In Loving Memory of
K9 DINO
February 6, 2006

Handler: John Twomey
Prince William County Police
Maryland

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of K9 Dino on February 6th, 2006. Dino was the partner of John Twomey of the Prince William County Police Department. He served with John from November of 1996 to March of 2000 when John was promoted. K9 Dino certified PD1 Tracking and Detector during his career and was a member of the 2nd place Department Tracking Team in 1998 and 2nd place Department PD1 team in 1999. Dino passed away at home and will be buried at the Prince William County K9 Cemetery. He is greatly missed by his family, John, Debbie and Cheyenne. Rest in peace Dino.

In Loving Memory of
K9 DUKE
November 20, 2006

Handler: Sgt. Ken Neece
Hall County Sheriff's Office
610 Main Street SW
Gainesville, GA 30501   ~ ( 770 )531-6900

MANS' leading drug detecting canine dies
 The Hall County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad's leading drug detection canine, Duke, died Monday as a result of a terminal bone disease and lung infection. Duke, 11, a Dutch Shepherd born and originally trained in Holland, was the first drug dog to serve with Hall County MANS. Duke began his tour of service on March 4, 1997, with his handler Sgt. Ken Neece of the Hall County Sheriff's Office. At the time Duke was the sole drug dog working in Hall County. Over the past nine years Duke conducted over 12 hundred drug searches, locating illicit drugs over six hundred times, which lead to 542 drug arrests. He successfully located powder cocaine 30 times with a street value of over $5.5 million and crack cocaine 41 times with a street value of almost $57 thousand. During his career, Duke located methamphetamine 109 times with a street value of a little more than one million dollars and marijuana 358 times with a street value of over $3.5 million. On two occasions he also located heroin with a street value of $84 thousand, which is not a prominent illicit drug in the Hall County area. On many occasions he alerted on and discovered United States currency eventually totaling $287,681.00, which had been used in drug transactions and tainted with drug residue. The total seizure value of illicit drugs and drug currency located by Duke is more than $10.5 million. These drug seizures and arrests lead to additional forfeitures of drug dealer assets totaling millions of dollars. He was also well known in the community, making appearances at civic meetings, summer camps and day cares.  Duke worked his entire police canine career along side his partner Ken Neece and died Monday evening at Neece's home. Upon learning of Duke's death Sheriff Cronic said, "Duke served the Hall County Community well for almost ten years as the first canine member of the Hall County Multi-Agency narcotics Squad." 
UPDATE_
K9 Cop Busted; Charged With Killing His K9 Partner 5/31/07 Florida
Sgt. Allen Cockfield is charged with killing his police dog.
Sgt. Allen Cockfield surrendered with his attorney Wednesday afternoon.
He is charged with animal cruelty and killing a police dog, a third-degree felony that means he will now be relieved of duty without pay. He posted $6,000 bond. Cockfield's attorney, Doug Hartman, called his arrest a ''travesty of justice.'' ''I'm stunned,'' Hartman said of the charges. ``I'm never seen a case like this. He is one of the best dog handlers in the department.'' Nearly a year ago, a high-ranking Miami-Dade K9 officer's dog died during a training exercise. Although the incident report said that Sgt. Allen Cockfield tried to save his dog, anonymous e-mails began circulating almost immediately telling another story: that Cockfield had kicked his 4-year-old German shepherd, Duke, to death in a fit of rage.  He was finally charged today with animal cruelty and killing a police dog. Through his lawyer, he denied the charges.   "Miami-Dade Police Department's first two K9s joined the department in 1972 and were assigned to detect explosives at Miami International Airport. There are now 14: eight Belgian Malinois, four German shepherds, a bloodhound, a Dutch shepherd, and a Belgian Tervuren used for drug, explosives, and human-remains detection, suspect searches, and trailing. Duke was one of three dogs that the department requisitioned in late 2005. He cost $8,500 and was delivered on Feb. 25, 2006, by Tony Guzman of Metro-Dade Canine Services in the Redland, a long-time dog vendor to the county and other South Florida departments. Duke was trained for ''felony apprehension and would have eventually cross-trained for explosives,'' according to police spokesman Roy Rutland. He was the fourth dog assigned to Cockfield in 21 years. The day he died, Duke was training at Range 3, a grassy area at the training bureau. The activies were ''obedience control work,'' according to Rutland. ''No decoy or biting with suits or sleeves'' were being used. Tissue samples from the dead dog were sent to a Antech Diagnostics, a laboratory on Long Island. Following Duke's death, an anonymous e-mail was sent to various county agencies, animal-welfare organizations and media outlets, alleging that Cockfield had killed his dog and describing in detail what the writer said happened that day. ''Duke was on a leash at his partner's side. He barked at a time when his partner, Sgt. Cockfield, did not want him to. He was then strung up by his neck and kicked repeatedly. Duke let out a prolonged yelping cry, shook and went limp. When put down on the ground he died IMMEDIATELY.'' Russ Hess is executive director of the USPCA: United States Police Dog Association. The retired chief of the Jackson Township (Ohio) Police Department spent 15 years as a K9 handler. ''The only reason to kick a dog is self-preservation, if a dog is attacking the handler,'' said Hess. ''If it's out of control trying to hurt the handler, it's the same as if [the handler] is fighting a person. But as a training method, I don't see that.'' Hess said that USPCA formed in 1970 because there were no national police K9 training standards, and there still aren't, though many departments use the group's methods and curricula. The State of Florida mandates 400 training hours for all K9 handlers.''  ''This is the first time I've ever heard of anything like that,'' Rob Hickman, the vice president of the North American Police Work Dog Association, said Wednesday.Since the incident last June, Cockfield had been on administrative duty.
 submitted by Jim Cortina

In Loving Memory of
K9  DIOGI
September 28, 2006
 

Handler: Deputy Vern Matthew Williams
(in vehicle was also Deputy Douglas Speirs)
Polk County Sheriff
 455 North Broadway - Avenue L 
     Lakeland, Florida 33830
863-533-0344 / 863-534-6200 
Please play video below........
http://www.theledger.com/static/flash_video/20061004_matt_williams/index.html

Speirs, was treated at Lakeland Regional Medical Center and released.released with gun shot in leg.
One Deputy Killed, Another Wounded After Traffic Stop
 A sheriff's deputy was killed and another wounded in a gunfight with a man who eluded capture after a traffic stop Thursday, prompting authorities to tell residents to lock themselves inside their homes as officers swarmed the rural area. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd identified the dead deputy as Vernon Matthew "Matt" Williams, 39. The deputy who made the initial traffic stop, Douglas Speirs, also 39, was shot in the leg and will survive, Judd said. Williams' police dog, Diogi,also was fatally shot.  Armed officers carrying shields, dozens of patrol cars and helicopters searched for the suspect after the shooting just before noon in north Lakeland. Several area schools were locked down. Judd said there was "a chance" that they had identified the suspect, but he would not elaborate. Speirs first approached the suspect during the traffic stop, but he fled into a wooded area when the officer began asking him about his identity, Judd said. Speirs and Williams, who arrived a short time later with his German shepherd, followed the suspect into the woods.  As the officers tracked him, there was a "burst of gunfire," Judd said. Speirs returned fire and he and Williams were shot in the gunfight.  The suspect later exchanged gunfire with a Lakeland police detective who was at a nearby home warning residents to stay inside. No one was hit.  "We will find this suspect, we will bring him to justice," a visibly shaken Judd said during a news conference. "The investigation will go on. We will not sleep. We will not rest until we have the suspect in custody for this heinous action today."  Williams had been with the sheriff's office since April 1994. He leaves behind a wife and three children. Speirs, a six-year veteran deputy, is married with two sons. Judd called Williams "a fine man," and "a dedicated deputy."  Authorities cordoned off a large area around the gunman's car. Helicopters circled in wide arcs as emergency vehicles raced up and down local roads.  Officers arrived en masse from neighboring counties to assist in the search. Traffic backed up on nearby Interstate 4, which runs near the city about 35 miles east of Tampa. Judd said 10,000 to 15,000 people live in the area, which is around 3 square miles. Officers were going house to house in some areas. A mass evacuation was not practical so deputies asked people to lock themselves inside. The shooting occurred near Kathleen High School, which was locked down, officials said. Two others schools farther away from the scene also were locked down for a time.  About 6 p.m., authorities began evacuating the 1,600 students at Kathleen High, a sheriff's spokeswoman said. The students were taken by bus to a secure area where they could meet their parents. submitted by Bobby Earl  and  Renee' Konias
*********  UPDATE  Oct. 2007
Office Dedicated to Fallen Deputy, K-9
Sheriff's Office command building bears plaque in honor of Matt Williams, DiOGi. 
 In a solemn ceremony awash with images of a badge and a paw, Polk County's law enforcement community again
