In
Loving
Memory of
K9 BODO
May 4, 1998
- August 17,
2009
Handler:
Sgt. Arthur
Fredericks
Bloomfield
Police
Department
785 Park
Avenue
Bloomfield,
CT
06002-2444
(860)
242-5501
Officer
Federicks
and his K-9
partner "Bodo",
tracked and
located a
suspect
wanted for a
home
invasion.
The suspect
committed
the crime
while armed
with a
shotgun.
During the
incident the
suspect had
also
assaulted
the
homeowner
with a large
knife.
Officer
Fredericks
and "Bodo"
tracked the
suspect
approximately
2 miles in a
steady rain
before
apprehending.
The suspect
had a large
cut on his
neck from
and apparent
attempt at
suicide. The
suspect was
apprehended
without
injury to
him or law
enforcement
officer's.
submitted by
Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory
of
K9 BILLY
2009
Handler -
unknown name
Alameda Police
Department
CA
An Alameda
police dog
trying to flush
out a burglary
suspect was shot
and killed by an
officer Thursday
after the dog
attacked her and
bit her arm, a
police spokesman
said.
Billy, a Belgian
Malinois, and
his handler were
among those
responding to a
burglary at the
Coast Guard
recruiting
center at 660
Central Ave.
shortly before
6:15 a.m.,
police Lt. Bill
Scott said.
Billy bit a
uniformed
officer
assisting on the
call. The dog
did not let go
when his handler
ordered him to
do so, and the
officer being
bitten shot him
three times,
killing him,
Scott said.
The officer,
whose name is
not released has
been with the
department for 2
years. She
was treated for
bite wounds to
her left arm at
Highland
Hospital in
Oakland and was
released.
Immediately
after the dog
was shot,
burglary
suspect, D. W.
Kirk, 56,
emerged with
items he had
allegedly
stolen but
refused to
surrender, Scott
said. He
was arrested
after a brief
struggle and was
treated at
Alameda Hospital
for minor
lacerations.
Billy had been
with the
department for
more than
-.thr33 years
and was assigned
to his current
handler in
September.
On May 5th
another police
Belgian Malinois
died after being
left inside an
Alameda
officer's
personal sport
utility vehicle
as the officer
attended a
use-of-force
training
exercise.
After several
hours, the
officer returned
to his vehicle
which had at
least one window
own for
ventilation and
found his dog
near death.
The dog died at
a veterinary
hospital. The
officer was not
charged.
Police said the
handler in that
case was not the
officer who was
Billy's handler.
The department
has suspended
the use of its
two remaining
police dogs
pending a review
of "all the
facts" of the K9
program,
including the
circumstances
that ended up to
Billy being
deployed and his
death.
In Loving Memory of
K9 BENNO
February 11, 2009
Handler: Jess Quidachay
Kansas Department of
Corrections
900 SW Jackson St.
Topeka, KS 66612-1284
Ph: 785-296-3317
"Benno" passed away on
Wednesday, February 11,
2009. "Beeno" spent the
couple of years with Jess
Quidachay, of the Kansas
Department of Corrections. "Benno"
was originally trained and
assigned to KPDA Trainer
Rick Elliott and after
Rick's passing, "Benno"
retired with Quidachay. He
served a number of years
with the Kansas Department
of Corrections before his
retirement. "Benno"
apparenty had kidney
failure, which ultimately
lead to his death.
"Heaven
goes by favour. If it went
by merit, you would stay out
and your dog would go in."
- Mark Twain
submitted by Jim
Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory
of
K-9 BARKLEY
September 1,2009
Handler: Rescue Officer Flynn Lamont
Vancouver Fire Department
Canada
Capt. Gabe Roder and
all SAR teams
Vancouver fire department
search-and-rescue dog Barkley dies
of cancer
The city's fire and rescue
community is mourning the loss of a
long-serving member today — one with
four legs and a shaggy, golden coat
of fur. The Vancouver fire
department said Tuesday their
13-year-old search dog, Barkley, has
died after a short battle with
cancer. Department spokesman Capt.
Gabe Roder said Barkley had a rough
few days recently and was taken to a
veterinarian, where he was diagnosed
with prostate cancer. The golden
retriever worked for Vancouver Fire
and Rescue and the city's urban
search-and-rescue team for 11 years,
said Roder. His career as a rescue
dog included a stint helping out in
the 2005 Hurricane Katrina relief
effort on the Gulf Coast and the
North Vancouver mudslide that same
year.
