Jasper deputies mourn death of K-9 officer
by Liz Fabian - lfabian@macon.com

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office paused Thursday morning to honor the department’s first K-9 officer, King, who had to be euthanized last week after his vital organs started failing.  “We’re real proud of him,” Sheriff Charles Roper said. “ We’re going to miss him.”

Special to The Telegraph King, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office’s first K-9 officer, was buried in front of the sheriff’s office building.

During the memorial service, officers shared stories about the 9-year-old black German shepherd who had been on the force for eight years.“His first night on the job he found eight pounds of marijuana,” Roper said.  King was trained to detect narcotics, track suspects and protect his human partner, Kelly Montgomery.  “He was very faithful to his handler,” Roper said.  The dog also led investigators to recover items dumped in the woods from a burglary in Jasper County.  Over the years, the dog touched the lives of numerous schoolchildren and young people, Roper said. The sheriff is currently exploring funding options to buy a new K-9 officer for the department. King cost $8,500, which covered his training and veterinary bills when he was first purchased.  “He well paid for himself,” Roper said.
In July 2008, King placed first in a training school competition in Vidalia.A memorial garden is being built at his burial site in front of the sheriff’s office building, where he was laid to rest. His memorial service concluded with the playing of taps and a final radio call announcing he was out of service. “We really considered him one of us,” Roper said.  To contact writer Liz Fabian, call 744-4303.
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The parking lot of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department was full on Thursday morning, Aug. 27. A memorial service was held for Jasper County Deputy King, Badge #1189. Deputy King was laid to rest in front of the department. A respectful crowd listened to Sheriff Roper’s words and the performance of Taps by Les Steele. The American flag above the grave flew at half-mast. King was a black German Shepherd, a 10-year-old dog who had served the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department since 2002 as its first K-9 officer. King was a skilled dog in
 many area.
These included scent tracking, handler protection work and drug detection (marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin). On King’s first day on the job in Monticello, he was responsible for eight pounds of marijuana seized. King partnered with three different deputies during his tenure in Monticello: Charles “Cookie” Cook, Randy Dean, and most recently, Kelly Montgomery. Deputy Montgomery spoke for all three men as he said, “King was a partner” and that “this bond was like no other” and “He will be missed.”
King and his handlers were responsible for numerous arrests and more than $1 million in drug, weapon, and property seizures. King was also an ambassador for Jasper County children as he visited schools during Career Days, showed his skills at Jasper County Farm Bureau’s Safety Camp, and as a constant presence in the K-9 unit vehicle. King and Deputy Montgomery won high score in a competition of 30 drug hides following their training class together in 2008, a deed worthy of praise as they competed with other units
 from across the country.
K-9 officers serve nationwide in police and sheriff departments. These dogs are expensive ($4-10K) because of the extensive training involved both initially and as continuing education with their handler. Their keen senses can make drug arrests possible with quick efficient searches of buildings and vehicles. Their bravery and loyalty are commendable, and they require no salary other than a comfortable bed and a filling meal. King’s memorial service was attended by the Sheriff Department’s officers and employees, by local citizens, and by K-9 handlers from units in Baldwin County (Deputy Seymour and German Shepherd Zaten) and
Porterdale (Officer Crips and Golden Retriever Sergeant Beau).
Sheriff Roper started the service with a prayer and words of praise for King and what an asset he had been in our community. Merchants from around Jasper County have contributed to his memorial grave site where roses and junipers will be planted. As additional donations come into the Sheriff’s Department, this money will be saved for the acquisition of a new K-9 Officer to serve and protect. King would be proud. Rest in Peace, Deputy King. Thank you. (Editor’s Note: Dr. Proctor was King’s veterinarian while he served Jasper County, and she attended the service, took the photos and created the collage above.)       submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K9 KAYO
August 20, 2009


Ostjyllands Police Department
Danish National Police
Polititorvet 14
DK-1780 Copenhagen V
Phone: + 45 33 14 88 88
E-mail: rpch@politi.dk
Denmark

Police dog killed in shootout 
There has been shooting in connection with an armed robbery near Århus. A police dog has been killed.  K9 Kayo she was 6 years old and belonged to the Østjyllands police department. 

