Memorials to Fallen K-9s
2000
page 4
F.A.S.T.
Co. donates cards to all partners
of all
working dogs/horses by mail
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Have
patience to down load photos of marvelous K-9s - PLEASE
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In
Loving Memory of
K-9
CERO
March 25, 2000
LODD
Partner:
Deputy
William R. Niemi
Ashtabula
County Sheriff's Office - Ohio
25 W.
Jefferson St.
Jefferson,
Ohio 44047
(216)576-0055
Sheriff
William R. Johnson
Deputy
K-9 Cero:
A
Tribute
I was
your shield, your partner
always
a friend.
I took
an oath to protect you,
right
to the end.
I know
you'r still thinking,
I should
be by your side.
In spirit
I am, I'm your courage,
your
bravery and that hasn't died.
Life
will go on, a new partner
a new
friend.
A comrade
like me on which
you
can depend.
But
hey, got a new job
and
doing just fine.
God
made me an angel so
I can
watch over my
friends
and fellow K-9.
by: April
S. Balint
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Meet
"Jago"
Please
read a poignant notation #84 in my guest book, by the daughter of
Deputy Niemi, "Heather.
"My
dad has got another dog since March 25, that horrible day. His name is
Jago pronounced Yago) summer of 2000, another great K-9."
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K-9’s
Mourners Say Final'Good Dog' Friday, March 31, 2000
Jim Watson
Perry, OH USA March 25, 2000
JEFFERSON
- They came from around Ohio, and from Illinois, Kentucky and West Virginia.
More than 300 police officers, and 70 dogs. One by one, they walked up
to a wooden urn and saluted. Many choked back tears. They came to this
small town in Ashtabula County yesterday to pay final respects to "one
of our own." It didn't matter that the fallen officer was a German shepherd
named Cero, shot to death Saturday while subduing a man who killed Walter
Olson, out for his routine dawn walk. The shooter, Levi Ridenour, was killed
by Ashtabula County sheriff's deputies in an exchange of gunfire. "He was
as much a police officer as any of us." Deputy Joseph Niemi, brother of
Cero's owner, Deputy William Niemi. "Cero sensed the danger, and he died
saving my brother's life, and, for that, I thank him. But he also saved
other people's lives, because we didn't know who else might have died if
not for his sacrifice." Hardened police officers tried hard not to cry
during testimonials for Cero at the newly opened Durco Funeral Home in
Jefferson as they saluted the urn containing his ashes. Joseph Niemi, the
county's canine officer, said Cero's attack alerted officers that Ridenour
has a handgun hidden under his coat. "After he was shot, Cero crawled back
to my brother's side long enough for him to say one, final good dog,’"
Niemi said. The moving tribute brought tears to the room crowded with mourners,
many with 9 mm pistols strapped to their sides. Deputy William Niemi sat
with his sobbing wife and children, accepting handshakes and salutes from
police and hundreds of local residents. He spoke to the hundreds of people
in the funeral home and, through loudspeakers, to more than 400 others
that filled the parking lot, lawn and sidewalks. "I’m overwhelmed by the
sympathy cards, flowers and letters from everyone," he said. "Cero was
a member of my family, and he loved my children and wife, especially my
wife. We'll all miss you. Daddy loves you, Cero." Ashtabula County Sheriff
William R. Johnson said donations that poured in after news of Cero’s death
would buy vests for his replacement and the county’s two other canine officers.
After the 90-minute service at the funeral home, a second, longer service
was held at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. The funeral procession drove
past the scene of the shooting and the county ourthouse, where flags flew
at half-staff. At the fairgrounds, a Cleveland police bagpiper played "Amazing
Grace." Two trumpeters played taps, followed by a 21 gun salute that set
all 70 dogs in police cars barking. The dogs then paid their respects,
walking to the urn one at a time with their owners.
BEYOND,
tv program was aired 10/31/02, featuring Bill& Julie regarding Cero
on WB channel.