paid tribute Friday to Deputy Matt Williams and his K-9 Diogi. he occasion marked the first anniversary of their deaths at the hands of Angilo Freeland, a drug dealer, which led to the largest manhunt in Polk's history. The search ended one year ago today after Freeland was tracked to a wooded area of Kathleen and killed in a hail of police gunfire. Friday morning, Polk Sheriff Grady Judd spoke to several hundred law enforcement officers, staffers and residents assembled at the Sheriff's Northwest District Command Office in North Lakeland. The building was dedicated in honor of Williams and DiOGi. "One year ago today, (Williams') goal was to keep us safe," Judd said. "He stood in the gap so people could sleep peacefully. Matt Williams was a hero." Friday morning's outdoor ceremony was decidedly low-key, lasting less than 30 minutes. Unlike other  memorial tributes in the past year, there were no sheriff's K-9s on hand. Williams' wife and mother teamed  to remove a black cloth covering from a plaque affixed to the entrance of the command office that reads: 
This building is dedicated to the memory of Deputy Sheriff Vernon "Matt" Williams 
and his loyal K-9 partner DiOGi, Sept. 28, 2007.
Nancy Williams made no comments about her husband, preferring to let others speak of her loss, a loss that has rippled throughout the entire county. Thousands of dollars have been donated to Williams' wife, Nancy, and their three children, along with thousands more for the sheriff's canine program. The tragedy spawned a number of community events that have become annual affairs raising thousands more for charitable causes, including a fund to assist the families of law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency responders killed in the line of duty. Polk law enforcement officers who work with cadaver dogs sold T-shirts at Friday's ceremony to raise money for Williams' family. The memorial shirts - $10 for short sleeves, $15 for long - have so far raised $20,000, said Vickie Callahan, a Polk sheriff's detective. "We still have a pretty substantial inventory," she said.
For information e-mail Callahan at vcall0526@aol.com.
All the fuss over the past year, including Friday's dedication, would have made Williams uncomfortable, said Polk sheriff's Detective Mike Evans, a close friend of Williams. "Matt was a simple man,"  he said. "How he's been honored, that's not something he looked for." Reminders of the outpouring from the community were in evidence at Friday's 10 a.m. ceremony that included a performance by Joni Canova, a local entertainer who wrote a tribute song to Williams and DiOGi. She said she invested $700 to have the song recorded professionally with assistance from friend Carl Chambers of Auburndale, a songwriter and former member of the Bellamy Brothers band. Canova said her song, which had many in the crowd in tears, is dedicated to Williams and "firemen, (military) veterans, law officers and really every good man who takes care of his family." Geri Mulford, owner of Mid-State Paving in Auburndale, gave away 500 CD's of Canova's recording at Friday's ceremony. More can be obtained by calling the Sheriff's Office at 863-534-6200. "My family and I just wanted to do something," Mulford said. "It (Williams' death) was just so unnecessary. I'm just so thankful for our Sheriff's Department."

More: Bob Eden:
Deputy Matt Williams & K9 Diogi - EOW September 28th, 2006

It is with deep regret that I announce the death of both Deputy Matt Williams and his K9 partner Diogi on September 28th, 2006. This situation started simply as a traffic stop with some questionable ID and when Matt pulled up to back up the officer who was on the initial stop, the suspect fled. The two officers did what any of us would do...Matt hooked up his dog and they started to track the suspect, but without further support. To be honest, I think most of us would likely have done the same thing. Roughly 300 feet into the woods from where they started the suspect ambushed the officers, killing Diogi (Matt's dog) as well as Matt and wounding the other officer in the leg. Matt was a student of our programs and it always has significant impact when this occurs with someone you know. Sadly, Matt is one of a number of K9 officers I have known personally over the years who have given their lives in the line of duty. The suspect was subsequently tracked down the next day and killed by SWAT team members. I have added a number of photos of Matt that were taken during various training exercises in Lake County Florida in 2004. Rest well Matt and Diogi. You have both earned a place on high.