Shots were exchanged this morning between robbers and police following an armed bank robbery at a Nordea bank branch near Århus. A police dog was killed during the exchange, which took place as the robbers made their getaway.

A large number of officers had been sent to Hasle, which is just west of Århus, during the bank robbery at the Nordea branch on Hasle Torv (square). The police dog was killed during the chase following the robbery. It is unclear how much money was taken from the bank, although there have been reports that the proceeds were wrecked by security ink. The area between Denmark’s School of Journalism and the Hasle ringroad has been cordoned off as police search the area. Police say a 32-year-old Lithuanian was detained after the robbers dumped their Audi vehicle and ran off on foot. Another two suspects are being sought - both believed to be from Eastern Europe. On Tuesday of this week, the Danske Bank branch in Lystrup north of Århus was the target of an armed robbery by three French-speaking men. Their torched vehicle was eventually found in Holland after a Europe-wide search.  Edited by Julian Isherwood 

Venter på Facebook Knyt Politiken til din Facebook-profil
og del artiklen med dine venner  -  Flag of Denmark in front of Nyhavn, Copenhagen, Denmark. Photographed by Niels Bosboom in August 2006.
Thanks for help on this K9... from Mario in Holland and relatives in Denmark.

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In Loving Memory of
K9 KOALA
July 29, 2009

Handler: Cpl. Lorri McEachern 

Miramichi Police Department

1820 Water Street
Miramichi, New Brunswick E1N 1B7
Canada

Non Emergency:  (506) 623-2124
website - http://www.miramichi.org/en/dept-police-e.asp

 

One of MPF's first canines dies

The Miramichi Police Force is mourning the loss of one of its bravest and well-liked officers Koala, a police dog with the force died Wednesday. Koala was with the Miramichi Police Force for nine years and was among the first dogs brought in. She was about 12-years-old when she died. A relatively small dog, Koala made up for her size by being "relatively tough," said her trainer, Cpl. Lorri McEachern, adding Koala had a general love for the job. "She was a good dog. She was all business," McEachern recalled. "It's like losing your partner. She was my partner for nine years."
Police Chief Earl Campbell echoed McEachern's sentiments. "She's certainly been a valuable member for us." Campbell noted McEachern was understandably upset over the loss, elaborating by stating, "She lived with this canine for nine years, night and day," and also described Koala's death as a "major loss for the organization." "(There was) not a lazy bone in that girl's body, I'll tell you that," he added of Koala. The brave dog was part of many cases over the years, finding weapons after robberies, finding disguises used by perpetrators and being an all around welcomed addition to the force.
"Behind closed doors she was a nice dog. She loved to go to work," McEachern said. "There was a quiet confidence about her." The dog was popular outside the police station as well, "but not so much with the inmates," going to schools with officers for a variety of causes, including work with girl guides. "Most of the younger generation have met her at least once," McEachern said. "She'll be missed. She was, I believe, a valued member of this police force." The dedicated dog cared for McEachern very much, she said, noting the black and brown officer would always look to her for attention.
"She was very loyal to me. And a lot of times if there were 20 other people in the room she wouldn't pay any attention to them." At the time of her passing, Koala was "semi-retired," but would still participate in detection work. But, eventually, over a three day period her stomach had begun to grow and it was found she had a tumour. McEachern made the difficult decision to put Koala down. "I didn't want her to die alone in the kennel," she said. "I didn't want her to suffer ... It wouldn't have been fair to her. I think she had done enough for me and this police force to have a little dignity." There are plans to hold a memorial service for Koala, most likely sometime mid to late August, Campbell said, with a picture eventually being hung up of her at police headquarters and potentially a tree being planted in her memory. "She was a part of us and we're saddened by her loss. But we move on."  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
MWD K9 KEVIN (D241)
April 2009
 

Handler: Army Staff Sgt.Aaron Meier
 Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.
United States Army

K-9 Kevin died in Iraq, 2 months after turning 9 years old of cancer. 

