In Loving Memory of
K9 KAJO ( MWD )

April, 2010

Handler: Senior Airman Monty Ell

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE
Montana

 

Ceremony held for fallen K-9 at Grizzly Bend  - 4/8/10 - Montana 

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont..  -- Very few military members have the rare and distinctive honor of handling military working dogs. These four-legged members fulfill some of the most dangerous jobs that could be assigned, including narcotics detection, supporting of Federal and local Law Enforcement and suspect pursuit. Just like all military members, they work to protect and sustain the freedoms of our nation. On March 7, Malmstrom lost one of those members to a cancerous tumor. His name was Kajo.

MWD Kajo's memorial ceremony was held outside the Grizzly Bend Club April 2. More than 60 people, including fellow dog handlers and their K-9 accomplices, attended the ceremony paying their respects to their fallen comrade. After the service and a slide presentation of Kajo's life and contributions to the United States Air Force, the crowd was released outdoors for the 21 gun salute and presentation of the colors near Medal of Honor Park.

Kajo was whelped on Sept. 1, 2002. He entered Narcotics Detection training in April of 2004, and after receiving his certification, was trained and certified as a Patrol Narcotics dog in September. He was assigned to Malmstrom Air Force Base on Sept. 24. One of his previous handler's, Tech. Sgt. Mark Chandler, 341st Security Forces Squadron K-9 handler, recalled some fond memories of the time he spent with Kajo. "I started to work with Kajo in May of 2008," said Sergeant Chandler.

 

"I'm the trainer and only work a dog when we are low manned but have many great memories of working with him. I think the best memory was when the former vice wing commander came out and put on a bite suit to take bites from a dog. Kajo did a great job and took him to the ground more than once. It's not every day you get to release your dog on wing leadership." Senior Airman Monty Ell was also reminded of some of Kajo's skills and characteristics.

"He could find lost or hiding people in buildings or fields, find drugs anywhere, or stop a fleeing suspect at a moment's notice, "said Airman Ell, Kajo's most recent K-9 handler. "When it comes to patrol work, Kajo knew what he was doing and I knew that if anything would happen while on duty Kajo would not think twice. He would always have my back. He would do what he was trained to do, to protect his handler, Security Forces members, civilians or military members from any harm."

Airman Ell was Kajo's handler for the last four months, working side by side with him to complete the day-to-day mission. "Losing a partner is always hard," Airman Ell said. "You spend almost as much time with the dog as you do your family between training and actual work. After a couple of weeks you build a strong bond with them, and you begin to trust each other. Kajo, even though he was nearing the end of his life, worked as hard as he could to please his handler and protect all the people assigned to Malmstrom even up to the last seconds.

 

He's more than just a friend to me, he's a hero, and he's a rock star." Kajo had shown no signs of being sick initially. During his last mission when he responded to an alarm activation in the armory of building 500, he went in and cleared it like a champ. Upon his return to the kennels, the handlers noticed he wasn't looking like himself, and that his stomach was swelling, so they took him to the veterinarian. The vet conducted a series of tests and found blood in his chest cavity. After undergoing exploratory surgery, it was found that Kajo had cancer.

A quote from Jeffery Bennett, co-executive producer of "War Dogs, Americas Forgotten Heroes" summed up the sentiment affiliated with the loss of a K-9 member. "The leather leash and chain hanging from the kennel represent the eternal bond between dog and handler. The empty kennel where they [the dogs] once slept represents the life that they gave to protect us, our brothers and our freedom. The inverted bucket reminds us that they are no longer here for us to fulfill their needs of food or water, for which in life they asked for no more in return than our companionship and affection. Those who have called themselves dog handlers are the only people who will truly understand the bond between a handler and a dog, a bond which cannot be broken, even in death."
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K9 KUBO
September 28, 2010
    
Handler: John Smiddy
Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department
5715 Woodland Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44104
    Ph: 216 426.7760    