In Loving Memory of
K9 DUKE
June 8, 2006

Handler: Sgt. Allen Cockfield
Miami Dade Police Department
8899 Northwest 18th Terrace
Doral, FL 33172
phone: (786) 336-6200
Media Relations Bureau
9105 Northwest 25th Street
Doral, FL 33172-1500 USA
Phone: 305-471-1900 Fax: 305-471-1904
Email: Commander: L. O'Brien

K-9 DUKE DIED 6/8/06 ( KICKED ) Source Alleges K-9 Killed By Partner-Officer Police Investigating Incident FL
MIAMI -- A source tells Local 10 that a police dog died as the result of abuse by his partner-handler -- and Miami-Dade police are investigating the incident. The 4-year-old K-9 named "Duke" collapsed during training Wednesday evening. Duke was rushed to Knowles Animal Clinic, where he later died. A source told Local 10 that Duke had barked when he wasn't supposed to during a training exercise at the Miami Dade Training Bureau. He was participating in training with the rest of the K-9 unit. The source said that after Duke barked, his partner Sgt. Allen Cockfield "lost it" and kicked the dog several times. The source said that Duke yelped and then fell unconscious. Cockfield shook the dog, and when he realized the dog was unconscious, he rushed him to the clinic, according to the  source. Detective Roy Rutland, a police spokesman, said that the circumstances of the dog's death were not clear. ''We treat these animals as good as we do police officers,'' Rutland said. Veterinarians conducted a necropsy Thursday, but the
 results have not yet been released. Friday, Miami-Dade police confirmed that they have opened an internal affairs investigation into the incident. Cockfield has been a K-9 officer for 25 years and has had no record of any problems. Watch Local 10 News for the results of the necropsy as soon as they become available.
submitted by Jim Cortina

UPDATE  July 28, 2010

In Loving Memory of
K9 DAKOTA
September 18, 1997-February 5, 2006
 
Handler: Officer Don Bourbon
Puyallup Police Department
City of Puyallup - 330 Third Street S.W.
Puyallup, WA 98371
 (253) 841-4321

Dakota worked for the City for seven years and had over 200 total arrests.
Police dog killed in line of duty Puyallup K9 officer, Dakota, hit by car while chasing burglary suspect
STACEY MULICK; The News Tribune Published: February 7th, 2006

Dakota, a German shepherd with a nose for criminals since he was 2, logged more than 200 arrests during the nearly seven years he worked for the Puyallup Police Department. Sunday night, he was hit and fatally injured by a car while chasing a burglary suspect in southern Pierce County. He was first police dog killed in the line of duty since 2001, when a sheriff’s department dog, Ferro, died when a patrol car accidentally hit him.  “Dakota’s loss hits everyone where it hurts the most, in the heart,” Chief Robin James said Monday. “His service to this community will not be soon forgotten.”  The K9 officer, who wore badge No. K923, was trained to apprehend suspects, search buildings and find evidence.  In addition, his handler, officer Don Bourbon, had taught him how to open the patrol car door with his mouth and climb inside.  Dakota was working with Bourbon on Sunday when the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department called for their help in finding a burglar who’d stolen a truck in the 29400 block Webster Road East. The owner was returning home shortly after 7:30 p.m. when he saw his truck coming toward him. The thief drove the truck around a barn and ran off, according to police.

Dakota was called in and quickly started to track the burglar.  He found a computer case with some of the victims belongings and then led Bourbon and a sheriff’s deputy through a cow pasture and over several fences, police said.  Bourbon took the dog off his leash so he could weave through a patch of heavy brush. Dakota, who was wearing a strobe light, came out of the brush and was crossing Webster Road when the car hit him.  The woman driving the car told deputies she saw a flash from the strobe light, then the dog. She hit the brakes but could not stop in time, according to police.  She was not arrested but a passenger was taken into custody on an unrelated warrant.  Dakota was taken to the Tacoma Animal Hospital, where he was euthanized.  “They just decided his injuries were too extensive,” police spokeswoman Lorri Ericson said.  Bourbon was not available for comment Monday. Dakota was one of the three trained dogs on the Puyallup police force. A long-hair shepherd, he was born Sept. 18, 1997, in the Netherlands. The city bought him from a British Columbia kennel in April 1999.  He started work a short time later with officer Dan Pashon and made his first arrest – a robbery suspect – in July 1999.  In 2001, he became partners with Bourbon, Ericson said.  In addition to their work on the streets, the team visited schools and took part in the spring and fall fairs at the Puyallup Fairgrounds.  “He was just a huge crowd pleaser,” Ericson said. 