BAGHDAD - Military working dog teams from throughout Victory Base Complex came out April 13 for a ceremony at the division chapel to honor one of their own. Kevin, a military working dog, passed away due to complications from cancer. His death was unexpected and left the other half of his team, Staff Sgt. Aaron Meier, in limbo and in mourning. While in theater, military working dogs are not replaced, so Meier will be reassigned to other duties for the remainder of his deployment. As Meier now turns his attention to new job responsibilities, most of his focus still remains on the loyal partner  and friend he lost. "Kevin was the highlight of my day," said Meier, a military dog handler, from Fairmont, Minn., assigned to Division Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.
For more than four years, Meier and Kevin built an excellent working relationship together. "Kevin was a great patrol explosive detector dog," said Meier. "I could flip his on and off switch easily because of all the training we did together." During their course of working together, the relationship developed further and formed a powerful, personal bond between them."I was planning on adopting Kevin after this deployment," said Meier. "This was his last time deploying because of his age."Though he never got to adopt him, Meier and Kevin still had many unforgettable moments together. "I pampered him a lot because a happy dog works better." Meier recalled the first time he gave Kevin a pillow to rest his head when they were together in a hotel preparing for a Secret Service mission. "Kevin had many human characteristics," Meier added. Kevin's traits will always stick out in the minds of those who knew him. "He was very protective of Sgt. Meier," said Staff Sgt. Christopher Jasper, kennel master at Camp Liberty, DSTB, 1st Cav. Div. "Besides being a great detection and patrol dog, he was good for law enforcement purposes."
As one of the first dogs to participate in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kevin's achievements were acknowledged during the ceremony. There were poems read in his honor, Taps was played by a 1st Cav. Div. trumpeter and military working dog teams left snacks in Kevin's bowl as a tribute to his service. "It is appropriate to honor their service," said Lt. Col. Barbara Sherer, from Springfield, Mo., 1st Cav. Div. command chaplain and co-coordinator of the ceremony. "Military working dogs are an important part of the military team and sometimes they are taken for granted." That's a sentiment echoed by Staff Sgt. Jasper, "We consider dogs to be Soldiers too, they are constantly working." The ceremony gives credit to all the dogs and all the work they do here and in the United States, he added. Military working dog teams are called upon often to perform their duties, so there is rarely a chance for teams from the different camps to see each other. Kevin afforded each team the opportunity to see in each other more of the common ground they share. As Kevin's life, the attachment Meier had with him and the work they accomplished together were celebrated, new bonds formed among the Soldiers. They realized more the value of their military working dog teams and appreciated the chance for one of their own to be recognized. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K9 KORI - SAR
December 17, 2002- July 5, 2009 
 
Handler: Bobby E. Earls
Retired Reserve Trooper
FHP Reserve
K-9  SAR - FEMA - CONRAIL K-9 - retired
Norton, MA       

My beloved best friend Kori passed over to Rainbow Bridge on July 5th, Sunday. As you may recall he had a pancreatic disorder to which he had been under medication for it for last 3 years and was doing well. He was gaining his weight back a bit, he was 67 Lbs when we moved to Florida three years ago.
His most recent Vet check up, prior to us driving up to Massachusetts last week, he was 56 Lbs and blood work was much better a little on anemic side. Vet said getting better with B-12 shots weekly and he played and ate like horse, he did very well on car trip up 1,345 miles we arrived late last Wednesday, around 900PM, Thursday, Friday. On Saturday he ate well played ball and getting used to his new home here late Saturday night when he threw up a bit of phlegm, I guess you could call it. He just was not acting right went out to go poop and was okay. He played a bit but would lay down on grass but showed no signs of pain etc. He came in house and was very restless which was unusual.  Sunday morning he did not want water, nor his food. He loved to eat, so he went to back slider and sat and almost fell over sideways.  We brought him right up to the Tuffts Vet School emergency clinic in Walpole Mass. They took him ASAP.  The vet said on a check of his gums he is a sick dog and we need to triage him fast so off they went with my beloved friend.  After about 25 minutes,  a vet called us into a room and told us what was going on with him.  He had bloat, to which they put needle in to relieve this in tummy, gave him some pain medication, but the vet said he had some blood in his tummy and sepsis was present in his internal organs which she said alone is very bad in a good condition of a dog but in his present condition and past health problem with pancreatic his immune system was very low and part of his lower intestine was damaged. Bloat will twist tummy a bit cutting off blood supply a bit. She said chance of him making it through surgery was slim, so we said our good bye and held him and kissed him as he fell into sleep I closed his eyes for last time and kissed him and  told him his duty here is over.  Stand guard at Heavens Gate And Await me. As you very well know the feeling LuLu and Bob, we are so heart broken and lost without him.  This big home, he enjoyed only a few days.  We will miss him dearly, but in our hearts we know we did the right thing.
Bobby is retired as a FHP Reserve trooper and K-9 Kori and Bobby are back living in Massachusetts.
submitted by Bobby E. Earls

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In Loving Memory of
MWD  K9 KEVE
February 26, 2009

Handler: Cpl. Richard Bock
Quantico Marine Corps Base
US Marine Corp.Virginia

Sgt. Maj. Jim Dalgarn shakes hands with Cpl. Richard Bock, after presenting the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,  during a memorial honoring Keve, a military police dog, on Wednesday.
Taps for a four-legged hero
It was only fitting that the sound of barking military working dogs could be heard at the Quantico Marine Corps base kennels Wednesday.
That’s where the dogs, their handlers and members of Quantico’s Security Battalion gathered to bid farewell to one of the Corps’ four-legged heroes. Keve, a military working dog that served two tours of duty in Iraq, died in surgery on Feb. 26, three days before what would have been her sixth birthday. “She was loving, caring,” said handler Cpl. Richard Bock. “Keve not only was a best friend and fellow Marine, she saved hundreds of lives by finding one IED (improvised explosive device) in Iraq that could have hurt countless numbers of people. Not just Keve, but all our military working dogs should be honored for what they do.”A picture of a smiling Keve sat next to a box containing her ashes on a table that also held the American and Marine Corps flags. “She would always smile,” said Bock with a wistful smile of his own. “She had the most gentle look about her, but she was a weapon. She was very protective. Keve was extremely special, She knew when people were down, she knew when something wasn’t right. She made people happy.” And, she also loved her toys, said handler Sgt. Cody Tallent, who served in Iraq with Keve. For seven months the faithful German Shepherd slept on Tallent’s cot and rarely left his side as the pair searched for IEDs. Tallent recalled letting Keve off her leash as they were searching a house in Iraq for explosives. She soon sat down, a sign to Tallent that she had found some sort of explosive. “I tried to call her back,” he said. “She turns around and starts playing with a doll. Scary moment, but at the same time typical of Keve, finding a toy and wanting to play.” Bock recalled taking Keve to Israel for a mission for the State Department. When the pair returned to the United States, they flew into JFK in New York. Bock placed Keve on an elevator and turned around to get their luggage when to his horror the elevator doors closed.
“She was smiling with her tongue out, like she does,” he said. “The doors closed, and up Keve went, up into JFK. This highly trained working dog, trained to attack both on and off the leash, and there she is, in the airport by herself. My heart dropped. I was smashing all the buttons, praying to all the gods. Finally, the elevator came back down and there she was, sitting there, smiling.” Security Battalion Commander Col. Richard A. Anderson presented Bock with Keve’s collar and nametag. Tallent also received her name tags. Keve was also honored with the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal. “With all the technology right now that’s out there, you’ve got Marines and soldiers using animals to perform a function, searching for counter explosives, which is the main weapon of our enemy right now, and we’re using an animal right now, a dog, to counter our enemy’s attack on us,” said Bock. “We’re using a four-legged animal that depends on us, but at the same time we depend on it. And those dogs, they will find explosives. It’s our job as handlers to accommodate those animals. It’s unbelievable, all the technology out there and we’re using animals to counter that.”  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA