life and service of the Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 recently
 killed in the line of duty. Tracker, a 5-year-old beagle, was shot and killed near Skipperville in Dale County on
July 7 while assisting state and local authorities track a man wanted on child rape and incest charges.
Tracker was assigned to the Ventress Correctional Facility. According to a police memorial website, Tracker was
a member of one of two canine tracking teams from the Alabama Department of Corrections assisting the
 Dale County Sheriff's Department search for Billy Wayne Lomaneck, who had been hiding out in the woods
 near his house in the area of County Road 33 and County Road 70.

When officers began to approach the area, Tracker began to pursue Lomaneck. Authorities say Lomaneck opened fire
on Tracker and the deputies. Tracker was fatally shot, but no deputies were injured. Lomaneck was injured in the
return of gunfire and taken into custody. He now faces additional charges of attempted murder of law
enforcement officers and a pending charge connected to the death of Tracker. According to the Department of Corrections,
Tracker was a tri-colored beagle born in September 2009. He was raised and trained by ADOC K-9 staff
 to track suspects. He ran his first track when he was less than a year old.
 submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 "TJ"
March 31, 2014
Handler: Officer Andrew Disalvo
Kettering Ohio Police Department
3600 Shroyer Rd.
Kettering, Ohio 45429

The two-year-old German shepherd named, TJ, went into cardiac arrest following a dental procedure, said Ron Roberts,
 a department public information officer.
TJ had great potential as a police K9 and would have had a great career serving the residents of Kettering," 
The KPD wrote on its Facebook page.  TJ was the newest police K9 and served since December 2014.
submitted by "DUSTY"

In Loving Memory of
K9 TYSON
July, 2014

Handler: PC Lee Webb
Somerset Police
England 

Police forced to put down illegal pitbull sniffer dog - Tyson, the pitbull-type sniffer dog who had to be put down.

A South West police force was forced to have one of its own sniffer dogs put down - after he was found to be an
illegal breed. Officers at Avon and Somerset Police took on Tyson, a pitbull-cross, after he had appeared on
Channel 5 show Dog Rescuers. But despite showing "great potential" he had to be put to sleep at a Taunton RSPCA
 centre after police found he was a banned breed. A police dog specialist ruled Tyson, though a cross-breed,
was still of the banned 'pitbull type' and he had to be returned to the West Hatch RSPCA centre near Taunton.

Unable to legally rehome him under the Government's breed standard laws, the center had no choice but to put
him to sleep. The RSPCA and the Police Tri-Force Specialist Operations Collaboration said they were "extremely upset"
by what had happened. Tyson was one of 12 dogs successfully rehomed to various police forces from the Taunton
 area animal centre. The outcome has devastated police dog handlers and RSPCA staff who cared for and trained
the 18 month-old dark brindle and white dog.

Inspector Dave Eddy, who oversees the Tri-Force Dog Section, said: "We are absolutely devastated Tyson had to
be returned to West Hatch, and that due to being a banned breed, he had to be put to sleep in accordance
 with Dangerous Dog Act. "It can be very hard to identify the dangerous breeds if they are mixed with other
 breeds that look similar such as Staffordshire Bull Terriers. "In Tyson's case, it was our expert Dog Legislation
Officers who identified the physical traits. "A number of our drug and explosive search dogs are rescue dogs
and include Labradors, Springer Spaniels and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

"PC Lee Webb who looked after Tyson was particularly upset. PC Webb already handles a rescue Staffie,
 PD Kos, who is an excellent search dog. "We will continue to use rescue dogs and work with the RSPCA to use
 rescue dogs wherever possible." An RSPCA spokesperson commented: "All of the staff who cared for and loved
 him are incredibly upset that such a wonderful dog had to be put to sleep." They added: "Utimately poor Tyson
 illustrates the absurdity of the breed specific legislation and the Dangerous Dogs Act, and is another lovely
dog who has paid the price because of it." A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs commented: "The laws on prohibited type dogs are there to protect people from types of dogs bred for fighting."
sadly submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
(so many of these memorials... I can barely read ... lulu)

In Loving Memory of
K9 TANGO
July 4, 2014
  
Handler: Officer Bob Dougherty
Cheltenham, Twp. Police Dept.
 8230 Old York Rd.
Elkins Park, PA  19027

WEBSITE - http://www.cheltenhamtownship.org/pview.aspx?id=3079&catid=29 

 K-9 Cop Dies Suddenly on Independence Day

A four-legged police officer died unexpectedly on the 4th of July. K-9 Officer Tango, a German Shepherd canine police
officer with the Cheltenham Township Police Department, had to be put down when complications from tumors throughout
 his adrenal gland, chest and intestines significantly diminished his quality of life.

"The hardest part for me was walking out of that hospital with just a lead, collar and tags," says Officer Bob Dougherty,
 a full member of the CTPD K-9 Unit for 26 years and Tango’s partner.

 

Tango originally came to the United States from West Germany to be a family pet, but because he was so active,
he was given to the caretaker of a pistol range for New Jersey police. Two Glassboro Police Department K-9 Unit
 officers noticed Tango and told Dougherty, who was looking for a new partner. "He [Tango] showed everything that
 you need to see in a police dog," Dougherty says, including drive, focus, and loyalty. Dougherty purchased Tango
from the pistol range caretaker and brought Tango home for a few months. In January 2010, the duo began 24
weeks of training with the Philadelphia Police Department K-9 Training Unit to become a police dog team.

 

 

They worked on Tango's foundational skills, like biting on command and obedience, and went through specialized
 training to search for and handle narcotics.  Then, they hit the streets. "We would go on every call that any
 other officer team would go on," Dougherty says. "But we'd work specialty cases as well like searching for drugs
 or running down fleeing suspects. They would also perform demonstrations for various programs, including
summer camps held by the CTPD and University of Pennsylvania Working Dog Center. "We would do a demo
 then let the children pet Tango" Dougherty says.

 

 

"It was great to have the kids see him [Tango] in both modes: a mode to do work, and a mode to just be a dog."
When Tango was off-duty, he was a major part of Dougherty's family, which include his wife JoAnne, a
6-month-old Dutch Shepherd puppy they are fostering for the Working Dog Center and a 10-year-old
German Shepherd. Their home essentially became the neighborhood dog park where families brought their dogs
 to socialize. Whether at home or on the job, Tango loved to be beside his partner. "If I left the house to
 go to the store or on vacation, Tango would go around the house and choose items I had worn, watches,
clothes, anything he could find, and would make them into a pile he would lie on top of at the front door,"
Dougherty says. "When I would get home, he would be so happy. He made me feel special, like it was his
was of returning the favor. That's what I'm going to miss the most I think."  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TIMO
June 11, 2014
Handler:  ?
Fremont Police Department
 2000 Stevenson Blvd.
Fremont, CA 94538  

Fremont police dog dies following five years of service

A Fremont Police dog died last week due to an emergency medical condition, according to the police department.
 Police said that K9 Timo passed away Wednesday. Timo was 6 years old and joined the department in March of 2009.
Timo was a "brave protector of our community," according to a police department release.   
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TANJA
June 13, 2014
Handler: Sheriff Steve Wilson
Walker County Sheriff's Office
105 S Duke Street
Lafayette, GA 30728

Read more: http://www.odmp.org/k9/1530-k9-tanja#ixzz34caJWdIp
REST IN PEACE TANJA   ----   GET WELL SOON HANDLER~

K9 Tanja was shot and killed, and her handler wounded, after responding to a home in the 300
block of Moon Lake Road to search for a rape suspect.
The subject opened fire inside the home, killing Tanja and wounding her handler in the neck,
 before being taken into custody.
Tanja had only served with the Walker County Sheriff's Office for eight weeks.
 condolences may be sent to:
Sheriff Steve Wilson
Walker County Sheriff's Office
105 S Duke Street
Lafayette, GA 30728

Read more: http://www.odmp.org/k9/1530-k9-tanja#ixzz34caJWdIp

REST IN PEACE TANJA   -  GET WELL SOON, HANDLER~ THE GCPK9A

Memorial service scheduled for fallen police dog - 6/17/14  -  Georgia

A public memorial service has been scheduled for Walker County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Deputy Tanja, who was shot and
killed in the line of duty Friday, Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said today. The dog, her handler,
 Deputy Donnie Brown, other sheriff’s deputies and state parole officers were attempting to arrest
Steven Lee Waldemer, age 58, on felony warrants at about 3:45 p.m. Friday in Menlo, Ga., when Waldemer
 allegedly shot and killed the dog. Waldemer was arrested and charged with multiple felonies. Tanja died at
 the scene and Deputy Brown sustained injuries to his jaw and neck. He was treated at Erlanger hospital in
Chattanooga and released. The public memorial service will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the
Walker County Civic Center, 10052 North Highway 27 in Rock Spring, Ga.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
 We Ride to Provide, Inc.,
15 Hunnington Place,
Covington, GA 30016.

http://www.gcpk9a.com/  submitted by GCPK9a.com
 MORE:

A courageous Walker County sheriff’s canine was honored Friday by a large fraternal community of law enforcement officers,
from near and far. One week after deputy canine “Tanja” was killed in the line of duty, more than 350 people
 gathered to pay respect to the dog that sacrificed her life during her first field deployment.

More than 100 law enforcement vehicles accompanied Walker County sheriff’s deputy Donnie Brown, Tanja’s partner,
on a 10-mile motorcade processional (video) from LaFayette High School to the Walker County Civic Center,
 where the ceremony was held.

 

Officers from across northwest Georgia — Rome, Kennesaw and Milton, to name just a few— from Chattanooga, TN.

 and from more than a dozen neighboring sheriff’s offices, filled the parking lot to give their thoughts, prayers

 and tears during an emotional service. “Today we mourn and grieve the untimely death of deputy canine Tanja,”

Walker County sheriff Steve Wilson said. “But we also praise God that deputy Donnie Brown was not seriously

 injured or killed last Friday afternoon.” While some may criticize such an elaborate ceremony for a dog, those in

 attendance point out that Tanja’s sacrifice allowed deputy Brown to return to his wife and children.

 

To their family the 2-year-old female Dutch shepherd was simply the newest member, providing joy and love

 like a newborn. Family members were even required to meet with the canine, to make sure the dog will bond

with the children. It’s the second time the children have grieved for their father’s K9 companion, after Brown’s

 previous partner “Thea” died suddenly of natural causes 18 months ago. “(Brown) thought that by getting another

 (canine) partner that would be a way of healing,” Wilson said. First responders are a supportive family during

times of grief and many support personnel were also in attendance, including paramedics, 911 operators and office personnel.

MORE: 

Numerous K-9 units were among those in attendance, creating a formation outside the civic center as Tanja’s urn was
brought into the building. The memorial lasted more than an hour, as several bible verses and poems were read.
“I believe, that without hesitation, Tanja faced a real threat and paid the highest price out of loyalty, honor,
duty and yes out of love,” Rev. Josh Hollifield said, of Perennial Springs Baptist Church in Summerville.
 “We would be foolish to take that sacrifice lightly.” “Her time on earth was short, but her impact on our
lives will live on for many seasons to come,” Wilson said.

 

Georgia Sheriff’s Association chaplain David Thornton and Holly Cripps, the wife of a K9 officer with the
 Porterdale (Ga.) Police, both read poems about the bonding experience between the handler and the canine.
 Cripps is the president of “We Ride to Provide”, a non-profit that annually pays tribute to fallen police dogs
 for the past four years. She was with Brown and Tanja when graduating from K-9 school in April. Cripp’s husband,
 also a K-9 handler, escorted Tanja’s remains to Covington, where free cremation services were provided.

 

Officials ended the memorial with the customary “End of Watch” tones as a dispatcher read, “We thank you,
 Deputy Tanja, you will not be forgotten. Rest easy girl, we have the watch from here.” WCSO personnel stood
 in two columns, with many in tears, as the canine’s urn was carried from the building. Brown has been
permitted to keep Tanja’s cremains, which include a plaque that reads “Have no regrets about our time, I’ll be
 fine on streets of gold” an excerpt from Cripp’s poem. Special Operations commander Pat Cook nominated the
 canine for a purple heart and a medal of honor, which were posthumously awarded by Wilson during the ceremony,
 after which the sheriff took a knee as he gave Tanja’s badge #69 to Brown, the number will be retired out of respect.

 

Wilson emotionally recounted the incident from last week, while serving an arrest warrant for Steven Lee Waldemer.
 During the arrest attempt Tanja was shot and killed by the suspect. Several members of the
Walker County Sheriff’s Office special operations unit were poised to enter the suspect’s trailer, with
 Brown holding Tanja in the lead position, Wilson said. Circumstances quickly changed once Tanja was shot,
 only moments after being sent in the door, he said. Officers quickly tended to Brown, injured at the
trailer entrance, pulling him from the scene.

 

Waldemer escaped the burning trailer, but was later located by a bloodhound K9 from the
Department of Corrections.  The sheriff’s department is seeking another grant, to maintain two canine units on
 the force, after the loss of K9 Tanja. Wilson spoke last during the memorial, borrowing a quote from Mark Twain
 to describe Tanja’s heroism.
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
 all submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TJ
Feb. 25, 2002 - Mar. 10, 2014

Handler: Officer Brian Kelly
Colorado Springs Police Dept.
 Colorado Springs, CO

The Colorado Springs Police Department is mourning the loss of  one of their K-9s
that took over a million dollars of narcotics off the streets in southern Colorado.

Canine “TJ” was a Dutch Sheppard and was born in Holland, Europe on 02/25/2002.  TJ was trained and titled
 in KNPV (Koninklijke Nederlandse Politiehond Vereniging) or Royal Dutch Police Dog Association. This organization
 conducts police dog trials and offers certificates that are among the most coveted and respected in the world.
 This test demands a dog of great character, physical strength, agility and stamina. 
K9 TJ began his formal police training with the Colorado Springs Police Department and was assigned to
Officer Brian Kelly in August 2006, where they completed a 440 hour basic Canine Patrol Academy and field
 training program. TJ was trained in Patrol Work to include Tracking and Narcotic Scent Detection.
  Canine TJ was assigned and worked with the K9 Unit until he retired in October 2012.  He went to live
with Officer Kelly, where he enjoyed his retirement playing ball and receiving Milk-bones. 
 In November 2013, TJ was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy or DCM, which is a condition
 in which the heart becomes weakened and enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently. 
On March 10, TJ succumbed to the illness and passed away.  

Career statistics for K9 TJ:
- Calls for service: 3435
- Total K9 Deployments: 690
- Narcotic Deployments: 118
- Tactical calls: 198
- Arrests: 263 Misdemeanors
- Suspects found: 45
- Narcotics found:  $1,262,637
- Property recovered:  $67,435

K9 TJ has received five Commanders Commendations and two ACE.  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 TANK
March 02, 2014
 
Handler: P/O Eric Curcio
Lower Merion Township Police Dept.
Pennsylvania
It is with sadness that we report the news that K-9 Tank the retired K-9 partner of P/O Eric Curcio of the
 Lower Merion Township Police Department in Pennsylvania, has passed   K-9 Tank's tour ended last night after a he
succumbed to heart cancer.  Eric had recently retired Tank last year after a distinguished career as a
Patrol & Narcotics Detection K-9.  He had settled into his new assignment protecting the Curcio family on
 the home front and had a short time to give Eric's new K-9 partner some pointers on getting the job done.  

Eric and Tank were graduates of the Philadelphia Police K-9 Academy back in 2006.  The team served the
 community proudly and became the best of friends.  The team was honored along with several other
German Shepherd Police K-9 Handlers last year at the German Shepherd Dog Club of America's Centennial
Celebration in Logan Township.  Tank will be sorely missed. by the entire Police K-9 Community,
but especially by his partner.

"Rest in Peace Tank and thank you for your service! ~"
With Respect, The GCPK9A  
(notified by GCPK9A & Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA)