Busca was much more than just my Once in a Life Time K9 Partner, he was and will always be my Best Friend. He had helped me through some tough times in my life, much less being the Best Search and Rescue K9. God must have had big plans for him in heaven, because that would be the only way he would leave me. My heart hurts everyday without him, but I know one day we will be together again, nothing will stop that,
 not even God. Mommy Loves You Bubbies!  -  Until we are together again, -  Your Mommy Dog

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In Loving Memory of 
K-9 BRITT 
2006 

Handler: Dave Ireland 
Norfolk Police Department - K-9 Unit 
Norfolk, Va. K-9 Unit 
6101s Cape Henry Ave.- Norfolk, VA 
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE 
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. 
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. 
Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, 
there is a land of meadows, hills, 
and valleys with lush green grass. 
When a  beloved pet dies, 
the pet goes to this place. 
There is always food and water and warm Spring weather. 
Those old and frail animals are young again. 
Those who have been maimed are made whole again. 
They play all day with each other. 
But there is only one thing missing. 
They are not with their special person 
who loved them on earth. 
So each day, they run and play until the day comes 
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. 
The nose twitches, the ears are up, 
the eyes are staring and this one 
suddenly runs from the group. 
You have been seen 
and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him or her in your arms and embrace. 
Your face is kissed again and again. 
You look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet, or partner. 
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, 
never again to be separated. 
~unknown author          submitted by Karen S.

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BOSS
May  2006

Handler: Sgt. Larry Mysliwiec
Schererville Police Department
Schererville, IN

BY VANESSA RENDERMAN - Saturday, May 20, 2006 
SCHERERVILLE | Just three months after one of their canine officers died, Schererville police are mourning the death of their other dog, Boss. Boss, a 13-year-old German shepherd, died Thursday while on duty.  His handler, Sgt. Larry Mysliwiec, found Boss unresponsive in his squad car behind the police station, Cmdr. Randy Reno said.  Boss was rushed to a clinic in St. John, where a veterinarian pronounced him clinically dead.  His death likely was heart-related, Reno said.  "He was finicky a couple days before, but it was nothing out of the ordinary," Reno said.  Reno said the loss has been especially tough on Mysliwiec and his family.  "Not having him around is a shock," Mysliwiec said. "We're taking it hard. I don't think anyone other than a dog handler could understand the bond between a canine and a handler."  Boss and Mysliwiec spent 90 percent of their time together, even going on side jobs together.  "The dog loved to work," Mysliwiec said.  Boss, who weighed around 100 pounds, was coming up on 12 years of service with the department.  He excelled at drug detection and tracking.  Boss was getting up in years, but he was in pretty good health.  Two years ago, Boss had a nine-pound noncancerous tumor removed from his spleen, Mysliwiec said.  Mysliwiec doesn't foresee having another police dog.  "I couldn't replace him," he said. "He was one of a kind. He was always the boss. He was the John Wayne of police dogs."  Boss will be remembered at today's police memorial service.  The department also will honor Karr, a canine officer who died in February following surgery to remove a cancerous tumor of his spleen. 

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In Loving Memory of
 K-9 BAXTER
June 5, 1995 – November 19, 2006

lost story on BAXTER... HELP need info

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BRONCO  
November 9, 2006

Handler: Officer Rich Gerber
Mentor Police Department
8500 Civic Center Blvd
Mentor, Ohio 44060 - (440)974-5760 
A 7-year canine member of the Mentor Police Department died Thursday after an "unfortunate accident," police said Friday. Bronco, one of two K9 units at the department, was killed at about 8:15 p.m. near his home in Mentor, Lt. Tom Powers said. "He got loose from home and, for whatever reason, ran out in front of a car on Garfield Road," Powers said. "He was an important member of our department. We're all saddened and feel bad for the handler and his family." Powers said Bronco had been part of "many major investigations and arrests in his career" and died only a year short of his retirement. Earlier this year, Bronco and his handler, Officer Rich Gerber, received an Outstanding Service Award from the North American Police Work Dog Association.The 80-pound German shepherd was born in the Czech Republic in 1999 and lived in Gerber's home until his death. Plans for a memorial in honor of Bronco were being discussed Friday night, Powers said.
Officer Gerber & K-9, Bronco
* 2000 GSDCA/Bil Jac Foods: Hero Dog—Rookie of the Year
* 2000 Officer of the Year: Mentor Police Department
* 2001 GSDCA/Bil Jac Foods: Hero Dog—Narcotics Detection Dog of the Year
* 2003 GSDCA/Bil Jac Foods: Hero Dog—Honorable Mention
* 2006 North American Police Work Dog Association: Outstanding Service Award

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BRIT
June 1994 - October 5, 2006
 
Handler: Sgt. Steve Pascarella
Monroeville Police Department 
2700 Monroeville Blvd
Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146
Phone: (412)856-3324

Human partner mourns one of force's first K-9s
By Joey DiGuglielmo, Staff Writer - Wednesday, October 11, 2006 
 
Monroeville Police Department has lost one of its original K-9 dogs -- Brit, 12, who died Oct. 5.  He is survived by his former partner, Sgt. Steve Pascarella; Alex, the other original Monroeville K-9; and Alex's former partner, Officer Tom Vaughn. He was preceded in death by Cent, who was the former K-9 partner of Magisterial District Judge Jeff Herbst when he was a K-9 officer with the force. Pascarella had Brit euthanized at Northern Pike Veterinary Hospital because of disc and spine damage in his back that left the dog's back legs paralyzed.  "It friggin' sucks, because the rest of him was fine," Pascarella said.  He spoke highly of Dr. Suzanne Martin, who had been Brit's veterinarian his whole life.  "She was as compassionate as could be," he said. "We just stood there and cried together."  Brit was born in June 1994 and became Pascarella's partner in 1996. The two worked together until Pascarella quit being a K-9 officer in December 2001, following a promotion. Brit, in good health then, had trouble adjusting to retirement, Pascarella said, but eventually got used to the good life.  "I made sure he got plenty of treats and things like that he never got when he was working. I wanted to just let him be a dog."  Brit, who, at 120 pounds, was slightly larger than Alex, was an excellent working dog, Pascarella said. His finest moment came when he was able to trace three bank robbers behind Dollar Bank at Miracle Mile Shopping Center. They had confessed, then rescinded their confession. Brit's work proved their earlier confession and led to a successful prosecution. They each got 40 years for the 2001 incident and are still in jail. "He was such a bold, outgoing dog. Awesome at tracking. Just fearless."  Pascarella said his daughter, Bailey, 3, who called the dog "Mr. Brit," is taking the death especially hard.  Monroeville Police Benevolent Association is considering adding the names of the force's deceased K-9 officers to a granite plaque near the entrance of the department.
Submitted By Jim Cortina , Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BOELY
September 17, 2006

Handler: Jim Johnson
Bentgonville Police Department
908 SE 14th St
Bentonville, Arkansas 72712
(479)271-3170 

Police Dog Killed In Hit-And-Run 
Belgian Malinois May Have Been Running From Thunder
Bentonville police found the department's drug-sniffing dog dead Sunday night, the apparent victim of a vehicle hit-and-run.  Police searched for the Belgian Malinois named Boely for hours Sunday afternoon after learning he was missing from his handler's back yard near East Central Avenue and Pleasant View Lane. Officers believe the black and brindle dog ran away after becoming spooked during a Sunday morning thunderstorm.  Police found the dog dead about 9 p.m. on North Walton Boulevard. "Someone called in about it. They saw him lying there ... We don't know what hit him," Lt. Mike Smith said Monday.  He was found in north Bentonville, several miles from his home, and "one of our officers recognized the dog as our K-9," Smith said.  Boely, from the Chicago area, specialized in narcotics detection and was with the police force three years. Officer Jim Johnson was his handler.  Smith is unsure how long before the Police Department gets another dog.   "It'll take some time. When you have a loss of a dog, you don't want to jump right back into it," he said.  Until then, officers will rely on other law enforcement agencies like the Benton County Sheriff's Office or Rogers Police Department when they need a dog to locate drugs.  "We would go over there and assist them. We do that for all the agencies that call for assistance," said Lt. James Haskins of the Rogers Police Department. "Our dog would only work with our handler."  The cost of replacing a narcotics-trained dog can be expensive -- a couple of thousand dollars for the dog, plus expenses associated with training an officer to be the dog's handler and travel expenses.  "It adds up," Haskins said.
pic submitted by David Green

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BONO
August 22, 2006

Handler: Officer Matt Greathouse
Lexington Police Department
 Operational Support Section/Canine Unit
K-9 Training Unit
1795 Old Frankfort Pike
Lexington, KY 40504
(859) 258-3779 Work: 255-9627
Training Unit - 1313 Old Frankfort Pike

Officer Matt Greathouse of Lexington, KY Police Department had to put his Belgian Malinois narcotic dog named Bono to sleep on August 22 due to a tumor on his spine. He was nine years old.
Matt's email is
Sgt Robert Dudley of the Okaloosa County FL Sheriff Dept.
Sheriff lost his gsd rocky recently. There is a little memorial to him on their site.
submitted by Dusty Simon & Sgt. Eric Bowling

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BOYE
June 2006

Handler: Raul Hernandez
Key West Police Department
K9 Unit
Raul Hernandez trains the Key West police k-9 unit. He also has a great dog class twice a week. I have worked for him for 3 years  and have known him for 6 years. Him and his dog worked in miami and when his dog retired so did he. Him and his wife where so good to me when my husband had a bad motorcycle accident they will do anything for any of their friends. I did not know how to thank them untill i found your web site. His k-9 was Boye he was a friend and partner the 2 of them where unstopable. I dont know all the jobs Raul had in the police department but he was loved by all police who he worked with. He was so  heartbroken when Boye passed I know the dog is still watching out from far away. His eyes dimmed but now when he tells stories about the ball stealing GSD (who would sneak behing cars while noone was looking) his  eyes glow. I work at the animal clinic  I know all about the loss of a good friend but a partner also I dont know how they move on. Thanks for everything you do for all fallen  k-9s. 
submitted by: jessica lloyd

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BEN
May 20, 2006

Handler: Office Bill Giese
Grand Rapids Police Dept
(218) 326-3464
420 N Pokegama Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Hey you guys.  Just wanted to let you both know we lost our K9 Ben this past Saturday.  He had had back surgery but had not been unable to come back to work.  His handler (Officer Bill Giese) said he died of a broken heart from not being able to work – but I think they are  planning an autopsy.  Just wanted to let you know.  Hugs to you both.P.S.  Ben is currently at our local funeral home and the people there are asking ME what to do for services, etc. Any ideas would be appreciated.  I think a full memorial service would be in order but I certainly think it should be the decision of Ben’s handler and not me just cuz I love dogs so much.  I’m supposed to be working on a portrait of Ben – now I HAVE to get busy on that.  Thanks for listening.  I’ve been sitting here bawling my head off cuz our Chief just told me about an hour ago.  submitted by: Mary L. Corwin 
Records/Transcription 218-326-7631 

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In Loving Memory of
  K-9 BUCK
2006

Handler: Johnny Mayo
West Columbia TX

WLTX.com News.htm
www.bucksheroes.com
reporter: Lewis Turner - News19 WLTX
(803) 776-9508 (office) (803) 309-3639 (cell)
submitted by Mike Meetze

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BEAR
November 26, 2006

Handler: Officer Brandon Rothwell
 Nisswa Police Department
 P.O. Box 128, Nisswa MN 56468
 5442 City Hall Street,
Nisswa MN 56468 
Tel - 218-829-4749

Officer Rothwell joined the Nisswa Police Department in 2002. He is a graduate of Crosby-Ironton High School. Before joining the police department,  Rothwell was a jailer for the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department. Rothwell enjoys hunting, fishing, and boxing. K9 Bear joined the  Nisswa Police Department in 2004. He is certified in narcotics detection and is also used for tracking. K9 Bear, narcotics K9, died of cancer.     
 submitted by R. Konias & Jim Cortina

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BRONCO
  March 14  2006

Handler: Scott Broome
Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office
8045 Howard Street
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303 - (864)503-4500