The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department regretfully announces the death of one of its canine officers, Kubo, on Monday, September 28, 2010. Canine Kubo became ill suddenly after participating in a training session with his handler, Police Officer John Smiddy. He was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed to a veterinarian. Kubo was born in July 2007 and began his service with the Department in September 2008."Kubo" was an invaluable tool for the agency in the areas of drug detection, tracking, suspect apprehension, and officer protection. "Kubo" performed numerous K-9 demonstrations for area schools, and community events from which the department has received positive feedback from his interaction with the kids.
Over the years, "Kubo" came to mean a lot to so many and had distinguished himself numerous times. His service to the residents of CIv11IA held no boundaries. "Everyone at the station is stunned by his death" stated Chief of Police Andrés Gonzalez. "We are planning a memorial service for next week. A date has not been set" he added.Details regarding the memorial service will be announced in the next few days. Founded in 1933, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority is the oldest public housing authority in the country. The police department has obtained national recognition through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). It serves Cuyahoga County excluding Chagrin Falls Township primarily through two federally assisted housing programs; Low-Income Public Housing, which serves about 16,000 residents and the Housing Choice Voucher Program, which provides rental assistance for 14,000 households.
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Roethlisberger donates to CMHA police  -  Money will be used to buy equipment for K9 unit.  Thursday, December 30, 2010

(Pittsburgh) - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has some new fans in the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department.  On Thursday, Roethlisberger announced the ninth and final grant of the 2010 season from The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. The Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority Police Department will use the grant to buy much needed detection training supplies and protection equipment for their K-9 unit.  The funds will help fill a void in the department left by the loss of Kubo, CMHA’s three-year old police dog, who died on September 27 during a training exercise.             

Chief of Police Andres Gonzalez tells Newsradio WTAM 1100, "I want to thank The Ben Foundation Foundation for this very timely award. We will now be able to enhance our training program and purchase needed items and vests for our K-9 unit."  CEO and Safety Director George Phillips-Oliver added, "I appreciate the consideration given to us by The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation. This generous grant will significantly enhance our police department. It will be used to improve the K-9 unit."  The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation distrubutes grants to police and fire departments in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities of each regular season away-game for the Steelers in the 2010 season.  The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation invited police and fire departments in the nine cities to submit proposals detailing their needs.   submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K9 KILO
November 4, 2010 

Handler: Lisa Williams
Waco TX
Waco,Texas K-9 Kilo passed away November 4,2010 at 15. He had been an active Drug Dog since he was 4 months old.
He brought home 1st and 2nd place Trophys at NNDDA
He will be missed and will remain in our hearts forever says handler Lisa Williams.
Rest in Peace.   Submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

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In Loving Memory of
K9 KILO
May 28, 2010

Handler: Thomas Stanley
Lenoir County Sheriff's Office
130 S. Queen St.
Kinston, NC  28501

My name is Thomas Stanley and I am a K9 Handler / Deputy with the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office in Kinston, North Carolina. On May 28, 2010 my 9 year old Belgian Malinois K9 named " Kilo" had to be put to rest due to stomach cancer that caused an irremovable tumor.  

   Kilo was a full service patrol K9 purchased by the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office from Southern Police Canine Inc in Spring Hope, North Carolina. Kilo was used by the Lenoir County Sheriffs Office to conduct narcotics searches, area searches, building searches, article searches, criminal apprehension, officer protection, and to track missing persons or missing children or to track wanted criminals. Kilo was also used to do K9 demonstrations at local schools in Lenoir County.  

  I Deputy Thomas Stanley am the second handler of Kilo. Kilo's first handler was Lt Mike Powell with the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office. I Deputy Thomas Stanley was sent in October 2008 to Southern Police Canine to become Kilo's new handler. Since October 2008 Kilo has been responsible for numerous drug arrest and for the arrest of two Breaking and Entering suspects by tracking them and locating a gun that the suspects used during the incident by attempting to discard it by throwing it in a growled up ditch next to the highway.

  On January 12, 2010 during the execution of a search warrant K9 Kilo and I " handler Thomas Stanley " were doing a narcotics search of a residence and was responsible for indicating and locating a hidden trap door inside a shop that led to a full-length 40 foot long school bus that was buried approximately 8 feet underneath the shop located behind the residence. Located inside the buried school bus was 68 mature marijuana plants each approximately 4 feet tall. There were numerous arrest made in this marijuana bust. All 68 marijuana plants were seized as evidence and weighed approximately 35 pounds with an estimated street value at $ 40,000 dollars.