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In Loving Memory
of
K-9
"VELLO"
APRIL
3, 2000
LODD
 waiting for photo
PARTNER:
Officer
Hovda
Olympia,
WA Police Dept.
Olympia
Police Dept. - 900 Plum St.
Olympia
WA 98501 - (360) 753-8300
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"Vello
and Hovda had been nominated for the Red Cross award and were considered
by several sources to be the top contenders for the prize this year. The
team had received a missing person's report last year and was able to track
down an Alzheimer's patient who had wandered away. One blast from
a shotgun Authorities said Amos drove his white four by four pickup
truck around the locked gate that stood at the entrance to the 2-mile-long
driveway of the woman's home. Leaving his girlfriend in the truck, Amos
allegedly approached the dog and shot it once with a shotgun. He then dumped
the dog into the bed of the pickup, drove off with him and tried to hide
his body miles away in a wooded area, authorities said. Brown said that
Amos knew he was killing a police dog. In fact, he had allegedly met the
dog and made threats toward Vello during past encounters with Hovda and
his estranged wife, authorities said. In addition, Vello had become a well
regarded member of the force after undergoing three surgeries on his spine,
said Sue Larson of the American Red Cross. "As a team, the dog and Officer
Hovda had come through a lot of adversity," she said. "The dog has been
very successful in his career," added Machan. "He is missed not only by
our agency but by some others around that we do work for." mos is now charged
with killing a police dog, a class C felony, which could mean up to five
years in prison and first degree theft, which is punishable by up to 10
years in prison. He also is charged with various domestic violence offenses
that could put him behind bars for life, Brown said. A strange twist at
court. After Hovda, who had been the dog's handler for about three years,
discovered the dog missing and reported it, Lewis County authorities went
to the home where Amos lived with his girl friend, 42-year-old Mary Chichester.
Brown said the sheriff's department found blood and fur on the pickup.
That was enough to get a search warrant for Chichester's home, where the
sheriff's department allegedly found more evidence, officials said. The
case got stranger at Amos' first court hearing Wednesday when police found
Chichester sitting in the audience and arrested her because the search
of her home turned up illegal weapons. Chichester has past convictions
for domestic violence and is not permitted to keep guns, Brown said. After
being arrested at court, Chichester allegedly told police about witnessing
the dog shooting. This new information prompted Amos to later get up in
court and admit to shooting the dog, Brown said. Amos also later led police
to the canine's body, which probably would never have been found. Police
grieve Meanwhile, the death has filled many people at the Olympia Police
Department with grief. Spokesman Dick Machan said that Hovda is on leave
and too saddened to talk.
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"Obviously,
in any of these kinds of things, the dogs are kind of like family so it's
a big loss," he said. "And it's affected people very hard, the same way
it would with anybody that you have around a lot. "Chichester, meanwhile,
faces weapons charges. ed the department in 1995 after K-9 Aron retired
in 1996, Velez said in a press release. Ringo participated in more than
300 searches, including sniffing out a pound of hidden cocaine last June.
He was the first K-9 in the city to be nationally certified for narcotics
detection and minimum force apprehension.
The
person who shot K-9 Vello was prosecuted and sentenced to serve time &
pay restitution. Vello was a great loss to department and especially Officer
Hovda. Many cards and well wishes were sent in honor of Vello. GOOD NEWS:
K-9 Conan just finished training school and received exemplary scores.
He has been on the job with successful tracks and apprehensions. Good Luck
Conan and your new partner. Thanks to department secretary for updated
news. emailed Ofc.Hovda's PD 10/15/02
Oct.
2002
I
am working patrol now. Have been since. Enjoying every day,
thanks to Vello. He is still with me. He school me in the art of
finding people and I think he still guides me at times. I still train
with our new K-9, Conan. He is a great police dog and has a lot of the
same personalities as Vello. I also train with Lacey's K-9 Kuda.
The handle is Bob Lions and when I was
in
K-9, Bob had Baron. Baron has since past away and now he has Kuda.
So I am still involved a little but it certainly is not like having a partner,
24 hours a day.
Nov.
2002
Since
you have emailed me, I have been thinking about all the things Vello did
for me. I just thought I would share one or two with you. Vello
was injured about the second year of his career. He had two
discs go out in his back. He barely could walk. I had
to make a decision to try and fix it or put him down. Knowing Vello
and his strength and the love he had for his job, I decided to let the
doctor try and fix his back. After three surgeries on his back,
carrying him around for months while he recovered, he came back tot he
road and never lost thaat desire to work. In fact, he earned the
Red Cross Life saving award before his death. He found a patient
that walked away from a hospital and lost his way in the woods. When
Vello found him in the middle of the night, The elderly gentleman was near
death. If it had not been for Vello and the speed he found him, he
would not have made it and we would have never found him. I recieved
the award for Vello after he was killed. Vellos last track for a
suspect was for an auto thief. He ran over fences, through yards, across
streets and into his own house. Vello couldn,t jump anymore because
of his surgeries, but it didn't stop him. I would lift him over things
to help him and he would track like nobodies business to help me.
Vello found the house and in fact went right to the door. The suspect
was taken into custody. This was his last track. Like every handler,
there are just some things you wont forget. I just thought I would
share it with you, it might give people a better insight of how powerful
the bond is between the two partners. Thank you for listening.
Let me know where you want the pictures and I'll get them for you. By the
way, I am very glad for Bill that he was able to do that. I have
thought about doing the same. Maybe someday I will. I know
if I do, Vello will jump right out and talk my ear off, like he always
did when we were on tracks. I'm finding out he still does.
Anyway, Ill talk to you soon. Mike
Baron
in the next day or
two.
Baron and Vello worked together and trained togther all the time.
They
were backing us up or we were backing them up. They did a lot of Tag
team
tracks together. I will be sending a little info about him.
One of
the
pictures Im sending will have Vello and Baron in it together. Baron
will
be in the left, black and tan and Vello will be on the right, he is the
sabel.
Ill get back with you soon.
Mike
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In
Loving Memory of
K-9
RINGO
April
17, 2000
Partner
Officer William Lowe
Norwalk,
CT Police Dept.
Norwalk
Department of Police Service
297
West Avenue - Norwalk, Connecticut 06850
203-854-3000
- info@norwalkpd.com
Norwalk
police dog`s death coincides with cost concern 4/23/00
By ANGELA ASCOPELLA
At
a time when the Police Department is evaluating the future of its K-9 unit,
it is mourning the loss of one of its few "officers." Ringo, a 7 year old
German shepherd, had to be put down Monday because he had an inoperable
tumor in his chest, according to Sgt. Andre Velez. Ringo was partnered
with Officer William Lowe. Flags flew at half staff at the West Avenue
station this week in tribute to Ringo.
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We
feel we've lost a valiant servant to the city," Chief Harry Rilling said
Friday. "I feel bad for Officer Lowe," said Deputy Chief Mark Palmer. "I
know he developed
a close
bond and relationship with Ringo. I know it's very hard for him and his
family." Lowe could not be reached for comment Friday. Ringo's death leaves
the department with two K-9s, Nik, a malinois, & Max, a German shepherd.
Both have patrol and narcotics training. Officer Ashley Gonzalez, who handles
Max, also handles K-9 Zasko, who is set for retirement and only works when
Max does not, Palmer said. Rilling had Palmer evaluate the K-9 unit last
month after Finance Director Jack Miller reported that it cost the city
$22,000 annually for each dog. Rilling says it cost much less than
that, but could not give a specific figure. Palmer said the department
has no immediate plans to replace Ringo and will make do with the two K-9s.
"I think at this point with two active police dogs, we don't see a deficiency
in the services we can provide," Palmer said. Rilling said he is still
awaiting a final report of the evaluation before he makes a decision on
whether to expand, reduce or leave the K-9 unit as is. Many K-9s are used
in dangerous situations where officers cannot be used, including building
searches in hostage situations or finding suspects hiding in crawl spaces
or basements, Palmer said. And the dogs can sniff out drugs in a car or
house, he said. Ringo, who came from Belgium, joined the department in
1995 after K-9 Aron retired in 1996, Velez said in a press release. Ringo
participated in more than 300 searches, including sniffing out a pound
of hidden cocaine last June. He was the first K-9 in the city to be nationally
certified for narcotics detection and minimum force apprehension, Velez
said.
No further news on this sad memorial.
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In
Loving Memory of
K-9
FRED
Born: March 18, 1990
Died: May 27, 2000
PartnerSgt.
Rusty Sullivan
Aurora
Police Dept.
350
N. River St. - Aurora, IL 60506
AURORA
FORCE MOURNS POLICE DOG, GSD
FRED
WAS AMONG 1ST TO JOIN DEPARTMENT
By Hal
Dardick Special to the ChicagoTribune
May
31, 2000 In the early 1990s, a 33-year-old burglar was facing armed
police officers after breaking into an Aurora building. Apparently not
intimidated, he refused to surrender. But when Sgt. Rusty Sullivan, then
a patrol officer, let loose his partner, a 110 pound German shepherd named
Fred, the crook immediately gave up. "He was crying like a baby, because
he didn't want to mess with Fred," Sullivan said. Sullivan on Tuesday
reminisced about Fred, one of the Aurora Police Department's first two
police dogs. Fred was put down Saturday, days after his quality of life
dramatically diminished because of an unusual skin cancer he was diagnosed
with nearly five years ago.
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Fred
was born March 18, 1990, in Czechoslovakia. He and Ajax, a retired police
dog who lives with Sgt. William Lomax, joined the Aurora force in
March 1992. Both dogs and their human partners graduated from the Illinois
State Police Academy canine division in June 1992. Fred was 5 years old
when he retired in September 1995, at the time Sullivan was promoted. He
continued to live with Sullivan, his wife, Mary, and their 10-year-old
son, Matthew. Because Matthew was just 6 months older than Fred, the two
"grew up together," and thus Fred displayed what Sullivan called a "Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" personality. Kind and gentle with children, he was
fierce when commanded into action on the job. "When I needed him, he knew
it was time to get down to business," Sullivan said. There was the time
Sullivan and Fred were the first to arrive at a shooting scene and entered
a basement occupied by a throng of people in a known gang house. "He and
I were able to control 20-plus people until we were able to get some assistance,"
Sullivan recalled. "He saved my butt. There was no question about that."
During his 3 years on the force, Fred made his share of successful drug
searches, helped on drug raids and even participated in homicide investigations.
He demonstrated his skills at local schools. And Fred achieved some measure
of immortality when he was featured on a trading card. "He wasn't just
a family pet, he was a partner," Sullivan said. "He put his time in, like
the rest of us, and he did it well."
Received
e-mail from Sgt. Sullivan. Thanks for your QUICK reply, Rusty!
Many
of us out here are thinking of you and your family.
Notified
by J. Cortina, CPWDA Dir.
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In
Loving Memory of
K-9
BRUTUS
June 16, 2000
Partner
Officer
Collin
Milligan
Fullerton
Police Dept. CA
237
W. Commonwealth,
Fullerton,
CA 92832
Phone
(714) 738-6800
Police
Chief Pat McKinley
cards
mailed Oct. 2002 & received with thanks
Collin
was planning on coming out of the K9 program
and
was going to be able to keep Brutus as his
family
pet as Brutus was beginning to show his
age
with arthritis and hip problems.
Sadly,
though, Brutus died shortly after his retirement.
Collin
is in Patrol now.
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Police
mourn patrol dog like a partner
ANIMALS:
Brutus was well-known all over
Orange
County for his K-9 unit work.
June
16, 2000 By ERIC CARPENTER The Orange County Register
FULLERTON
-- Officer Collin Milligan could always count on his dog, Brutus. So could
police officers across Orange County. Whether tracking down a gun-toting
suspect under a porch or sniffing out 15 pounds of methamphetamine, Brutus,
7, earned a reputation as one of the premiere K-9 patrol dogs in the county.
So when the German shepherd was euthanized this week - three weeks to the
day before his retirement from the Fullerton force - he was mourned by
more than Milligan. "I've gotten probably 30 calls in the last two days
from officers in Fullerton, Orange, Anaheim ... all people that worked
with Brutus," said Milligan. "It makes me feel good they care. He was the
best partner you could ask for." Brutus injured his back in March, hindering
his ability to run and jump. His retirement was set for July 4. Then, earlier
this week, Brutus began gasping for air. He'd developed gastric dilation
- a condition that twists the stomach and cuts off oxygen. Brutus was rushed
into surgery. But it didn't help, and Milligan decided late Tuesday to
put him to sleep. Brutus was to be honored by the Fullerton City Council
next week for a lifetime of service. "If you needed a dog to track a suspect,
Brutus would be the dog you'd want by your side," said Mike Scalise, a
Garden Grove K-9 officer. "It's hard to describe the attachment you develop.
It's truly sad to see him go. Of course, nobody is feeling the loss as
much as Milligan, who counted on Brutus 24 hours a day at work and home.
" Milligan, 30, will leave the K-9 unit and return to patrol next month.
"I'm not sure I could work well with any other dog," he said.
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In
Loving Memory of
K-9
BEN
June 6, 2000
Yellow
Labrador Mix
Partner:
Officer
Carlos Vega
L.A.
Customs Service
Port
of Los Angeles - Human Resources Division
425
S. Palos Verdes Street - San Pedro, CA, 90731
Tel:
(310)732-3480 - Fax: (310)521-8344
Los Angeles, CA
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K-9
Unit: "J'est," a 70-pound Belgian malinois, is a vital element of the Port
Police's efforts. Trained to sniff and locate narcotics throughout the
2700 cargo and passenger ships that move through the Port. Certified by
the California Narcotics Canine Association. New to the Port are
"Bear" and "Rex". These canine officers are specially trained to
pick up the scent of explosives and explosive materials.
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Customs
Service Mourns Loss of Dog
LOS
ANGELES--The U.S. Customs Service is mourning the untimely death of one
of its most distinguished officers: A yellow Labrador mix named Ben, who
sniffed out more than $1 million of illicit drugs during an exemplary five-year
career. Ben died in Los Angeles on June 6 of unknown causes, two
days after leading officers to a 5-pound bag of cocaine in a cruise ship
cabin, the Customs Serviceannounced Tuesday.
International Airport
CA
U.S. Customs
He was
7 years old. Ben began his customs career in 1995 at Los Angeles International
Airport, and over his five years of service screened nearly a million international
passengers arriving in Los Angeles by air and sea. He also made several
appearances on television talk shows and invariably was tapped to represent
customs at demonstrations and media appearances. One thing about this dog:
This dog was very photogenic. He was our celebrity here," said canine enforcement
officer Rick Spring. "He was just a very pretty dog--beautiful color, nice
personality. And he was very good. That's what hurt most of all."
He also was selected for a two-week course at customs' training academy
in Front Royal, Va., where 13 of the nation's best drug dogs became the
first trained to detect Ecstasy. Results of an autopsy are
pending. Meanwhile, customs officers will present the dog's ashes to his
handler, Officer Carlos Vega, in a private ceremony today. Vega also will
receive a plaque featuring Ben's picture, with the dog's collar and department
badge attached. Vega and the dog had "a super, super bond," Spring
said.
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In
Loving Memory of
K-9
BARO
Born: July
6, 1992
On Duty as K-9: November
2, 1993
End of Watch: June
10, 2000
Partner: Officer
Neal
Mongan
Huntington
Park
Police Canine Officers
Association
P.O.
Box 1027 - Huntington Park, CA 90255
MORE
K-9 "BARO" INFORMATION
K-9
"Baro" was born in the country of Hungary on July 6, 1992.