Kris Mau  News Channel 7  Monday, March 20, 2006
Upstate officers are mourning the loss of one of their own. Bronco is a K-9 who passed away last week. He helped find drugs.   His partner, Scott Broome, says the dog had a lot to offer. "There's just a  special relationship that can't be described between a handler and their dog and the things that they're able to accomplish together," says Broome. And the duo did accomplish a lot in their eight years together.  "In 1999 and 2000, we were the state of South Carolina top Aggressive Criminal  Enforcement team," says Broome. "We had the most felony arrests of any municipality in the state with a population of 10,000 or more."Broome says Bronco had an effect in fighting crime. "Most people  would rather fight a police officer than fight a dog."  He remembers the dog's presence had an  effect even during a routine traffic stop. "(the suspects) are in the back of the patrol car, and one  guy looks at the other one and says, "Do you have any drugs on you?" He said, "No, I knew we  were coming through Greer." Bruno retired with Broome and his family a few years ago. A few weeks ago, Broome started taking pictures of the dog. And lots of them. It's because he became sick. He could tell Bruno was having serious trouble walking. "A week later we found out it was a tumor that was wrapped around his neck," says Broome. "His spinal column was pushing his esophagus closed."  Just like Bruno took his community in his grasp, protecting it by finding drugs,  Broome held him tightly while he was put to sleep.  He says he'll never forget his partner. "A week ago today, I was able to take him on patrol with me one last time," says Broome. "And I put him  in the back of my patrol car and seeing his head in the back like we used to be, riding around and him looking around, it was real comforting to me to be able to take in that last day."  A perfect dog for her. Randall went through 100 dogs before the kennel worker brought out Branco. “There was an instant connection,” Randall said. She knew that Branco was the one she would be working,  training and living with 24-7. It didn’t take long for Randall to see how much of an asset Branco would be to her, both professionally and personally.  When Randall and Branco were in training  together at the police academy, trainers were amazed at Branco’s ability to learn quickly and his  willingness to work hard. One trainer called him the “’Ferrari’ of the K-9 dogs.” “I was so totally  amazed and so impressed about what (the dogs) did,” Randall said. Randall and Branco performed  thousands of community services by fighting crime and drugs, as well as visiting schools, businesses, churches and other organizations. “We’ve met a lot of good friends over the last six years,” Randall said. On one occasion, Branco and Judy were asked to visit the mentally challenged  children at Enterprise High School. While Randall was a little nervous about how Branco would  do with the teens, he showed that he was kind as well as hard-working. “Branco sensed immediately that they were somebody special,” Randall said. Branco lay on the floor and allowed the teens to pet and pull at him for an hour, without a single growl or snap.  “I could really trust him around children,” Randall said. But Branco also knew when to be a police dog. Branco was an aggressive indicator when he searched for drugs. He would bite, scratch or bite where he thought the drugs  were located. Branco had such a great work ethic, he would search freestyle better than an officer directed search, Randall said.  He also served as a sentry and would let Randall know if anyone  was within several feet of the truck when they were out on patrol. Branco was known for protecting his partner by warning a drunk man that entered the Randall’s home and even an officer trying to play a trick on Randall. He made sure Randall was always safe. He not only protected Randall, but he was also a wonderful drug sniffing dog. There were numerous occasions when Branco found drugs hidden in vehicles, apartments, the jail and even the court. During their career together, Randall and Branco were asked to work with the drug court as trackers. They would stop into the homes of drug court clients to ensure they were staying clean. “It was one of the greatest  experiences I could’ve ever been able to have,” Randall said.  Together, Randall and Branco  have worked with every law enforcement agency in Washington County and even some in Iron,  Utah and Mohave, Ariz., counties. “Every day we would leave the house and I’d say ‘Let’s go get the bad guys’ and he would get excited and circle around,” Randall said. “We had the  highest stats overall in the department last month. It’s because we just love the job.” “He was  part of my family,” Randall said. As Tersigni put it, Branco will be missed.  The staff at the Hurricane Valley Journal would like to extend their condolences to Deputy Randall and her family. We would like to thank Branco and Randall for all their hard work and service to  the citizens of this community.
submitted by Jim Cortina, DIR. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
SGT. ADAM LEIGH CANN & MWD BRUNO
January 5, 2006

Ramadi, IRAQ
Injured military dogs back on duty, but without handler , Sgt. Adam L. Cann was killed in attack on Ramadi police station Stars and Stripes - Mideast edition, Thursday, January 19, 2006
Courtesy of Joseph Manning

