 Memorials
to Fallen K-9s
2003-Q
The
F.A.S.T. Co. donates sets of memorial cards to all partners
I
need your help to inform me of such
losses.
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Dept. addresses available for those who want to send
condolences to officers. See below
In
Loving Memory of
K-9 QUANDI
January, 19, 2003
Partner: Capt.
Officer Bob
Mitchell
Frankfort Police
Department
Cayton
County Sheriff Department
301 E. Walnut St. - Frankfort, IN 46041
K-9 Quandi dead at 13
(84 doggy years)
Dan
Shaw, Staff Writer 765-659-4622, ext. 434 - shaw@ftimes.com
Tuesday,
January 28, 2003
Every dog might have his day, but few are remembered for the
service he gave to an entire community. Former Frankfort
Police officer Bob Mitchell, owner of the recently deceased
K-9, Quandi, says his dog’s passing away should not go
unnoticed. He tells a story in which Quandi once found the
suspect of an armed robbery at Village Pantry, 559 Delphi
Avenue. Mitchell said Quandi tracked the scent for five
blocks, leading police to the robber’s apartment. When the
suspect answered the door, he still wore the shoe polish
used to disguise his face in the robbery only moments
before, Mitchell said. “He was a good tracking dog” Mitchell
said. “That was pretty impressive — even for people who
spend a lot of time with K-9s.” Quandi, a Dutch-bred German
shepherd, served on the Frankfort Police Department 1992-99.
During his career, Quandi had 73 apprehensions and made more
than 100 appearances at schools and other civic events. He
was involved in many police functions, including the
tracking of suspects and sniffing out narcotics.
Mitchell said Quandi helped confiscate more than 350 pounds
of marijuana during his career. Less than a month from his
13th birthday, Quandi died on Jan. 19. The night before the
dog’s death, Mitchell said he had played ball with Quandi.
“The next morning he was acting really weird, really shaky
on his feet. And then he laid down and went to sleep,” said
Mitchell. “But he had been very healthy and active up to the
end.” Mitchell, who served the Frankfort Police Department
for 15 years, retired in 2000. During that time he trained
Quandi to perform the work of a K-9. Mitchell said that
process entailed 700 hours of training the first year and at
least two hours a day after. “It’s hard to explain the bond
created between a K-9 handler and his dog,” said Mitchell.
“They actually become part of your family.” Mitchell said he
will cremate Quandi’s remains but has no plans to hold a
special service. Frankfort Police Officer Jeff Matthews said
Frankfort has never gotten a replacement K-9 for Quandi
because of the expense of buying a dog and training it.
UPDATE:
Officer Mitchell is now with the
Westfield Police Dept.7535 Dartown Rd., Westfield, IN
46074 -
WESTFIELD POLICE DEPT
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