He was brought to the United States and selected for duty as a police service
dog by the Huntington Park Police Department. He was the loyal
partner of his handler, Senior Officer Neal Mongan and a beloved member
of his family. K-9 "Baro" passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2000
at 1130 hours after having been diagnosed with terminal cancer. After
long years of service, K-9 "Baro" was scheduled to retire from duty in
July of 2000. Senior Officer Neal Mongan and K-9 "Baro" completed their
"Police Service Dog I" training on December 31, 1993 certifying them as
a Police K9 Team. They were assigned to patrol duty in Huntington Park
to assist the residents
and
business community in the protection of their families and property. The
following is a synopsis of K-9 "Baro's" accomplishments during his time
as a police service dog for the Huntington Park Police Department:
Patrol
Related Successes:
K-9
"Baro" was involved in the following patrol related arrests: (73) uspect
arrests, including four murder suspects and two serial bank robbery suspects.
K-9 "Baro" has also assisted with the recovery of handguns and other evidence
which have aided in the prosecution of dangerous criminals.
K-9
"Baro" conducted perimeter checks of businesses on alarm calls, and assisted
patrol officers by guarding 265 subjects during field contacts. This K9
Team conducted in excess of 333 crime prevention contacts. In his nearly
6 ½ years of service to the City of Huntington Park,
K-9
"Baro"
saved the police department and residents of the community approximately
107,109 "man-hours" during searches for dangerous suspects and clearing
buildings. Considering salary and benefit costs of a top step
police
officer this amounts to a savings of $6,024,881.20.
Police
K9 Competition Successes:
K-9
"Baro" and Senior Officer Neal Mongan represented the City of Huntington
Park in local and statewide competitions against police service dog teams
from around the country.
K-9
"Baro" received the following awards:
* ab3rd
Place - Overall in Novice Division / Redondo Beach Police K9 - Trials (1994)
* ab5th
Place - Overall in Open Division / Sierra K9 Trials (1995)
* ab1st
Place - Agility Competition / Redondo Beach Police K9 Trials - (1997)
* ab1st
Place - Manwork Competition / Redondo Beach Police K9 Trials - (1998)
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"Baro"
was due to retire July 4, 2000. He became ill & treated for "Immune-Mediated
Hemolytic Anemia". The exact cause of this blood disorder was not determined
and Baro was treated with medication. Baro recovered from the illness and
returned to full duty. On June 7, 2000, I noticed Baro's abdomen was distended
and he suspected "bloat". Baro was rushed to the veterinarian's office
for treatment. My heart sank as Baro was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer
which resulted in an abdominal bleed. His condition was terminal and never
made it. On June 10, 2000, at 1130 hours, Baro was put to sleep. As I held
Baro in my arms, he drifted off to sleep and was suddenly gone. I will
never forget the feeling of watching my partner die in my arms. As a handler
you learn there is nothing your partner wouldn't do for you. On this day,
I realized there was nothing I could do for my partner. Thank
you for responding to my entry on your site. I was having computer problems
and did not expect my message had been sent to you. I appreciate your offer
for the cards but I don't think it will be necessary. I have been
working on making something up on my own with my home computer. I
had intended to include Baro's picture on whatever I came up with.
It was a project I wanted to take care of personally for Baro. It
is also kind of therapy for me. It gave me an opportunity to pull
out all the photos I could find of Baro. I didn't realize I had as many
as I did. The one that I have sent with this e-mail, I clipped off our
Department's website. I still have a Rottweiler at home who is lonely now
and is getting lots of attention. We plan on getting another dog
sometime, but we haven't decided when. There is a big difference between
having a pet, and a working dog that is trained to help others. Baro
was going to be retired in July.
Thanks
Again, Neal and Baro
Submitted
by Sergeant Neal Mongan,
Baro's
partner.
March
2001
"I ended
up getting a Belgian Malinois puppy. He is a little fireball. Since
my partner, Baro, passed away I have been placed in charge of our
K-9 Program. I guess its the next best thing to having a leash in
your hand and a wagging tail slapping you upside the head all day.
That might not sound like the best job in the world, but
IT IS! "
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