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Died – 9/25/17
Handler – Corporal Tony Leidenbor
K-9 ‘Dino’ dies trying to catch kidnapping suspects, toddler safe
A Green Township police dog died during a search for three men believed to have abducted a toddler, officers said. Green Township police Chief Jim Vetter said the department is mourning the loss of their brother in blue. The 7-year-old Belgian Malinois/shepherd mix had served at the Green Township Police Department since May 2014. The dog, Dino, collapsed at about 11:25 p.m. as he was beginning a search in Springfield Township just before midnight, police said. Police said that it appears his death was due to a medical event. “Obviously, we’re all very devastated. Dino was part of our family. He was a member of our family and the officers thought of him as such,” Vetter said. Dino and his handler have spent years by each other’s side. “His handler is taking it very difficult,” said Vetter. “They’re partners and Dino would give his life for his handler. And that relationship, as any canine officer would tell you, is a strong one. And he’s having a real tough time.” Dino’s handler, Officer Tony Leidenbor, started with Green Township police in 2013. The community is mourning with its police force. Some are sending condolences in the form of flowers while others are looking for other ways to honor the dog’s service. “He deserves the flag everybody else gets. I’m all for it,” resident Morris Scott said. Vetter says in the weeks to come, they’ll discuss ways to remember Dino’s life of duty. For now, he takes solace knowing Dino was happy. “That’s one thing we can take from this. Dino passed away doing what he loved to do,” he said. A necropsy will be performed by the Veterinary Medical Center at the Ohio State University. Vetter does want the community to know that K-9 officers from other jurisdictions will be stepping in to help so police service will not be affected.