Dog handler Marine Sgt. Adam L. Cann stands with his dog Bruno in Iraq. Cann was killed in a suicide attack this month in Ramadi.   BAGHDAD — The three military working dogs injured in this month’s deadly suicide attack on a Ramadi police recruiting event have been treated and returned to duty, medical officials told Stars and Stripes this week. The bombings, which came at the end of a four-day recruiting drive that saw more than 1,000 Iraqi men sign up as police candidates, killed at least 27 volunteers, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Michael E. McLaughlin and Sgt. Adam L. Cann, a Marine Corps dog handler.  Two other dog handlers were injured.  Cann’s dog, Bruno, and two other working dogs were injured in the blast. Initially, military officials reported that Bruno would be flown to the States for treatment. But in an e-mail this week to Stripes, Dr. (Lt. Col.) R. Randall Thompson, of the 72nd Medical Detachment (Veterinary Service-Forward) said all three dogs were treated in Baghdad by military veterinarians at the 10th Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad. “Sergeant Cann’s canine partner, Bruno, was … transported to the Military Working Dog referral center located in the International Zone,” Thompson wrote. “Bruno was treated for shrapnel wounds and returned to his place of duty five days later. All three injured dogs were treated by the 72nd following [medical evacuation]. All will recover fully. Prior to the arrival of the 72nd and its enhanced treatment capability, they would have been flown [to the States] for treatment.” Cann, 23, and his German shepherd were part of the 2nd Military Police Battalion, 2nd Force Services Support Group. Marine dog handlers in Iraq are a tight knit group and have taken Cann’s loss hard. Friends said he was happiest when he and Bruno were at work outside the wire.  Cann had worked with Bruno for five or six years, including a tour in Afghanistan, they said. “He loved dog training,” Cpl. Brian Trielle said in the days after the attack. “He took it very seriously. I’ve never met a better Marine doing what he did.”  
MORE
   Bruno, who apparently drowned in the Vaal River, led to a second tragedy when police dog Bruno also lost his life.  Inspector Sammy de Ridder, who nearly drowned when the pair landed in the river during the search, was in hospital for observation on Monday night.  De Ridder and Bruno were among those searching for Louis Louw, 29, who apparently drowned about 14:00 on Sunday after swimming and fishing in the river with friends. Sunday's search was unsuccessful and the search resumed on Monday morning. De Ridder and Bruno were in a boat that capsized in a strong current at a weir and they ended up in a whirlpool. Two police divers found De Ridder, but Bruno had drowned. De Ridder and Bruno had worked together for the past six years and were inseparable. He used to refer to the dog as a family member and friend. Bruno was one of only four dogs in the Free State trained to sniff out bodies. The other three are in Sasolburg, Bethlehem and Bloemfontein.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BRUNO
July 18, 2006

 Handler - Staff Sergeant Erik Castro 
U.S. Air Force -  Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi
81st Training Wing - Public Affairs Office
517 L Street, Room 113  - Keesler AFB, MS 39534-2603
Phone: (228) 377-2783
 July 24, 2006  -  Release No. 06-07-05

submitted by:  Drinnon Roger MSgt 81 TRW/PA <>
ROGER DRINNON, MSgt, USAF
81st Training Wing Public Affairs
Ph: (228) 377-2783; DSN 597-2783 

CEREMONY HONORS MILITARY WORKING DOG’S SERVICE
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. — The 81st Security Forces Squadron bids farewell to a special team in memorial service scheduled for 10-10:30 a.m. Tuesday (July 25) at Larcher Chapel. All media are invited to attend. However, this event is not open to the public. Bruno, one of Keesler’s military working dogs for almost seven years, had to be euthanized July 18 due to advanced lumbrascal disease, according to Staff Sgt. Erik Castro, noncommissioned officer of the 81st SFS military working dog section.  Bruno, a male Belgian malinois, was nearly 11 years old.  He was accepted into the military working dog program in 1998 and was certified as a narcotics detector dog and patrol dog the following year at the Department of Defense Working Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. “Bruno used his patrol capabilities to assist area police departments during joint agency training, conducted over 25 dog demonstrations for the local community and distinguished. 
-more-
visitors, participated in the annual Halloween goblin patrol and assisted in the apprehension of a barricaded fugitive in base housing,” Sergeant Castro said.  “He also provided a strong deterrent during numerous police calls which quickly defused once he arrived.”  During a month-long joint effort with customs agents at the Mexican border, Bruno alerted law enforcement personnel on several occasions, resulting in the confiscation of 118 pounds of cocaine and 243 pounds of marijuana being smuggled into the country. At Keesler, Bruno found marijuana on 20 occasions and cocaine in three instances.  He also participated in several morale searches, courtesy vehicle sweeps, confinement sweeps and more than 200 hours of random searches throughout the base.  “Bruno was a military working dog, a security forces member and a companion to everyone who had the privilege of controlling his leash,” Sergeant Castro explained.  “The Department of Veterans Affairs didn’t hesitate to give us a flag for him. “It will be difficult to enter the facility without seeing Bruno light up with life every time you stood in front of his kennel, knowing his only desire was to keep you safe, obey your commands, and ready to give his life to protect yours,” he added.  Sergeant Castro said Bruno’s ashes will be spread over the foundation for the new kennel facility. If you are interested in covering this event, please call 377-2783 by 9 a.m. Tuesday.  and...
Thanks to all the handlers who helped with information on Bruno. Especially Susan Griggs,& Roger Drinnon
81TRW/PA  228-377-3837  DSN 597-3837 - From: Taranto Jerry Civ 81 TRW/PA 
Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 10:23 AM - To: Griggs Susan Contractor 81 TRW/PA
Cc: Clark Michael T SSgt 81 CS/SCBB - Subject: FW: K9 Bruno  Jerry S Taranto   81st Training Wing Public Affairs 228-377-7329   Cell: 228-669-4904  - Mission first, People Always, America Forever!  From: Clark Michael T SSgt 81 CS/SCBB  Sent: Monday, July 31, 2006 9:33 AM - To: 81 TRW/PA Subject: FW: K9 Bruno Importance: High v/r  Michael T. Clark, SSgt, USAF  Web Development Technician  81 CS/SCBB - comm: (228)377-7121  - DSN: 597-7121 
and another article....
Police Dog Remembered At Keesler Memorial Service - July 25, 2006 
A full military memorial service held at Keesler Air Force Base Tuesday honored a very special dog. Eleven-year old Bruno, a Belgian Malinois, served seven years with the Keesler Security Police. The dog helped with numerous drug busts and sting operations, but had to be put to sleep last week after suffering a severe spinal problem. Tuesday's service was held at Larcher Chapel, complete with a portrait of Bruno, his toys, and a TAPS dedication. Bruno's last handler says it's hard to say good bye to a great partner and friend. "When Bruno got here, the working relationship we had, I was on the receiving end of his patrol work. I was the first decoy he got to bite and it developed from there. He was a real good dog, just great to be around, just his personality. It's going to be hard," Staff Sergeant Erik Castro said. Bruno's ashes will be spread in a private dedication ceremony at Keesler's new kennel facility which will open in October. Keesler currently has  seven military working dogs on duty.  
also submitted by Jim Cortina, CPWDA Dir

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In Loving Memory of
K-9 BOSS
February 10, 2006

Handler: Deputy Faulkner 
former handler: Deputy Aiden Pegram
Massac County Sheriff's
Superman Square 
Metropolis, IL  62960
618.524.2912  

The late "Boss" - Sheriff's office drug dog, Boss,is killed by traffic
By Michele Longworth  Planet Reporter

Massac County Sheriff's Department's canine deputy, Boss, was killed Feb. 10 by traffic on Interstate 24.  Boss' handler, Deputy Sheriff Jim Faulkner, resides near I-24.  Apparently Boss escaped at some point on Feb. 10 from the fenced-in area where he was kept and ran onto the interstate. Boss' body was found on the shoulder of the westbound lanes the morning of Feb. 11 and he was buried near Faulkner's home.  In 2000, the sheriff's department - through various individual and business donations - acquired Boss, who was donated by the Pierre Giovani School, of Girard, Ohio, which trained him. Boss' first handler was former Deputy Aiden Pegram.  After Pegram's departure from the department Boss' handler became Officer Faulkner, who has had him for the past four years.  "He was a drug dog, but he also had attack capabilities and tracking capabilities," said Sheriff Bob Griffey.  "He could be very aggressive when put in the attack mode, but when he wasn't, to the officer's family, he was just a pet."  According to Griffey, Boss was very much a "community dog," as he assisted law enforcement agencies in surrounding counties. Griffey said that Boss helped out in several investigations in Massac County as well as others in McCracken, Pope, Johnson and Pulaski counties. "I'm thankful for the support from the community," said Griffey. At this time Griffey said the department does not plan to replace Boss, as there is legislation pending in the Illinois legislature that could possibly affect the future of drug dogs.  He said that he wants to wait and see if the legislation passes before going through steps to acquire another drug dog.
submitted by: grizzly-creek@myway.com
& Autumn Fairfield& Jim Cortina
photo by Autumn @  Metropolis Planet P.O. Box 820  Metropolis, IL 62960

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In Loving Memory of
BRIGADIER
Mounted Division
February  22, 2006

Brigadier's rider: Constable Kevin Bradfield
Toronto Police Service
40 College St.
Toronto, Ontario - Canada
1 416 808.2222 - 1 416 467.0493