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Died 9/19/16
Handler – Detective Cpl. Brian Moore
Loved, retired police K-9 dies after drug-busting career
A retired Seymour Police Department K-9 has died, and officers are seeking donations for the department’s K-9 fund in his memory. Jake, a German shepherd, served Seymour in his police duties from 2004 to 2010 and was responsible for the arrests of numerous suspects and the seizure of illegal drugs, police said. He played a key role in getting the K-9 program restarted in Seymour and was one of two dogs, along with K-9 Koa, purchased at that time. Jake died Sept. 19 at the age of 14 and had been under the care of Dr. Steve Sunbury at Seymour Animal Hospital for several years. Woodlawn Family Funeral Centre handled the burial and memorial for Jake.
The dog was retired in early 2010 after being diagnosed with medical issues relating to his back and spinal cord. He continued to live with his handler and partner, Detective Cpl. Brian Moore. Moore said Jake enjoyed doing demonstrations at local schools and helped to get illegal drugs out of schools by conducting narcotics sweeps. Jake also took part in demonstrations for the U.S. Army and was awarded the honorable rank of sergeant, Moore said. “He will be sadly missed by his family, friends and law enforcement family,” Moore said. Many people took to social media to offer condolences to the police department and to thank Jake for his service.
Dale Hensley of Fishers helped with training Jake and said he was glad to hear the dog had lived a long life. “It was a pleasure to be part of his young training team. Jake and Brian were a good team,” Hensley said. “I’m glad Brian had the opportunity to have him for so long.” Christie Hinton of Seymour said she was sorry to hear of Jake’s passing. “Thank you for taking care of our city and keeping us safe, especially the kids,” she posted on Facebook. Chuck Heiss, Seymour’s new animal control officer, also offered words of sympathy and understanding at the loss of a K-9 officer.
“As a former K-9 handler, I know the difficulty and sadness associated with saying farewell to a loyal partner,” he said. “The loyalty displayed by these extraordinary partners is unmatched and unparalleled by any other. Condolences to the Moore family. Well done, my good and faithful servant, well done indeed.” J.D. Woods of Crothersville said he remembered working dispatch for Seymour and getting the opportunity to meet Jake. “One of my favorite things in dispatch was when Brian would bring Jake in,” Woods said. “Big lug used to jump in my lap and lick my face. He was a good dog.”
Donations in K-9 Jake’s memory can be made to the Seymour Police Department K-9 Fund to be used to carry on the K-9 program. Checks should be made out to Seymour Police Department/K-9 or donors can write K-9 Jake on the memo line. Donations can be dropped of at the police station or mailed to Seymour Police Department, 205 N. Ewing St., Seymour, IN 47274. Seymour currently has one K-9 officer, Ace, who is partnered with Cpl. Adam Surface.