Barkley was involved in many
other high-profile cases for police
departments around the Lower
Mainland helping to locate cadavers,
he said. His handler, Rescue Officer
Flynn Lamont, will be among a group
holding a brief memorial for Barkley
on Wednesday morning. Roder said
Lamont has his other service dog,
Cooper, to console him, but the loss
of the shaggy vet is still
difficult. Work will begin shortly
on training a new service dog for
the department, he said. "[Lamont]
is going to go out soon and look for
a new puppy, and give Cooper a new
friend," said Roder.
submitted
by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BUZZ
August 30, 2009
Handler:
Under the leadership of
Chief Constable, Mike Craik
Northumbria Police Department
UK
03456 043 043
Man arrested after
police dog found dead at
handler's home
A man has been
arrested after a Northumbria Police dog
was found dead at his
handler's home this
morning. The 33-year-old
arrested man, from
Linton, Morpeth, is
being held on suspicion
of making threats to
kill the dog handler and
conspiring to hurt
the
German Shepherd, named
Buzz. Police are trying
to establish how the dog
died and if it is linked
to the alleged threats
made against the
officer.
The nine-year-old dog
lived at his handler's
home in Amble. A
police spokeswoman said:
"Northumbria Police take
very seriously threats
made against our own
staff in the course of
their duties, and this
remains the priority of
the investigation. "We
are carrying out
inquiries to find out if
the death of Buzz is
linked to this
investigation. "Should
the cause of death be
proved to be suspicious,
this is a horrible
incident which has led
to the death of a dog
who has given years of
loyal service to the
public and Northumbria
Police. "He had also
formed a strong and
lasting bond with his
handler and his
handler's family.
"Police dogs live at
home with their handlers
and become a part of the
family."
Northumbria
Police
serves a
population
of 1.5
million
people
and
covers
an area
of more
than
2,000
square
miles in
the
North
East of
England,
from the
Scottish
border
down to
County
Durham
and from
the
Pennines
across
to the
North
East
coast.
Northumbria
is one
of the
largest
forces
in the
country
and is
recognized
as one
of the
top
performing
in the
UK.
Under
the
leadership
of Chief
Constable,
Mike
Craik,
Northumbria
Police
is
committed
to a
philosophy
of
'Total
Policing',
dedicated
to
reducing
crime
and
disorder
and
building
trust
and
confidence
in its
communities.
The
force
has
around
4,100
police
officers,
2,500
police
staff,
Special
Constables
and
Community
Support
Officers
(CSOs),
who work
together
to
prevent,
detect
and
reduce
crime in
the
Northumbria
area.
The
force is
split
into six
geographical
area
commands
and
supported
by 12
specialist
departments.
MORE:
Police dog found dead after threats
An investigation is underway into whether the death of a "loyal" police dog was connected to threats to kill its handler. Buzz, a nine-year-old German shepherd, was found dead on Monday morning at the home of the officer in Amble, Northumberland. The Northumbria Police have arrested a 33-year-old man, from Linton, Morpeth, who is being questioned on suspicion of making threats to kill a serving police dog handler and conspiring to cause damage to the dog. A force spokesman said: "Northumbria Police take very seriously threats made against our own staff in the course of their duties and this remains the priority of the investigation. "We are carrying out inquiries to find out if the death of Buzz is connected to this investigation. "Should the cause of death be proven to be suspicious, this is a horrible incident which has led to the death of a dog who had given years of loyal service to the public and Northumbria Police. "He had also formed a strong and lasting bond with his handler and his handler's family. "Police dogs live at home with their handlers and they become part of the family."
UPDATE:
Northumberland: An investigation was under way today into whether the death of a "loyal" police dog was connected to threats to kill its handler. Buzz, a nine-year-old German shepherd, was found dead yesterday morning at the home of the officer in Amble. Northumbria Police have arrested a 33-year-old man.
submitted
by Jim
Cortina,
Dir.
CPWDA
(waiting
for more
information)
For any
enquiries
about
who we
are
e-mail:
michaelaynsley@gateshead.gov.uk
In Loving Memory of
K9 BRIX
July 10, 2009
Handler: Det. Constable Peter MacDonald
Durham Regional Police Service
480 Taunton Road E
Whitby, Ontario L1N5R5
Phone: (905)
579-1520 - Fax:
(905) 430-2502
Contact: Al
McDonald
Web Site:
Durham Regional Police
Service
Passing of Police Service Dog, BRIX
DRPS is
mourning the loss of long-serving police
dog Brix . He was taken to the
veterinarian on July 10th in poor health
and the decision was made to end his
suffering. Brix was 10-years-old and had
served with DRPS for eight years.
Brix worked with his handler Detective
Constable Peter MacDonald and the Canine
Unit since May of 2001 when he began his
career at the age of two. Up until his
passing,
Brix was still an active member
of the unit and was about to enter
retirement.
Brix worked tirelessly throughout his
career by performing several security
sweeps after 9-11, helping with
countless bomb searches, aiding as
security with high profile court cases
as well as diplomatic visits to the
area. Brix was DRP’s first and only dog
trained to deal with explosives and
Titan will be the police service dog to
take his position.
Our thoughts are with D/Cst. MacDonald
and members of the Canine Unit as one of
their beloved dogs is laid to rest.
++++++More+++++++
Brix,10, served with Durham police
for eight years
Durham Regional Police members are
mourning the loss of one of their
own. Ten-year-old police dog Brix was taken to the vet due
to poor health on July 10 and was then
put down. Since the age of two in May
2001 Brix worked with his handler
Detective Constable Peter MacDonald and
the canine unit. He's been an active
member since then and was about to enter
retirement. Brix has performed
several security sweeps after 9-11, has
helped with countless bomb searches and
aided as security with high profile
court cases and diplomatic visits to
Durham. He was the first and only dog
trained to deal with explosives. A dog
named Titan will take over the position.
submitted by Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BUBBA
June 10, 2009
Handler: Investigator Greg James
Elmira Police Department
317 E. Church St.
Elmira, NY 14901
ph: 607 735.8600
A
'one-of-a-kind dog': Elmira police
praise Bubba, a great friend
Narcotics canine served 8 years -
Bubba, a
state-certified narcotics
detection canine, died
Wednesday, just short of his
14th birthday.
Bubba was a "people person" -
one of the best that the Elmira
Police Department had, his
friends and associates will tell
you. But he wasn't a person at
all. Bubba was a black Labrador
retriever and a New York
state-certified narcotics
detection canine. He served
briefly with the Addison Police
Department and then with the
Elmira police for eight years,
until his retirement in 2006.
Bubba, who would have been 14
years old on June 29, died
Wednesday.
Investigator Greg
James, who was given the dog as
a puppy by a friend, and who
trained and worked with him all
those years, said he took some
comfort in the fact that Bubba
was no longer suffering from the
effects of old age. He said the
dog was losing his sight and had
difficulty getting around. "It
was to the point where I was
almost glad," James said. "The
quality of life that he was
living was terrible." James
acknowledged that the loss
wasn't his alone. "It wasn't my
dog, really," he said. "He was
everybody's dog in the police
department." James said Bubba
became the department mascot and
had the run of city hall. "It
was not unusual to have to go to
a call and not be able to find
Bubba because he was taken to
city court to see the judges or
to the communication center to
be with the dispatchers," James
said. "Dog biscuits were not
difficult to find: Milk-bones
were in people's lockers, desk
drawers and cabinets." But Bubba
was much more than a mascot. He
helped city police and other
agencies locate drugs and the
dealers who sold them.
He was
certified in the detection of
cocaine, heroin, marijuana and
hashish, James said. Bubba
received a Life Savings Award
and numerous certificates of
appreciation throughout his
career. James said the dog
assisted in more than 1,000 drug
cases, including more than 300
during which he tracked suspects
or missing persons. "Bubba aided
the Elmira Police Department and
other agencies in the seizure of
hundreds of pounds of marijuana
and several pounds of cocaine in
his eight-year career," James
said. "He was also involved in
the seizure of thousands and
thousands of dollars of currency
and automobiles that were seized
through asset forfeiture."
Also, Bubba went along
to schools and community events
regularly to help children
understand the work of the
police and the need for them to
stay away from drugs. Elmira
Deputy Chief Michael Robertson
said his favorite Bubba story
was from 1998 when the dog found
a missing elderly man who
suffered from Alzheimer's.
"Bubba located a track and ended
up locating the man down an
abandoned logging road, far from
civilization," Robertson said.
"The man was dehydrated but
otherwise unharmed. I, however,
am convinced that Bubba's work
in finding the guy prevented
potential death of the subject."
Bubba lived with James
and his family, which includes
his three children under the age
of 10. "I'll be all right,"
James said of his ability to
deal with Bubba's death, "if I
can just keep the kids' minds
off it." And it's not just James
and his family who feel the
loss. "Bubba was a one-of-a-kind
dog," James said, "and we at EPD
and city hall are all lucky to
have had him as a part of our
lives."
submitted by Jim Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
In Loving
Memory of
K9 BOJAR
May 2, 2009
Handler:
Officer George Flanagan
Springfield Police Department
130 Pearl
Street
Springfield, MA 01105
TEL
413.787.6322
Beloved K-9 Officer Dies
The Springfield Police Department is
mourning the loss of a much loved K-9
officer. The department is now looking
to the community for help in getting a
new dog. George Flanagan and "Bojar"
were a team since 2002. Their
partnership sadly came to an end May 2nd
when Bojar had to be put down after
developing an aggressive cancer.
Flanangan and Bojar had been part of a
team of 8 officers and their canines
that patrol the streets of Springfield.
This is one of the dogs, "Nitro."
Bojar himself had a stellar career and
was responsible for numerous arrests of
felons and drug seizures. Flanagan says,
"He had to search a three story home
that our fugitive protection unit had
just searched and they were not able to
find the fugitive that they knew was in
the house because they saw him but just
were not able to find him and Bojar
actually sniffed him out, he was hiding
in the wall of the house." The
Springfield Police Department is looking
for another dog.
They say having the K-9's are not only
an asset to the department but also the
community. Many of the dogs have been
responsible in finding lost children and
the elderly. On top of that they are
used to find criminals and detect drug
stashes and find hidden firearms. Sgt.
John Delaney says, "We need somebody to
step forward in the community to take
the ball and more or less get us a new
canine, they cost money and the city is
having financial problems right now and
we're hoping that someone in Springfield
who may have been assisted by a canine
will come forward and assist us in
getting a dog." The department will need
to raise $6000 to do it.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir..
CPWDA
In Loving
Memory of
K9 BASCO
May 8, 2009
Handler: Sheriff's Deputy David Holmes
Allegan County Sheriff's Office
112
Walnut St.
Allegan, MI 49010
Allegan County K-9 dog Basco passes
away, remembered for drive, patience
with children
Our condolences to the Allegan County
Sheriff's Office and to Deputy David
Holmes, who lost a retired member of the
family last week. K-9 Deputy Basco, a
10-year-old German Shepherd from the
Netherlands, passed away May 8 of
natural causes. Basco, who started his
career with the Sheriff's Office in 2001
and retired in 2007, was the partner of
Holmes. "In my opinion, he was like a
machine," Holmes said in a phone
interview. "I'd get teased (by fellow
officers) in training ... they said I
could wait in the car and send Basco in
and he'd know what to do without me. He
was just an awesome dog."
Holmes said one of Basco's more
memorable finds was sniffing out 13
pounds of marijuana in a car. "He just
had incredible drive," Holmes said.
"When it was time to go to work, that's
what he lived for." Holmes had a hard
time when it came to retiring Basco in
2003. From that time until his death,
Basco lived with the Holmes family in
Wayland. Officers have the option of
keeping their K-9 Unit dog upon
retirement. "He had health issues, and I
didn't want to run him till the end," he
said. "I wanted him to have the chance
to be a dog. He'd follow me all around.
We have cows and he'd follow me out to
check on the cows. "It was a sad day
when I had to retire him. The first day
I took the other dog (Garro, Holmes'
partner since Basco's retirement), he
was in the kennel and he just looked at
me. He knew he was getting replaced."
Holmes got Basco when the dog was 3 1/2
years old. He said other officers passed
him up because he had a bit of an
attitude. "I don't want to say he was
anti-social, but he was sort of snooty,"
Holmes said. "He was definitely a
one-man dog. He didn't really care if
anyone pet him ... he'd sort of turn his
head away.
But he wouldn't hurt a flea. He let kids
in kindergarten class pull on him all
the time." One of the most rewarding
jobs for Holmes and Basco was visiting
schools. "Even after he retired and I
had the new dog, my daughter (6-year-old
Samantha) would beg me to bring Basco to
her kindergarten class," Holmes said.
"She liked him the best. He's all she
knew. You didn't even have to talk to
the class. They'd just love having him
there and he had a badge he'd wear. The
kids just think it's the coolest thing."
Holmes said it took a while for Basco to accept him.
"When we were first paired up together
we stayed in a motel in Clare for four
weeks and trained there," Holmes said.
"It was like I had to prove something to
him. He was snooty to me. But once we
got the bond, it was there." There are
no plans yet for a memorial service.
Holmes said many of the K-9 officers are
in training right now and "it's a very
busy time." He will make a trip to Grand
Rapids Friday, where he'll pick up
Basco's ashes from
Noah's Pet Cemetery, who did a
cremation free of charge. Some of
Basco's ashes will rest with other
police dogs "on the hill" at the
cemetery and a woman has donated a
headstone, Holmes said. And while Holmes
has Garro, it doesn't make Basco's
passing any easier. "It's still hard,"
Holmes said. "I look out and see an
empty kennel where he used to be."
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir.
CPWDA
In Loving
Memory of
K9 BARCO
April 9, 2009
 
Handler:
Officer Terry Jones
Asheboro Police Department
205 E Academy St.
Asheboro, NC 27203
(336) 626-1300
WEBSITE -
http://www.asheboropolice.org/
Police
Dog Who Died of Cancer Honored at Ceremony
With all the pomp and ceremony befitting a
fallen officer, the Asheboro Police Department
and K-9 officers from across the Piedmont turned
out Wednesday to honor Barco, a police dog who
died recently of cancer.
Barco was officer Terry Jones' constant
companion and partner.
"He had an overall outgoing, outstanding --I
guess you could say -- personality," said Jones
of Barco, a highly trained police dog with a
specialty in sniffing out bombs." He and Barco
had a very close relationship, just like
partners do," said Major Ralph Norton. "He
obviously loved the dog." And that love made the
discovery of Barco's cancer heard to bear. "It's
very painful,"
said Jones.
As the
tight-knit law enforcement community gathered
Wednesday to pay tribute to Barco, Police Chief
Rickey Wilson presented Jones with his dog's
duty badge, collar and lead.
"On behalf of the City of Asheboro, the Asheboro
Police Department and your fellow workers, your
fellow men that worked side by side with you, I
just want to thank you for the job you've done
and the willingness to step forward and look
after Barco. Let this be a token of our
appreciation," said Wilson as he presented the
items to Jones. Jones is now in the process of
training another K-9 partner, but Barco will be
missed. "There will
never be another Barco," said Jones.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BOES
April 20, 2009
Handler: Sgt. John Vasta
Harrison Police Department
650 North
St.
Harrison, New York 10528
(914)967-5111
County:
Westchester
K-9 Boes, a
Harrison police dog, died Monday, seven months
after being diagnosed with cancer, the K9's
handler Sgt. John Vasta said Friday. Boes, a dog
on the force for only four years, was trained in
patrol work and drug investigations. Within a
month of joining the force in April 2005, Boes
was responsible for locating a burglar fleeing
into the wooded area off Mamaroneck Avenue,
Vasta recalled. He also made several sizable
finds of illicit drugs and currency for Harrison
police and other agencies. "He will be missed by
myself, my family, and the department," he said.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BUDDY
April 2, 2009
Handler: Deputy Mike Cayton
The Lewis County Sheriff's Department
514 Second Street. Suite 102.
Vanceburg,
KY 41179.
Phone: (606) 796-2912. Fax: (606) 796-2463
The Lewis County Sheriff's
Department says goodbye to their four legged deputy.
Deputy Mike Cayton and others held a memorial
service to remember their K-9 dog "Buddy." He served on the force for
over 12 years and the black lab was a major asset
during drug searches and tracking down missing persons.
Cayton says Buddy is one of the oldest working dogs
in the country and he'll be greatly missed. Buddy
was buried on Cayton's farm and
if anyone wants to help them buy a head stone, they
can send a donation to the Lewis County Sheriff's
Department, attention "Buddy Fund."
*********
UPDATE
Buddy ,a Belgian
Malinois, who was euthanized early
this year after being diagnosed with
cancer. Buddy’s death caught
everyone by surprise, said Sgt. Mike Ellis, who oversees the Police Department’s canine program.
Because the dog’s death came
suddenly, no one was
able to plan for a replacement,
Ellis said. The department’s canines
are purchased with donations from
local business clubs and
fraternal organizations. One such
group is the Fraternal Order of the
Eagles, which holds weekly taco
nights to raise money to purchase dogs for the Police Department.
However, none of the organizations
was prepared to purchase a dog, nor
was the Police Department, which has
little money to
spare due to budget reductions,
Ellis said. With the need for
a full canine-handler contingent,
the Police Department approached Canidae All Natural Pet Foods and explained the situation. Canidae
representatives listened and
assisted by providing the $10,300
needed to purchase a new dog, Ellis
said. “This is the first dog we’ve
purchased,” said Robert Bemis, sales
manager for Canidae,
though it’s not the first time the
firm has worked with law
enforcement. The company supports
some law enforcement agencies
by providing food for their canine
programs, Bemis said. The company’s
aid came at a critical time, but now
the Police Department
must prepare for the forthcoming
retirement of another dog,
Rocky. K9 Rocky will retire in about
three months after 11 years of
service, Ellis said. People interested in contributing toward the purchase of
Rocky’s replacement can attend the
Eagles’ taco nights, which begin
at 6 p.m. Mondays at the Eagles
Lodge, 954 W. Mission Blvd.
Checks
can also be made out to the “Eagles
K9 Fund” and mailed
in care of
Sgt. Mike Ellis
the Pomona Police Department
490 W. Mission Blvd., Pomona, CA
91766
Donations will be forwarded to the
Eagles. Joseph said canines are a
valuable resource to officers,
helping in the search for suspects,
evidence and weapons. Once Joseph and
Baco complete their training
together they’ll work in patrol for
about a year. Then Baco will begin training in another field of police canine work such as
narcotics searches, an area Buddy
was trained in, Joseph said.The area in which Baco and Joseph
will train will depend on factors
that include the officer’s
preferences and the
Police Department’s needs, he said.In the meantime Joseph is looking
forward to working with Baco. “I’m
hoping it’ll be for a long while,”
he said.
another article.....
WALKERSVILLE -- The Lewis County
Sheriff's Department remembered a
beloved colleague in a memorial
service on Thursday. Buddy, the county's drug dog, died of cancer on Wednesday. "We got him
when he was about a year and a half
old,"
said Deputy Michael Cayton, Buddy's
owner and partner. "He was trained
in six different drugs." The
memorial service had
all the traditions of any officer's
funeral, and Buddy's owner, handler,
and partner Mike Cayton says that is
because Buddy
was a big asset to the department.
Buddy was used a couple times a week
to assist officers in car searches.
Cayton says that no dog could
replace Buddy, but the county will
try to fill his position on the
force.
"We're playing with the idea of
looking for another one, maybe two.
We're going to continue on and hope
that people remember Buddy and what he did in the county." Buddy was buried in Deputy Cayton's
backyard. The sheriff's department
is raising funds to buy a headstone for the grave. You can make a donations
to the department.
Just be sure to specify that the donation is for Buddy's headstone.
Story by Dani Brake
In Loving
Memory of
K9 BIMMER
April 7, 2009
Handler: Cpl. Kevin Lenahan
Doylestown Police Department
57 W Court St
Doylestown, PA 18901
(215)345-4143
Borough police dog dies
Bimmer was 9 1/2 years
old. He retired last week after having
health problems. The Doylestown Police
Department is mourning the loss of its last
police dog. Bimmer died Tuesday night. The
German shepherd was 9 1/2 years old.
Doylestown police Chief James Donnelly said
the department got Bimmer about 8 years ago,
when he was donated by the Thompson
Organization. Bimmer was assigned to Cpl.
Kevin Lenahan, the department's DARE
officer, and went to classes with him for
demonstrations. "I actually got a couple of Facebook
messages from young people who knew the
dog," Doylestown Council President Det.
Ansinn said. "Kids in high school remember
him from elementary school." Bimmer was
trained as a patrol dog with a specialty in
explosives. Donnelly said Bimmer helped
police track a suspect in a robbery about a
month ago. "He was all right up until last
Thursday," Donnelly said. "He had a problem
with his face and eye; he couldn't see out
of one eye on Thursday evening." Bimmer officially retired Thursday, and
Lenahan took him home as a pet. Lenahan took
Bimmer to the veterinarian, and then to
another vet for an MRI. Donnelly said the
veterinarians found that Bimmer had a brain
tumor. On Tuesday night, Doylestown
Council's Public Safety Committee discussed
Bimmer's health and medical bills at its
meeting. Ansinn said council agreed that
Lenahan should not have to bear the
financial burden of Bimmer's diagnosis, and
that the borough would pay Bimmer's
veterinary bills. Ansinn said he did not know exactly how much
the borough had agreed to pay, but there is
money already set aside in the police
department budget for veterinary bills.
Explaining why council decided to pay the
veterinary bills, Ansinn said, "These
animals serve a great community purpose.
They serve a law enforcement role. It's been
said they're also our little furry
ambassadors." The Doylestown Police
Department does not have any other police
dogs. Donnelly said the department is still
considering whether it will get another to
replace Bimmer.
submitted by
Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving
Memory of
K9 BART
April 1,
2009
Handler: Officer
William Hecker
Bartlett Police Department
228 S. Main Street
Bartlett, IL 60103
Non-Emergency: (630) 837-0846
Bartlett loses
its first K-9 officer
Bartlett Police Department's
first K-9 officer, Bart, died, Wednesday after
suffering a medical condition that paralyzed his
back legs, police said. Bart was 14.
The village's first K-9 officer,
Bart, was 14 years old. Bart was euthanized
Wednesday after suffering a medical condition that
paralyzed his back legs, police said. The department
added the four-legged officer to its force in 1996.
Bart, then two years old, was assigned to Officer
William Hecker. The duo trained together at TOPS
Kennels in Grayslake. Bart made his first arrest
less than 30 minutes after receiving certification
when, on the drive back to Bartlett, the team
assisted a Lake County sheriff's deputy in capturing
a felon who was fleeing on foot.
The pair responded to 800 service calls during
Bart's eight-year career. The team was responsible
for several felony arrests in Bartlett and other
areas and worked on narcotics, missing persons and
tracking cases. Bart was also a beloved community
member, whose name was chosen by a village-wide poll
of elementary students. In 2001, a 10-year-old
raised more than $400 to buy Bart a bullet-resistant
vest.
The K-9 team also made appearances at National Night
Out events and DARE graduations.Bart retired from the force in 2004 and spent his
golden years at home with Hecker. "I did little
things around house with him because I didn't want
him to get too lazy," Hecker said. "He started to
slow down, and his spine gave out." Hecker described
the bond between service dog and handler as unique.
"You train with these dogs. They are by your side 24
hours a day," he said. "When I had to put him down,
it was like somebody losing their son. Not only did
I lose my partner,
I lost my son."
submitted by Jim
Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory
of
K9 BLEEK
January 1999 - February 12, 2009
Handler: Officer Steven
Flaherty, Jr.
Waterbury Police Department
55 East Main Street
Waterbury, CT 06702
(203) 574-6920
K9Bleek
and Officer Steven Flaherty served in the Waterbury PD
from 2001 till 2005. He is credited with locating
numerous narcotics
and locating several burglars
during a track. He has been living with my family
for the past 3 yrs in Maine.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 BRICO
March 24, 2009
Handler: Lt. Pete Fisher
Muskingum County Sheriff's Office
28 N 4th St
Zanesville, Ohio 43701
(740)452-3637
Sheriff's Office Says Goodbye to Furry Friend
The Muskingum County Sheriff's Office is
saying goodbye to a member of its team. Canine Brico died
yesterday. He had been working with the Sheriff's Office for
nine years. Lt. Pete Fisher was his handler. Muskingum
County Sheriff, Matt Lutz, says Brico became ill, and his
office made the decision to put Brico down. "The vet felt
that he wasn't going to recover. So, they had to make a
decision to do that. I think Lt. Fisher was kind of
expecting it. They had gone to the vet within the past week,
and they tried some medicine.
They couldn't get him to ear. So, I think it came to the
point where he was just suffering, " says Lutz. Lutz says
the 11-year-old Dutch malinois was an all-around trained
dog. "He's trained in tracking both criminals and looking
for items that are discarded by suspects. He's used for
tracking missing people. He's trained in all kinds of police
tactics and techniques, as far as biting and a take-down of
suspects. He's trained in search and seizure of narcotics.
We've used him in search warrants. We've used him on traffic
stops. You name it, and he was pretty good about doing it, "
says Lutz.
Lutz says Brico worked on a number of cases. The one that
sticks out in his mind is Brico's work in tracking the
murder of Deputy Robert Tanner back on January 8th, 2002.
Brico was one of four dogs that worked with the Sheriff's
Office. Lutz says his office does plan on getting another
dog, but he says all the officers will be honoring Brico
this Saturday. A memorial service will be held at Hallowed
Hills around 10 a.m., following a police procession.
*************
Final salute to Brico Gatherers say goodbye to furry partner and friend
at memorial service
Muskingum County Sheriff Matt Lutz addresses
attendees during Saturday's ceremony for Brico, an
11-year-old Dutch Malinois,
at Hallowed Hills in Zanesville. Brico had been Muskingum County Sheriff's
Lt. Pete Fisher's partner for the past nine years
until medical issues forced Fisher to have him euthanized. Brico's last call of service was March 23, 2009.
Brico, an 11-year-old Dutch malinois, had been
Muskingum County Sheriff's Lt. Pete Fisher's partner
for the past nine years until medical issues forced
Fisher to have him euthanized. Brico was honored
Saturday morning at Hallowed Hills by members of the
sheriff's office, the Zanesville Police Department,
county and city officials, members of
the Muskingum County Adult Probation Department, the
county prosecutor's office and the county dog
warden's office.
Brico was known not just for
his aggressive actions on the streets and his
devoted love for Fisher, but for his ability to be
just as content and happy in the company of
children. On display for those attending the
ceremony were letters written by school children
thanking Fisher and Brico for showing that a K-9 is
not just for tracking suspects or apprehension, but
for keeping them safe and allowing them to pet him
after Fisher and Brico paid a visit to the schools.
Sheriff Matt Lutz said the
chemistry between Fisher and Brico was unsurpassed
and he knows that Fisher has been left with a huge
void in his life. "Brico was also known throughout
the department as being able to get any job given to
him done," Lutz said. "He made 33 apprehensions,
located 20 tracks and recovered thousands of dollars
worth of illegal drugs and money used in drug
operations. While he was a cop with a little more
hair than the rest of us, in a lot better shape then
some of us, had a lot sharper teeth than all of us,
his most unique trait was that his bite was worse
than his bark."
Lutz said the K-9 units, like
Brico and Fisher, are more than partners, they
become family. The 11 K-9 officers showing respect
to Brico at the service Saturday all agreed that
their dog means "everything" to them. Heath Police
Officer Mark Emde had his K-9 Bella with him at the
service and he agreed - Bella is everything. Licking
County Deputy Randy Morton with his K-9 Mac, had
tears in his eyes as he fondly remembered Brico.
"Mac and I have pretty much been with Brico and Pete
from the beginning," Morton said. "There are no
words to really express how all of us feel for Pete
today. These dogs are our world.
They'd die for us in a heartbeat and you can't get
more loyal than that."
Newark Police Officers Art
Minton with his partner Arsene and Steve Benner with
his partner Perro agreed with Morton. "You can never
replace the loyalty you get with these dogs," Minton
said. Zanesville Police Office Mike Schick said his
partner, Bosco, is just another member of his
family. "Sometimes it seems we spend more time with
the dogs then we do with our family," Schick said.
"They are completely loyal and sometimes the first
one in a situation and the last one out. When
someone loses one, even if it's another department, we all feel the loss."
Deputy Pat Keck and his K-9
Nitro were one of the first to stand at attention
during the ceremony and salute Fisher and his other
partner, Zero. Keck said Brico will be forever
missed in the department. Lutz agreed that the K-9
units are "strong, brave, loyal and will lay down
their lives for their partner without hesitation,"
Lutz said. "We feel that we've lost another officer,
not a dog. Pete has lost his partner, not a dog."
Lutz remembered when Brico and Fisher helped capture
the suspects in the murder
of Deputy Bob Tanner on Jan. 8,2002."It was one of the coldest
nights of the year and Brico was able to track the
three suspects in a dense wooded area in Morgan
County," Lutz said. "Because of Brico and Fisher,
that man was apprehended without incident." Brico is
also credited with tracking a suspect who got into
an altercation with a Somerset Police Officer. When
the suspect abandoned his car on Maysville Pike and
tried to escape, Brico was the first one to capture
and hold him while Fisher and Sgt. Brady Hittle
caught up. But what makes Lutz smile the most when
talking about Brico was how he was with
children." Here's this dog that will take down a
suspect with no hesitation, jump into any situation,
and he'll lay down on the floor and let little kids
rub his stomach and crawl all over him," Lutz said.
"He was just a great officer and a loyal friend. We
know he's left a paw print on Pete's heart."
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir.
CPWDA
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Memorials
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