DiDi, an 11-year-old German shepherd who worked with Dane County Sheriff Deputy Scott Lindner, died June 16. Lindner says she was frequently called on for searches at the airport, especially after 9/11, and also helped prepare for the arrival of such dignitaries as the Dalai Lama, Al Gore and Hillary Clinton. "That dog could track with the best of them," wrote Lindner to coworkers after DiDi's death. "I can honestly say that the community loved that dog." Didi was a  German Shepherd born in Holland. Didi began working with the Dane County Sheriff's Office in September of 1997 and has been trained to detect bombs as well as other explosive items. Deputy Lindner and Didi risk their lives to search buildings and packages believed to contain harmful items. They also work on special details such as protecting the Vice President of the United States and other special dignitaries when they visit our area. K-9 Didi is affectionate, intelligent and a very trustworthy friend and partner. Personal message - K-9 Didi says, "You too can help K-9 Didi make a difference in your community by reporting suspicious activity to your local police".
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K-9 DARBY
June 22, 2006

Handler: Officer Brian Hintz 
 GRAPEVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
307 W. Dallas Road
Grapevine, Texas 76051
Emergency: 911 -817-410-8127

  In Loving Memory of
K-9 DILLON
January 27, 1996 ~ January 31, 2006

Handler: Deputy Darin Fay
Woodbury County Sheriff's Department
407 7th St.
Sioux City, IA, 51102 - 712 253 2333

 K9 Dillon, a German shepherd, was born January 27th 1996 and became a partner with Deputy Darin Fay of the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Department. Dillon was a duel purpose dog in narcotics and street patrol. K9 Dillon was first certified in 1997 through the USPCA and was one of the first two Woodbury County canines to obtain National Certification in 2001 through the USPCA.  Deputy Fay said Dillon was a good all around dog. He had many narcotic finds and his tracking skills helped officers make felony arrests.  Dillon’s bout with cancer came on fast. On January 11th 2006 Dillon  had a check up and everything appeared to be good at that time. On Monday January 30th  there were signs that something was wrong. Dillon underwent surgery on January 31st 2006 were cancer was discovered and Dillon was laid to rest. Dillon was a good friend and partner and will be missed but not forgotten. 
 submitted by Todd Trobaugh

In Loving Memory of
K9 DANNY
Nov. 15, 2000 ~ July 21, 2006

The Working Dog
My eyes are your eyes,
to watch and protect you and yours,
My ears are your ears, 
to hear and detect evil minds in the dark,
My nose is your nose, 
to scent the invader of your domain,
  And so you may live,my life is also yours.

Memorial to honor K-9 killed in action 
Memorial Set For 8/3/06
By J. Eric Eckard Rocky Mount Telegram 7/31/06

In Loving Memory of
K-9 DANNY ~  SAR
11/18/99 ~ 08/12/06

Handler: Linda Murphy 
23 W. Magnolia Ave.
Aldan, PA  19018

My partner's name was Danny. He was a SAR dog and his life was cut too short by bloat/torsion. Danny was a certified cadaver dog and a member of the Central Jersey Technical Rescue Team.  He was a valued member of the team and to the search and rescue community.  Danny worked on numerous searches and supported many crime scenes.  His kind, confident nature brought strength to those who met him.  He participated in many public relation events, SAR memorials, nursing home visits, parades, 4-H club events, fire department safety days, was on Law & Order SVU a couple of times and supported the training of many of his canine friends and family in Search & Rescue. Dan - I could do without this pain but that means I would have missed the dance.  You made the dance worthwhile.  Because of that, I will choose to dance again and I will always thank you for teaching me so many steps. You were so much to so many - I was blessed to be owned by you.
"Just My Danny"
He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds. My other ears that hear above the winds.  He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea.  He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile,; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it.  When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another woman. With him, I am all powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me ... whenever...wherever - in case I need him.  And I expect I will-as I always have.  ~by Gene Hill
I have another partner, Deva who's name in mythology means a celestial being who's chief attribute is to help human beings. I thought that perfect for a SAR dog.     
submitted by Linda...

In Loving Memory of
K9 DAGO
August 11,2006

Handler: Joseph DiGangi
Countryside Police Department
address -  Illinois
 email: Countryside Police Department
  708-352-2171
Chief Swanson is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command SPSC class-194, the Executive
Management Program class-23 and is a recipient of Northwestern University’s Public Safety Executive Leadership Award. 
*********
Why was police dog slain?  September 9, 2006 - BY DAN ROZEK Staff Reporter
Battling back tears, Countryside Police Officer Joseph DiGangi said Friday he still wants to know why his canine partner was killed by another police officer.  DiGangi's police dog, Dago, (pronounced dah-GO), was shot twice by a Cicero officer last month during a search -- although details of the shooting remain unclear.  "There's a lot of unanswered questions. I'd like to know what happened," DiGangi said after a memorial service in Countryside for Dago, attended by more than 100 police officers and at least 50 police dogs.  DiGangi said he was "skeptical" of statements by Cicero police that Dago attacked and bit a Cicero officer, forcing the cop to shoot the four-year-old German shepherd.  He appreciated that Cicero Police Chief Anthony Iniquez attended the memorial and offered his condolences. But DiGangi said the gesture didn't resolve lingering questions about circumstances surrounding the Aug. 4 death of his beloved partner.  Self-defense' cited.  "It doesn't really put a rest to it in my heart," said DiGangi, wiping away tears as he spoke of his dog, a member of the department for almost three years.  But as far as Cicero police are concerned, the case is clear-cut -- closed, said Cicero spokesman Dan Proft.  "Our officer acted properly in self-defense," Proft said, adding an internal investigation cleared the Cicero officer, a four-year veteran.  The 4 a.m. shooting took place while several west suburban police departments were searching for a motorist who refused to stop when Cicero police tried to pull him over. The driver fled into Berwyn,then ran from his vehicle, prompting police to call for reinforcements -- including DiGangi and Dago -- to assist in the search. When a man was found hiding nearby under a car, Dago was turned loose to flush the man out -- then DiGangi and other officers heard two shots before finding Dago fatally wounded.  'It's hard when you lose one' According to Proft,Dago attacked the officer, biting him on his gun hand and causing the cop to accidentally fire a shot that hit the dog.Dago stopped momentarily, then attacked the officer again, forcing him to shoot a second time to down the dog, Proft said. The officer was treated for "wounds to his wrist and hand," Proft said.  "Perhaps [Countryside] should be investigating why their canine attacked our officer,'' Proft said. Countryside Police Chief Timothy Swanson, however, said there was "uncertainty" about details of the shooting and hoped more information would be forthcoming from Cicero officials. "I'm not accusing the [Cicero] officer of doing anything malicious," said DiGangi, saying he just wants more answers. The officer is moving to begin training a new canine partner later this year.  During the memorial, several suburban officers spoke of the emotional bonds they have with their canine partners.  "We put blood, sweat and tears into our dogs," said John Bazukas, an Elk Grove Village police officer. "It's hard when you lose one. It's like losing a family member." drozek@suntimes.com 
******
Police Dog Killed In Morning Incident - Dago Apparently Became Confused, Charged Officer 
- Get breaking news alerts
(CBS) COUNTRYSIDE A police dog is dead after he was killed by an officer in an unfortunate chain of events. 
Dago and his handler were called in Friday morning from Countryside after Cicero and Berwyn police thought they had surrounded a suspect.  When the man refused to come out from under a car, Dago was released. The dog went straight under the car and out to the end where a Cicero officer was standing.  Dago was apparently confused, charged the Cicero officer and bit him. The officer said he had no choice but to shoot Dago. It turns out the man under the car was not the suspect police were searching for, but they are questioning him. submitted by: M Maxie
Police dog killed by Cicero cop  - August 5, 2006    BY LISA DONOVAN Staff Reporter 
There was a chase, then a suspect cornered, and, when it was all over Friday, a revered Countryside police dog was dead,at the hands of a police officer. But precisely how the incident unfolded remains in question. Dago (pronounced dah-GO) who belonged to Countryside police, was killed by a Cicero police officer who says he was attacked by the German shepherd and fired the fatal shots. Now an investigation is under way by both departments. Countryside Police Chief Timothy Swanson said he's upset not only over the loss, but at the lack of condolences from Cicero officials. About 4 a.m.Friday, Cicero police attempted to pull over a van. The driver then tossed something out of the window. The chase was on. The driver led police into neighboring Berwyn, where he fled on foot. A radio request for backup went out. Countryside Officer Joseph DiGangi and partner Dago responded. Police had found a man hiding beneath a car in the area. Officers ordered him to come out, but he didn't comply. So DiGangi announced the dog was coming in after him,  Countryside's chief said. "The canine officer announced, very loudly, as they're trained -- three times -- so the officers can clear out," said Swanson. As officers surrounded the car, guns drawn, the dog was released. As the dog rounded the vehicle, two shots rang out. Cicero police spokesman Dan Proft said his officer was attacked and bitten in in the gun hand.Four-year veteran Paul Laslie fired one shot accidentally, hitting the dog; the dog recoiled, but came after him again and Laslie fired in self-defense, Proft said. "We don't know why the dog did what it did. We're trying to take a person into custody. We would have no reason to engage the dog," said Proft, who explained that the man they were trying to arrest and other officers corroborate Cicero's story. Questions remain - The officer's hand was injured and Dago died. Countryside police, however, wonder why the dog went after just one officer and whether the officer simply was too close. "If he thought he was in fear for his life from the dog, then that's his decision" to shoot the animal, Swanson said. "You have police dogs that sometimes engage and try to make an apprehension. Sometimes there are accidental bites." All agree it's a sad event. More frustrating is that they didn't get the suspect. Turns out the man under the car was hiding for unknown reasons, and the gunman was still at large.  submitted by Jim Cortina
The German shepherd was being treated at the Berwyn Animal Hospital, where he died later Friday. A Cicero police officer shot and killed a Countryside Police Department dog while searching for a suspect around 4 a.m. on Cicero's North Side. Police said Cicero officers were chasing an armed suspect into Berwyn when they called the Countryside Police Department's K-9 Unit for help. Once officers tracked down and surrounded the suspect, the dog, called Dago,was released. Instead of going after the suspect, Dago latched on to a Cicero police officer. The officer was holding a gun. It went off during the struggle and Dago was struck by a bullet. The German shepherd was being treated at the Berwyn Animal Hospital, where he died later Friday.  submitted also by Judith Meek 