  Kilo was an officer on the force for the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office. Kilo loved his job and was ready and willing to work all the time. Kilo lived with me, my wife Vickie and our daughter Callie at our home. Kilo will be missed forever and will always have a special place in our hearts. We love you Kilo you were not only a K9, or partner, but our friend.
submitted by Thomas Stanley   vickierae25@yahoo.com

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In Loving Memory of
K9 KOSMO
November 2010

Handler: Brandon Yates
Box Elder County Sheriff’s Department
52 S 1000,
Brigham City, UT
84302-4404
TEL. (435) 734-3800  

Tribute to a fellow officer

Heroes don’t always come equipped with superhuman powers. Sometimes they come with massive paws, a wet tongue and a lot of canine charisma. Such was the case with K-9 Officer Kosmo, a 100-pound black and brown Rottweiler and three-year veteran of the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Department, who lost his life to pancreatic cancer in early November. His fellow officer and partner, Brandon Yates, said Kosmo was his buddy, his protector and his full-time friend. After all, Kosmo had been at his side since Yates picked him out of a litter when he was just nine weeks old to be a family pet. At that time Yates was already working in the county jail.  
He decided to begin training Kosmo as a narcotics dog on his own time. Soon the dog was certified and Yates had moved from his jailer position to the road. Kosmo went along and continued duo training as a patrol animal. When another K-9 officer left the department, Yates received permission to bring Kosmo on board. The animal was five years old, fairly mature in dog years to begin a career as a police officer, but Yates said he was in ‘dog heaven’ on the force. “He was PR dog for the department,” Yates remembered. “He was always ready to say hi, make the social rounds. Maybe he was a little too friendly and loveable for a police dog. But he understood his role here.” Kosmo spent many hours as a demonstration dog, showing off his search and attack skills at schools and in front of other groups. Yates said he never had to worry about his mellow partner, even in a room of 300 first graders, all wanting to pet him. “He ate up the attention,” Yates said.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 KANE
October 15, 2010


Handler: Constable Marc Garrels
Niagara Falls Police Department
Niagara Regional Police Service
68 Church Street.  St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 3C6
Canada
Telephone (905) 688-4111
Web: http://www.nrps.com
1925 Main St.
Niagara Falls, CANADA 14305

On Friday, October 15th, 2010, Niagara Regional Police Service Dog “Kane” was off duty
 and in the company of his partner/handler when he was observed to be in some type of medical distress.  “Kane” 
was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic where, despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, he succumbed
 to a mesenteric twist of the bowel, a medical illness that occurs suddenly and without warning.
Kane was a valued member of the Niagara Regional Police Service and served proudly and loyally as a member 
of the Canine Unit for two years. 
On Friday, October 15th, 2010, Niagara Regional Police Service Dog “Kane” was off duty and in the company 
of his partner/handler when he was observed to be in some type of medical distress. 
“Kane” will be sadly missed by his partner and handler, Constable Marc Garrels, the Garrels family, 
and the Niagara Regional Police Service.
Kane, who joined the service's canine unit two years ago, died over the weekend after a sudden medical problem.
Police said the dog was off-duty and with his handler, Const. Marc Garrels, when he went into distress.
He was taken to a veterinary clinic, but died of a twisted bowel before anything could be done for him, police said.

Authorized & Prepared By: DAVÉ, Nilan
Rank & File No: Constable, 9260
Unit: Media Relations
 
Date Submitted: 10/18/2010  - submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA & Nilan Dave   9260@nrps.on.ca

In Loving Memory of
K9 KUNO
July, 2010

 

Former Handler: Officer Brian Todd 

Midvale Police Department

7912 South Main Street
Midvale, Utah 84047
Non-emergency dispatch: (801)840-4000

website - http://www.midvalecity.org/mp.aspx?p=19
 

 

K9 KUNO ( RETIRED AT 3 YEARS OLD BECAUSE OF EYE DISEASE )

EUTHANIZED IN JULY FOR BITING INFANT

On February 17th Platt Electric Supply assisted the police in Boise, Idaho with their K-9 program as well.  Boise Police Chief Michael Masterson accepted a donation of $4,200 to the new Boise Police Canine Foundation. Platt has three offices in the Treasure Valley including Boise.
“Our police service dogs have saved lives,” said Masterson. “These dogs will go places and do things our officers can’t do without tremendous risk to their safety. Police service dogs are trained to sniff out and locate potentially dangerous suspects protecting the lives of officers and citizens. We’re very fortunate to have them on our department.”

“Our goal is to make Boise the country’s most livable city, and public safety is crucial for that,” said Mayor David Bieter.  “The police Canine Unit is a valuable tool for our officers who work every day to keep this city safe and a great place to live, play and do business.”
The Boise Police Canine Foundation was established in December 2009 with the goal of raising funds to support and enhance the BPD Canine Unit. The immediate goal is to raise funds to purchase a new patrol dog trained in drug detection and suspect apprehension. Eventually, the new dog will replace an active police service patrol dog, Blek, set to retire within the next year. Platt’s donation of $4,200 is approximately half the cost of a new police service patrol dog.

submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

In Loving Memory of
K9 KONAN
July 13, 2010

Handler: Sgt. Rich Mark
Chillicothe Police Department
823 North 2nd Street
 Chillicothe, IL 61523-1848
Ph: 309.274.2129 

Police Department without K9 Konan
For a police dog, 10-year-old Konan led a long life serving the city of Chillicothe until the very end. “He was really good PR,” said handler and Sgt. Rich Mark. “He had a very good temperament. He just loved to work.” Joining the police department in May 2002 from Ohio, K-9 Konan was Chillicothe’s first police dog. Last working second shift July 12, Mark said the routine seemed normal except Konan did not eat that night. “I don’t know if he was feeling bad then or not.” The next morning Konan greeted him, but could not walk. “I don’t know if he just needed to see me one more time or what,” said Mark. The sergeant sat down and laid the dog in his lap.
Konan did not look good, he said. In a period of about three minutes, Mark pet Konan, who gave him a kiss, shook once and died around 7:45 a.m. “It was just weird,” he said. “I knew right away that was it. He just had that look.” There was not time to get him to Chillicothe Veterinary Clinic, which has taken care of Konan’s health needs, Mark said. He was taken there later. His handler said the death was quick and peaceful for the all-black German shepherd, who just celebrated his birthday July 1. Normal retirement age for police dogs is 9 to 11.
“He made it to 10. It was sad, but I had always hoped he’d go like this,” said Mark as some police dogs retire and then whine to go to work each day. Like Konan, most receive their training until they are 2 years old. Most then work six to nine years. The first half of Konan’s career he worked with police officer Brent Cranford, and once Cranford left the department, he spent the latter half with Mark. Konan was purchased through donations made by community members with the Claud-Elen Days Committee beginning
 the K-9 fund. Konan and his handlers answered many calls and well over 100 arrests, Mark roughly estimated.
Not only did Konan arrive on scene in Chillicothe, he also assisted other agencies when needed.  Like police officers, Mark said when Konan came home from working it was his time to relax. They went for walks or played ball in the yard. Last week arrangements were being made for Konan’s ashes, and a memorial will be established at the front of the police department with its landscaping. “He was a devoted member of our department and will be missed,” said Chillicothe Police Chief Steve Maurer. “He loved going to work with Rich.” Discussions continue about another K-9 dog to join the force in September, but last week Mark was unsure if he would be
 the handler.
“We’re not pushing the issue on him,” said Maurer. Like residents’ pets, a dog is a commitment, Mark said. As the senior officer, Mark gave up his position of first-shift on days with no weekends when he agreed to be Konan’s handler years ago. Additionally, he plans to retire in the next eight years. “If we get another dog, he’ll probably work as long as I would,” said Mark. For both the dog and its training, Maurer said the city will spend about $11,000, possibly coming from the department’s drug forfeiture, vehicle impoundment and DARE funds. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA