In Loving Memory of
K-9 JAKE # 942
June 11, 2005

 
RIP Jake you've earned it!
Handler:  Cpl. Officer Ray Giordano
Glassboro Police Dept.
1 South Main St.
Glassboro, NJ 08028

On Saturday afternoon 6/11/05, Corporal Ray Giordano and his family lost a faithful companion who spent his off duty hours being a beloved family pet.  K-9 Jake #K942 was trained at the Philadelphia Police K-9 Academy in 1998 and went on to play an integral role in keeping the community safe.  Jake was the ideal Police K-9 and a valuable asset to our department.  He was the kind of dog that other handler's, including myself, envied.  He loved the game of finding narcotics and, at times, seemed like he could function entirely on his own.  As a patrol dog, he was gentle and social and was loved by everyone.  When the situation called for it, Jake could be a criminal's worst nightmare!  Like many other Belgian Malinois, he'd disregard his own safety and hit you with everything he had!  Seconds later he'd be on his belly wanting you to scratch him!  He was a handler's dream and "Gio" was extremely proud of his partner!  We all were proud of the two of them!  On behalf of the members of the Glassboro Police Department, we are all very sorry for the Giordano family's loss and we grieve with them because Jake was one of us.  Having lost my own partner a few months ago, I know what Ray is feeling and I remind him to keep thinking about all the good things that the two of them experienced together.  It gets a little better every day!  Those memories belong to Ray and can never be taken away by anyone!  
     On Saturday afternoon 6/11/05, Corporal Ray Giordano and his family lost a faithful companion who spent his off duty hours being a beloved family pet.  K-9 Jake #K942 was trained at the Philadelphia Police K-9 Academy in 1998 and went on to play an integral role in keeping the community safe.  Jake was the ideal Police K-9 and a valuable asset to our department.  He was the kind of dog that other handler's, including myself, envied.  He loved the game of finding narcotics and, at times, seemed like he could function entirely on his own.  As a patrol dog, he was gentle and social and was loved by everyone.  When the situation called for it, Jake could be a criminal's worst nightmare!  Like many other Belgian Malinois, he'd disregard his own safety and hit you with everything he had!  Seconds later he'd be on his belly wanting you to scratch him!  He was a handler's dream and "Gio" was extremely proud of his partner!  We all were proud of the two of them!  On behalf of the members of the Glassboro Police Department, we are all very sorry for the Giordano family's loss and we grieve with them because Jake was one of us.  Having lost my own partner a few months ago, I know what Ray is feeling and I remind him to keep thinking about all the good things that the two of them experienced together.  It gets a little better every day!  Those memories belong to Ray and can never be taken away by anyone!    
    
submitted by Officer Dan Eliasen

In Loving Memory of
K-9 JESSE - Badge # K938
October 3, 2005

Partner & Handler: Ptl. Dave Burns #938
Glassboro Police Department
1 South Main St.
Glassboro, NJ 08028
Phone: 856-881-1501

It is with heavy hearts and the deepest regret that the Glassboro Police Department Canine Unit announces the passing of K-9 Jesse #K938 on October 3, 2005 at 1820 hours. Jesse and his partner, Ptl. Dave Burns #938, were trained at the Philadelphia Police Department K-9 Training Academy and they graduated from the Basic Patrol Course on the 2nd day of February 1996 and from the Explosive Detection Course on the 7th day of May 1996. For ten (10) years this K-9 team served the Borough of Glassboro and many other surrounding communities diligently, tirelessly, and professionally. They were responsible for the apprehension of numerous criminal suspects and bravely conducted countless explosive searches. K-9 Jesse and Ptl. Burns epitomized the true meaning of the word “TEAMWORK”.

 Jesse was fighting a courageous battle against cancer, and he recently retired to spend his last days at home with Dave and his loving family. Jesse succumbed to this horrible illness and he died peacefully in the arms of his devoted partner in the place he loved to be most, the back of a Glassboro Police K-9 vehicle. Jesse is the third police dog to die in the year 2005 from our police department. He was predeceased by Buster #K949 and Jake #K942. Buster and Jake are certainly now in good company guarding the gates of heaven. Our K-9 Unit has taken an incredible hit this past year and Ptl. Eliasen (Buster) and I (Jake) know exactly how Dave feels. Jesse was much, much more than just a police dog to Dave. He was a friend, a partner and a protector. He never worked for anything other than praise from Dave, and that is what makes this loss so great. Jesse’s tireless devotion and dedication to police work will never be forgotten by me or any other handler who knew him. K-9 Jesse will be sadly missed by our department, but mostly by Dave and his family. Please keep them in your prayers.   Jesse was a friend to all, but a protector of one! 
submitted by Cpl. Ray Giordano #942, Canine Unit Supervisor  

In Loving Memory of
K-9 JADZIA - SAR
A.K.A.  Ch. Hoofprint Hi Ya Jadzia
December 2005

Handler/Partner:  Beth Barkley
SAR - Northern Virginia Search and Rescue Dogs
Falls Church, VA

In loving Memory of
K-9 JUPP
August 10, 2005

Handler:  Officer Michael Terry
Northbrook Police Dept.
4138
Northbrook, IL
847.564.2060

Monday was Northbrook Police Officer Michael Terry's first day back at work without his partner.  "I keep looking over my shoulder expecting to see him," Terry said of Jupp, the German shepherd that shared his work and home life for five years. "It's been a difficult day. Difficult and different."  Jupp, 7, was euthanized Aug. 10 after losing most of the use of his limbs to degenerative myelopathy, a disease akin to human multiple sclerosis. He had been sick three months.   Terry, 39, spent his 12-hour work days with the dog, and took him home every night to be with his wife and son, 10, and daughter, 9. "There's been a lot of crying and talking to my children," he said. He said he was so close to the dog that he looked upon him as if he were his third child.  If Northbrook trustees choose to replace Jupp, that dog will not ride with Terry. And that's Terry's choice: "I wouldn't be remembering him well by having another dog."  Terry said his commander, Deputy Chief Jeff Ross, let Jupp ride with him even after it was apparent the dog could not perform his duties. The dog could still sniff for drugs, but he couldn't be sent running into a building anymore to roust burglars, or track criminals from crime scenes.  Ross said Tuesday, "That dog had a lot of drive, and a lot of energy. We were constantly looking" at his health.  It wasn't the first time Ross had to make a difficult health assessment. In 2002, he allowed Alf, the German shepherd partner of Officer Mark Graf, to continue riding until a blood disease led to the dog's euthanasia. Officers said both dogs would have been disconsolate if they hadn't been able to go to work with their human partners. While many area towns have no dogs to chase criminals, sniff for drugs or entertain children at public events, Northbrook has had 12 over the last 35 years, and usually has two at a time.  Northbrook's surviving dog is Rex, who is partnered with Officer John Seiler. Other towns' departments often borrow the dogs and their partners when they need them. Terry said he guesses that his dog's services have been lent out about as much as they've been put to work in Northbrook. For most of his police work, however, Jupp stayed in the back seat.  Village President Gene Marks said Monday that he's likely to support buying a new canine officer. He said the dogs are valuable, and the cost is not a big factor, since most of the approximately $20,000 startup cost has already been spent. A car is waiting, equipped with a caged back seat and a door that flings open by remote control so that the dog can be sent to work even if his human partner is not near the car.  An appropriate dog for K-9 work costs about $8,500, depending on foreign exchange rates, Ross said. Most of Northbrook's dogs have been imported from Germany, where the animals are better trained and socialized than in the United States, he said. The village also foots all food and care bills. Terry said he grew up with working dogs on an Arkansas farm. He never thought Jupp's skills needed testing against other K-9 officers, because "I never cared whether the dog made a drug find in 15 seconds or a minute."  But Terry said that Jupp never wrongly signaled him that drugs were at a scene. "Even if we didn't recover the drugs, we'd get a statement: 'Yeah, I had a Baggie there an hour ago,' " he said. "I'm very hopeful that the village will see fit to have another dog, so somebody else can have the experience I did," Terry said. "Even knowing that my dog might die, and how tragic it was, I'd do it all over in a second -- if it was him."  Also K-9 Alf - Blood Disease, Died in 2002.
 submitted by Jim Cortina

In Loving Memory of
K-9 JAKE
  December 26, 2005

Partner:  Paul Sires
West Haven Connecticut Police Department
200 Saw Mill Rd.
West Haven, CT  06516
203 937.3900

Paul Sires of the West Haven Connecticut Police Department recently had his long time partner "Jake" pass on. Jake was retired for 4 years and died suddenly in Paul arms.  He was truly an awesome working dog and a great friend to everyone that met him.  He and
Paul actually inspired me to get involved in K-9 and to start a K-9 unit in the Hamden Police Department. I appreciate your support and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Frank McDermott & K-9 "Hero"
Hamden Connecticut Police Department

Officer Paul Sires has been a dog handler since 1992.   Officer Sires original partner K-9 Jake retired after 9 successful years. Officer Sires new partner is K-9 Jo.  K-9 Jo has conducted numerous successful searches / tracks for the department and have been cross-trained in the detection of narcotics. They participated in the 10th Annual State of Connecticut Police K-9 Olympics and won two Best Team Awards in the Criminal Apprehension and Obstacle events.
 ret. K-9 Jake,K-9 Jo & Ofc.Sires

In Loving Memory of
K-9 JARRO
November 28, 2005

Partner: Rob Rosey
Cincinnati Police Department
K9 Unit
5083 Colerain Avenue
Cincinnati, OH  45223
Phone: 513-352-3536
Email:cpd.webmaster@cincinnati-oh.gov

Former Cincinnati Police Officer Rob Rosey's partner,Jarro, passed away from complications after gastric torsion.  He serviced the Cincinnati Police Department from February 2002 to 2004 when Officer Rosey and K-9 Jarro left the department.  
submitted by Dusty Simon
****************
I was not Jarro's handler.  I am the trainer for Cincinnati PD's K9 unit.  I selected Jarro and put Jarro with Rob and they went through my training program in The fall of 1996.  They were an excellent team!  I left police work about 2 years ago and the department gave Rob the dog, even though he was very young and was quite a worker.  A picture of Rob and Jarro are viewable on the USPCA Region 5 website in the photos section.  If you send cards to our K9 Unit I'll make sure they get to Rob.  I felt the loss myself.  I invest a lot in the dogs I select and train.  Thanks for your condolences.  Give your dogs a pat on the head from me; I'll say a prayer for them too.
David Kennedy
Region 5 USPCA President

In Loving Memory of
K-9 JOHNNY
July 4, 2005

Partner:  Officer Marty Lavin
Royal Oak Police Dept.
221 E. Third St.
Royal Oak, MI  48067 
248 246.3525

Missing Royal Oak Police Dog Found Dead
Dog Apparently Struck By Vehicle - July 20, 2005
The search for a missing Royal Oak police dog has ended in tragedy, according to Local 4 reports.  The 8-year-old German shepherd, Johnny, was found dead on the side of Milford Road -- a few blocks from his home -- after he had apparently been struck by a vehicle. Police departments in western Oakland County had been on the lookout for the dog, which was missing since July 4. "Johnny apparently was frightened by the fireworks going off in the neighborhood and when his caretaker opened the door he bolted and was gone," Deputy City Manager Thomas Trice told The Daily Tribune. The department almost retired Johnny during a 2003 budget crunch. It has one other K-9 unit, Rex. No funeral is planned for Johnny because he was not killed in the line of duty, but was actively working at this time, he was not retired.   K-9 Johnny wasn't killed in the line of duty, was died while still on duty. Thus; he qualifies to have his name on the National K9 monument to be erected in Washington, D.C. (Johnny, you're everyone's hero and everyone misses you.) 

 m/Can CH Rockin' Heart's High Heaven "Merak" Am CD, TD, NA/Can CD, TD/WD,
TT, CGC, HCT-s, HIC, ABTC Versatility Award Winner, AKC ACE Honorable
Mention winner (SAR), Cert. SAR dog (ret).
CH Rockin' Hearts Miss Molly C-Bar -x- CH Tacara's Vintage Valkyr CD
December 08, 1991 - July 22, 2005
Handler/Partner:  Kim Gilmore, RN, STII
NW Montana, USA
Flathead Co. SAR ( http://www.flatheadsar.com )
North Valley Rescue
1-SRG ( http://www.1srg.org )
FC TF-1 ( http://www.digisys.net/oes/hazlepc.html )
submitted by Jim Cortina , Dir. CPWDA  & Janet Grobbel

In Loving Memory of
K-9 JAKE
January 10, 2005

Partner: Chris Donadio
Monmouth County Sheriff
Joseph W Oxley
50 East Main Street
Freehold, New Jersey 07728
Phone: (732)431-7139

Steven D'Ambra <sdambra@co.monmouth.nj.us>
provided photo of K9 Jake
SHERIFF’S OFFICE DRUG K-9 SUCCUMBS TO CANCER
Freehold, New Jersey - Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxley announced that Sheriff’s Office narcotics K-9, Jake, died on Monday, January 10th, after a battle with cancer.  The ten-year-old German shepherd served the citizens of Monmouth County from July 1996 until November 2004.  Jake was one of the youngest dogs to complete K-9 training at 11 months of age,” said Sheriff Oxley.  “He was utilized by many municipal police agencies, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Postal Police and participated in numerous narcotics raids.”  During his career, Jake participated in nearly fifty arrests and hundreds of thousands of dollars of drug and property seizures.  His largest find was twelve pounds of marijuana being shipped to a residence in Monmouth County.  Jake also participated in over 500 K-9 demonstrations for schools and civic organizations.  Sheriff’s Officer Chris Donadio handled Jake.  “Although K-9 Jake will be missed, his replacement, K-9 Sheba, a narcotics detection dog, is currently in K-9 training and will be certified for duty in about five weeks,” said Sheriff Oxley.  “Sheba will join the remaining five K-9’s in the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit which consists of explosive detection, tracking and narcotics detection dogs.”  All Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units undergo rigorous ongoing training programs to maintain proficiency in basic skills and ensure continued effective performance in the field.  Each K-9 team must complete a state-mandated 10-week training course at a certified K-9 training facility.  After completion of this initial training, Sheriff’s K-9 teams must maintain at least eight hours of in-service training each month.  “The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 focused attention on the important roles that specially trained Canine (K-9) teams have in fighting terrorism as well as performing other law enforcement functions,” said Sheriff Oxley.  “I am committed to keep this agency and our vital K-9 Units fully operational and at the forefront of New Jersey’s security priorities and crime fighting initiatives.”

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 JAEGER - SAR
February 2005

Partner: Tim Sullivan
Ramapo Rescue Dog Association
P.O. Box 151
Chester, New York,  USA,  10918
(845) 469-4173
Ramapo Rescue Dog Association   <http://www.ramaporescuedog.org/>

Another wonderful search dog has passed on. Tim Sullivan’s dog Jaeger died this week and he will be sorely missed.
Tim and Jaeger have been instrumental on many searches. They are part of Ramapo Rescue Dogs which is the New Jersey unit of The American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA).  submitted by Vicki Wooters
MORE:
Jäger 
October 16, 1992 - February 15, 2005 
Jäger began his training for search and rescue activities after I obtained him at seven weeks of age.  He was trained in the airscent theory whereby he would seek out the source of any human scent. As a Park Ranger employed by the State of New York at Bear Mountain, NY, he would be my partner riding in my truck every day.  You could always tell by the look on his face at the mention of a search he could not wait to start to work an area. He would love to go to the Park's garage lunchroom at noon to visit the mechanics and stare at one in particular who always shared his lunch with him. Jäger participated in numerous searches over the years, working for various agencies and finding both live and deceased subjects with equal enthusiasm. On one search that comes to mind, we were looking for a missing subject in a county park where other teams had searched previously.  However, one area had never been covered.  We started in this area on the upper slope, working parallel to the slope and downhill.  Jäger soon left his normal pattern, proceeded downhill and stopped at a tree some distance from me.   He remained there, wagging his tail.  I knew he had a find - unfortunately the subject was deceased.  Jäger survived cancer in one paw and shoulder and still continued in SAR work.  However, some time later, he developed an internal problem that could not be corrected and had to be euthanized at twelve years of age. His leash and collar are still in my truck as he is with me every day - he has crossed over the Bridge and is waiting for us.  He will always be missed as my companion and, yes,
"Man's Best Friend."
Tim Sullivan, Chief Park Ranger
Palisades Interstate Park Commission
Bear Mountain, New York

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 JEZY
Badge # 89
May 4, 2005

Handler: Sgt. Joseph Locascio
Torrington Police Dept.
567 Main St.
Torrington, CT 06790
489.2046

TORRINGTON -- Badge No. 89 was issued posthumously to police dog Jezy and then permanently retired Monday morning in front of a crowd of police officers, city officials, residents and other dogs like him. More than 200 people and at least a half-dozen dogs attended a somber, half-hour memorial service in front of City Hall for Jezy, an 8-year-old German shepherd who died last Wednesday, a week after he suffered a spinal injury in a freak accident. It was the largest ceremony the department ever had for a police dog, police said. "He wasn't just a dog, not in our environment," Police Chief Robert Milano said. "You're talking 100 percent loyalty and devotion to his handler and the public, a willingness to get hurt first. You just can't dismiss those things, you have to honor them. He wasn't just a mascot, but a functioning, working canine who met a tragic end just before he was to retire." Sgt. Joseph Locascio, Jezy's handler and partner, said he was overwhelmed by the service, which was attended by police canine units from Winsted, Thomaston, Waterbury, West Hartford and elsewhere. Locascio and Jezy, partners since 1998, trained with many of those teams, he said. Winsted canine officer Mike Roy and his dog, Jacco, were involved in a crash Saturday night on Route 44 in Winsted. Combined with Monday's service, the wreck had a sobering effect on Roy, who thought he had lost Jacco in the two-vehicle crash. "It makes you think it could be your dog at any time," he said.
More than 40 police officers -- about 30 of them off-duty city officers -- snapped to attention during a military gun salute, and remained in their rigid stance as a bugler played taps at the end of the ceremony. Some in the crowd wept openly during a bagpiper's rendition of "Amazing Grace." Torrington resident Ed Goss brought Rachael, his old English sheepdog, to the service. He had nothing but empathy for Locascio. "It's like losing your best friend," Goss said, his voice breaking. "The only thing that would be worse than that would be losing a spouse or child." "The public outpouring has been phenomenal," said Locascio, who was accompanied by his wife, Julie, and his 9-year-old son, Thomas. "I can't count the sympathy cards I've gotten down at the station." His wife dabbed her eyes throughout the ceremony and was at her husband's side when he accepted an American flag that had been flying at half-staff in front of City Hall. Two weeks ago, Jezy was hurt while chasing a ball, Locascio said. When the dog fell in an odd position, the impact pushed a disk into its spinal cord. The injury was considered minor at the time, but one that required surgery. Complications developed after the operation, and the dog died a week later. Jezy, the city's fifth police dog, is buried in Locascio's yard. He was to retire and become their family pet full time in October.
Milano said he plans to ask the Public Safety Commission at its next meeting to approve money for a new police dog. In the interim, when a dog's skills -- such as tracking or drug detection -- are required, city police will depend on mutual aid from Winsted or the state police. Rit Zaharek, a Torrington public safety commissioner, backs buying and training a new police dog.
"I'm all for it," he said. "I think it's a great idea, and I think the community would certainly agree."
Acting Deputy Chief Michael Maniago said the flag that was given to the Locascios, as well as many of the refreshments, were donated. The police department paid close to $200 for programs, soda and a wreath for Jezy, he said.  The department maintained regular police coverage during the ceremony, he said.  Jezy will be missed, Maniago said. "As intimidating as Jezy could be, at the station he was just one of the guys," he said.
Police wore black bands over their badges and mourned the loss of one of their own Wednesday.   Just five months before he was to give up his badge and retire, Jezy, the city's canine cop, died Wednesday morning, a week after he suffered a spinal injury in a freak accident.  At the Torrington Police Department, flags were lowered to half-staff and black bunting was draped across the main entrance to the building in honor of the 8-year-old German shepherd who was Sgt. Joseph Locascio's partner and friend.  "He was an outstanding dog," Chief Robert Milano said. "If you were a bad guy, he was your worst enemy. But in real life, he loved kids, he loved everybody. He was just a big part of this department."   To Locascio, he was all that and more. Locascio and Jezy had been partners since December 1998, when they graduated together from the 83rd Canine Training Troop. He was at Jezy's side Wednesday morning in West Hartford, a couple of hours before the dog died. Locascio described the loss as deeply personal. A memorial service Monday is expected to draw a large crowd. 
"He's a family member, and he's a member of the police department's family," said Locascio, who was a dog handler in the U.S. Army before he took on Jezy in 1998. The dog was also a member of Locascio's closely knit family.  Jezy was hurt April 26, Locascio said, while chasing a ball. When the dog fell in an odd position, the impact pushed a disk into its spinal cord. It was a minor injury, but required surgery. The dog had around the clock care the day after the surgery. But complications developed, including paralysis in his front paws. For a couple of days he seemed to hover in a recovery mode, then his body began to shut down. Jezy's role in the police department included general patrolling, narcotics detection and tracking. His outstanding service won praise from all ranks, and from City Hall where Mayor Owen Quinn noted the death as a loss for the city Jezy served.  In February of 2000, Jezy was credited with apprehending a Derby man who Waterbury police said had been helping a murder suspect avoid capture.  City police spotted a stolen car on Willow Street and gave chase when it wouldn't stop. John Cromer, the driver, ditched the car on Calli Street and fled on foot. Jezy was called in and tracked Cromer down.  Eventually, police hope to replace Jezy with a new canine officer, but it wasn't clear Wednesday how soon that may be. Locascio said he won't be getting another dog. The public is invited to attend a ceremony in honor of Jezy Monday at 11 a.m. in front of City Hall.  "He wasn't just a dog, he was an officer," said Michael Maniago, acting deputy chief. "We liked Jezy. We will miss him deeply. He was a good partner and a good companion."
***********
KARSTEN STRAUSS, Register Citizen Staff--05/10/2005

Over one hundred local and out-of-town police and civilian onlookers attended the ceremonies to pay their last respects to the veteran police German shepherd that died Wednesday. With Main Street blocked off with Torrington Fire Department ladder trucks from City Hall Avenue to St. Francis School, Monday’s memorial service involved police from Torrington, Winsted, Thomaston, a bagpiper from Waterbury, State Police from area troops and local people with their dogs, Mayor Owen Quinn said. Half a dozen K-9 units from other departments in Connecticut were present at the memorial ceremony. In what handler and guardian Torrington Sgt. Joseph Locascio called a "freak accident," Jezy stumbled while chasing after a ball that had been thrown for him while training two weeks ago. In the fall, the dog essentially suffered a herniated disc, an affliction in which a spinal disc pushes against the spinal nerve, causing debilitation. Following surgery to repair the damage, Jezy’s condition worsened, Locascio said.  "Basically he had a rare neurological complication that just compounded and ended up taking his life," Locascio said. Jezy had been a working police dog for seven years, having graduated from the State Police K-9 Academy in Meriden in 1998. He was set to retire this coming October. Quinn offered a proclamation to Locascio citing the Jezy’s exploits as a crime-fighting K-9.    "Jezy was a certified member of the police department, a veteran," Quinn said. "He was a police dog that excelled at solving burglaries."    "Everybody sees the cop-buddy movies where (police) are close and work together. This is it," Torrington Public Safety Commission member Mike Colangelo said. Jezy was the fifth K-9 officer that Torrington has used, Colangelo added. Other city public safety commission members in attendance included Carolann Kennedy-Pucino, Chris Cook and Doug Benedetto, Quinn said. "It was well attended," Quinn said. "There were very few dry eyes."  Three riflemen of the Connecticut State Guard Reserve Military Final Honor Squad of Northwestern Connecticut under the direction on Sergeant Major Leonard Dube fired three volleys into the air as a salute to the fallen K-9. The flag in front of city hall, flying at half-mast, was lowered, folded by Dube and presented to the Torrington Police Department and Locascio along with the spent casings of the riflemen while a bugler played "Taps."    "When Deputy Chief Maniago called me after the dog passed away and asked me if I thought it was proper I said absolutely.. Dube said of the rifle salute. "My position, personally, is that dog was just as much a police officer as his handler and he should’ve been treated with respect and dignity."  Following a benediction by Police Chaplin Father Larry David of St. Maron’s Church, attendants were invited to the City Hall auditorium for refreshments and to offer condolences to the Locascio family. "In our particular environment police K-9s are definitely a very important part of the force," Police Chief Robert Milano said Monday. "We cared for the dog, he was a working member of the department and he will be missed." submitted by Jim Cortina, CPWDA Dir.

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 DR. JEKYLL
  2005


Partner: Officer Brandon Wilson
url: http://k9jekyll.tripod.com    
Bald Knob Police Department
AR

Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend."
John 15-13
  In 2001 Dr. Jekyll was purchased from donations collected from the citizens of Bald Knob to help rid their city of drugs. Dr. Jekyll was trained in Lincoln, Arkansas at L.E.A.D K-9 by John Conner. Dr. Jekyll was trained in Narcotics Detection, Tracking, Trailing and Article Recovery. During his 4 years in active service, Dr. Jekyll went on to be one of the most successful narcotics dogs in the state and seized in his first year an estimated $463,000 in drugs, murchandise and money. Dr. Jekyll assisted other agancies such as the White County Sheriff's Office, Augusta Police Department, Bradford Police Department, Bald Knob Public Schools, Pangburn Public Schools, McCrory Police Department, Searcy Police Department and the Beebe Police Department. His success in eradicating drugs was well known in the Law Enforcement community and by those who tried to bring the drugs into the communities.  Dr. Jekyll made many sucessful tracks while looking for "the bad guy" and loved to hear the siren wale as he responded to each and every call with his partner Officer Brandon Wilson. His family discovered Dr. Jekyll dead in 2005, reason unknown but foul play is suspected.  Dr. Jekyll had untiring dedication to assist in the erradication of drugs in Arkansas and the city of Bald Knob and to all the K-9 officers who know what it's like to have a partner that is ever loyal.
Dr. Jekyll's favorite saying:
    "This doctor still makes house calls"
Editors Note:  The city of Bald Knob will be forever in debt to this K-9 hero for everything he has done for their city.  He never asked for anything in return for his duty.  Dr. Jekyll was never recognized by the city government or the Police Department after his death.   He never received a memorial even after 4 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Bald Knob, Arkansas.

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 JOSIE
February 16, 1999 - October 31, 2005

Partner: Sgt. Charles Douthett
Porter County Sheriff's Dept

2755 St Rd 49, Valparaiso, IN  46383

Main Switch board 219-477-3000

 219-477-3026 Edie Hahn

VALPARAISO — The Porter County police are mourning the loss of one of its bloodhounds, Josie, who was euthanized recently after being diagnosed with an inoperable malignant tumor.
Josie, whose handler was police Sgt. Charles Douthett, started with the Police Department in 1999. Josie worked on numerous homicide, missing persons, burglary and prison escape cases, according to police spokesman Sgt. Tim Emmons.
The dog was trained in both tracking and death investigations. Josie also assisted other local law enforcement agencies and the FBI.
Douthett is the handler of another bloodhound, Sam. The department hopes to replace Josie with a bloodhound puppy soon.
Josie worked numerous police cases since she joined the Sheriff's department in 1999.  Her case load included 3 Homicides, 4 Missing Persons, 3 Burglaries, Peeping Tom, Prison Escapees, stolen Vehicles, Rape, several Public Relations (including a memorable one where in front of 200 scouts and parents she did a 5 person in door lineup and picked the correct person out with no problem), Drunk Driver, Alleged Abduction, Armed robbery and an Arson.   Josie was diagnosed with a fast growing malignant tumor on her hip an inoperable area. 
 submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 JIMBO
November 22, 2005

Partner: Major Sophia Teague
Tampa Police Department

Patrol District 2

9330 N. 30th St.

Tampa, FL  33612

813-276-3704
 

Death of police dog is like losing relative  
by SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER, Times Staff Writer - Published November 24, 2005

Call it the most bittersweet of weeks for Tampa police veteran Sophia Teague.  Monday she was on a high note, having just been named major of the patrol district that includes New Tampa and the University of South Florida.Police Chief Steve Hogue said Teague's willingness to be Mom to Jimbo, the department's only bloodhound for tracking missing children, was a true illustration of her dedication to the department she joined 22 years ago. "She took that big, smelly dog out there to her house when no one else would because she felt it was important we have him for missing children," Hogue told the Time's on Monday.But the day after Hogue gave that interview, and just hours after Teague told the Times how excited she is about her new assignment, Teague went home and found Jimbo dead. He was 6. A necropsy will be performed.That detail doesn't matter so much to Teague. All she knows is, Jimbo is gone."You talk to her, and it's like a family member died," said Tampa police spokeswoman Laura McElroy. "It was a working dog, but she loved him with all her heart."The department got Jimbo three years ago through the Jimmy Ryce Foundation. Jimbo couldn't very well sleep at police headquarters. Administrators put the word out: Anyone willing to take in the dog? Sure, Teague said in her molasses-like drawl. "I'll take him."  'Jimbo' is TPD's first bloodhound. This breed is well-known for it's unsurpassed ability at man-trailing. A bloodhound's sense of smell is at least several times greater than any other breed. It's big, floppy ears and loose skin around its face add to its trailing ability by gathering and concentrating scent as the dog walks forward, sniffing the ground. A well-trained hound is capable of detecting a trail that may be days old. Affable and easy-going, bloodhounds are totally non-aggressive which prevents them from being used in some criminal searches.
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TAMPA POLICE  -  K-9 Unit's Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What kind of dogs do you use?
A. We use a variety of dogs depending on what their specialty may be. For patrol work we primarily use the German Shepherd and the Belgian Malinois. For Explosives and Narcotics detection we use the Labrador and Golden Retriever breeds. We also have one blood hound.
Q. Who trains the dogs?
A. We train all of our dogs "in-house." This means their respective handlers, with the guidance of a senior handling instructor, train all of the dogs. No private individuals or entities are involved in training our dogs.
Q. Do the dogs live with their handlers?
A. Yes. Each dog is assigned to only one handler who is responsible for the care of the dog. The dogs live at home with their handler in a specially constructed kennel provided by the city.
Q. How old are the dogs when they start training?
A. Dogs are carefully screened and tested before they begin training. To properly test the canine's drive, they must be about 1 ½ years old. We won't accept a dog older than three years of age.
Q. How old are the dogs when they retire?
A. It largely depends upon their health, but generally a Police Dog can look to retire at the ripe old age of 8 or 9 years.
Q. Where do they go when they retire?
A. It has been the city's practice to let the dogs live out the remainder of their lives with the handlers whom they worked their career with.
Q. How long are the dogs trained?
A. The State of Florida requires each dog and handler team to complete a 400-hour basic canine school. The Tampa Police Department extends that training to about 560 hours.
Q. How do officers get selected to become canine handlers?
A. Officer must pass a rigorous screening process first. Things considered are dependability, ability to work without direct supervision, and internal affairs reviews.. Candidates must also have been an officer for at least two years and have a favorable recommendation from their immediate supervisor.
Q. Where does TPD get their dogs from?
A. While donations from the public are welcome, nearly all will not pass our tough screening process. We generally get our dogs imported from Europe or canine venders across the United States.
Q. How much do the dogs cost?
A. That varies depending o the breed, age and any previous training the dog may have had. A good figure could be between $4000.00 to $7000.00
Q. Who pays for the care of the dogs?
A. The City of Tampa pays for all of the dog's upkeep. They are provided with the very best medical care available. Their food, flea spray, bowls, toys, leashes and all other equipment are also provided by the city.
Q. Are the dogs' safe when left in their patrol cars while the handler isn't there?
A. Absolutely! The canine vehicles are equipped with the most up-to-date canine safety devices on the market. Heat sensors in the car will activate the car's horn, roll down the back windows and turn on a fan in the car if the dog's area gets too warm. Remote control door opening ensures the dog can get out of the car to assist the handler at the touch of a button or in any other emergency situation.
Q. How is a dog able to smell so well?
A. A number of things contribute to the dog's keen sense of smell. Their long snouts have a large turbinate bone structure that holds millions of scent receptor cells, plus the olfactory lobe of their brain is much larger than that of a human being.
Q. Is hurting a Police Dog the same as hurting a Police Officer?
A. Injuring or killing a Police Dog is a 3rd Degree Felony punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years in prison.

First handler, now retired,  MPO Robert Kirby
Useful K-9 Related Web Links
www.policek9.com
www.bloodhounds.com
www.k9search.k9nation.net
submitted by Jim Cortina, DIR> CPWDA