K9 DYGON - Badge # 9040
October 11, 2006

1st HANDLER, Sgt. Scott Parker 
2nd HANDLER, Deputy Adam Fortney 
Snohomish County Sheriff's Office
Main: 425-388-3411 or 1-800-562-4367, TTY 425-388-3700
Snohomish County, 3000 Rockefeller Ave, 
Everett, WA 98201

Fellow deputies and police officers gave a solemn goodbye to one of Snohomish County's finest police dogs.
'We will all miss himOctober 11, 2006 - By April Zepeda  - Video : KOMO 4 NEWS 
' Wednesday, fellow deputies and police officers gave a solemn goodbye to one of Snohomish County's finest. "We will all miss him," said Chief Tom Greene of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. He was a standout deputy who captured 143 suspects. "We can recognize the number of suspects and criminals that have been apprehended and prosecuted because of his loyalty and dedication," said County Executive Aaron Reardon. From top brass to beat cops, everyone feels the loss of deputy -- even if the fallen officer worked the street on all fours. "I understand being an owner of several dogs myself, what they mean to the family," said Sheriff Rick Bart. "And Dygon was part of the Sheriff's Office family." Deputy Dygon was a black German Sheppard who joined the force in 2002. His handler, Deputy Adam Fortney found him dead in his kennel from an undetected medical condition. 
For most of his career, Dygon worked with Sgt. Scott Parker, who was later promoted out of the K-9 Unit. But Parker arranged for his four legged partner to come live with his family as soon as the dog retired. "They live with us and they work with us all the time, so there is that special bond that runs deep," said Parker. Dygon was one of three police dogs with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff discovered their value years ago when a police dog tackled a suspect wrestling for the sheriff's gun. "He saved my life without a doubt," Sheriff Bart said. "That man was going to shoot me." Police dogs cost $10,000 each, but the Tulalip Tribe is donating the money to replace Dygon. The county relies on money from Pennies for Puppies to pay for the dogs' expenses. Dygon never complained and got paid in kibbles, but he performed his duties with dedication, enthusiasm and honor. "..and the most important things, loyalty and sacrifice," said Pastor Dan Kellogg. To badge number  9040...Good dog. 
 submitted by Jim Cortina...Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 DUCO
July 26, 2006

Handler: Chuck Morris
El Dorodo Correctional Facility