In Loving Memory of
K9 ROXIE
December 29, 2014
Handler: Officer Alex Molnar
Gloucester County Sheriff's Office
2 South Broad Street
PO Box 337
Woodbury, NJ 08096
website - http://www.gloucestercountynj.gov/depts/s/sheriff/
Gloucester County Sheriff's Office mourning loss of K-9 officer
Gloucester County Sheriff's Office K-9 Roxie had to be put down Monday after suffering from an illness.
The Gloucester County Sheriff's Office is in mourning after a K-9 officer had to be put down this week, the county announced Wednesday. K-9 Roxie, a narcotics detection Labrador retriever who was rescued from a local shelter, graduated from the Atlantic County Scent Academy in the fall of 2012. "Our department is deeply saddened by the loss of Roxie," Sheriff Carmel Morina said. "She will be forever in or hearts." The 58-pound canine worked for the past two years detecting drug odors for the county, as well as more than a dozen local police departments with her handler Alex Molnar.
She was trained to detect marijuana, hashish, crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and ecstasy, as well as drug odor on U.S. currency, according to a spokeswoman for Gloucester County. "In the uncontrolled 'real world' environment, K-9 Roxie was proven to be 97.73 percent reliable and consistent in the detection of narcotic odor. That is to be commended," Morina said. Roxie suffered a medical emergency on Saturday and her condition continued to deteriorate for two days before her handler had to made the decision to have her put down." Roxie was four years and four months old at the time of her passing.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RIKA
December 13, 2014
Handler: ?
MIDDLETOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT
Riverview Center
222 Main Street
Middletown, CT 06457
Retired Middletown police K-9 dies
The Middletown Police Department said "goodbye" to one of its own this week. Retired K9 passed away on Saturday.
During her tenure, K9 Rika assisted in multimple illegal drug seizures. "Rika was a sweet girl that was always
ready to work. We should all love our jobs as much as she did" poice said. But she enjoyed raiding the animal
control office for treats. "We will all miss her, but she will never be forgotten."
"Rest Peacefully, Rika."
Facebook, Middletown PD wrote,
“The MPD lost one of our own this week. Our retired Narcotics K-9, “Rika”, passed away on Saturday. “Rika” was a sweet
girl that was always ready to work. We should all love our jobs as much as she did. According to her partner,
“Rika’s” favorite phrase was “wanna go to work?”. She helped find illegal drugs in numerous incidents and she
had fun doing so. “Rika” was always quick to raid the Animal Control office for treats and toys
(she knew where the good stuff was). We will all miss her but she will never be forgotten.
Rest Peacefully “Rika”.”
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 ROBIN
November 6, 2014
Handler: Officer Mary MacQueen
Salamanca Police Department
1 Barrett Drive
Salamanca, NY 14779
Salamanca Mourns K-9
A special memorial service was held in Salamanca Saturday
for a local police K-9 known for faithfully serving his community.
Robin was also a show dog.
In 2009, Robin was responsible for getting half a million dollars worth of dangerous narcotics off the streets.
Memorial held for Robin at the Salamanca Fire Department on Saturday November 29.
K9 Robin had passed away on 11/6/14.
A special memorial service was held in Salamanca Saturday for a local police K-9 known for faithfully serving his community. Robin, a golden retriever, died earlier this month at the age of 12. The cause of death is still unknown but the dog had recently overcome a battle with cancer. That's when he really captured the heart of the community. He worked for both the Cattauragus County Sheriff's Office and the Salamanca Police Department. The memorial for Robin was held at the Salamanca Fire Department. Those who attended shared stories and celebrated the life he had.
When Robin wasn't helping out the police force he attended community events, made appearances at schools and libraries, and performed therapy work. Robin was also a show dog and performed around the country. Robin was the first Golden Retriever in history to win the American Kennel Club Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) in Law Enforcement [2009]. This is an incredible feat. Robin also is the recipient of the 2010 Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) Gold Standard Award.
This award is presented to honor a Golden who performs honorable, heroic acts or who enriches, inspires or contributes to the lives of individuals and communities. Golden Retriever Robin (Am-Can Ch. Nitro’s Boy Wonder SDHF BISS TDI CGC, Police K-9/Search and Rescue Dog) and Mary MacQueen have worked for the Salamanca Police Department, the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office, and assist with searches for the Southern Tier Regional Drug Task Force in Western New York State. In 2009 alone, Robin had been responsible for getting about half a million dollars worth of dangerous narcotics off the streets.
With drive, self-confidence, intelligence, and a willingness to please, Robin had proven to be an exceptional working K-9. He started his scent detection work at a mere seven weeks of age, and has built a strong foundation and true passion for search and detection work. While still in the Imprinting Window, Mary exposed Robin to the distinctive odor of decaying human remains, a critical component for dogs that who do this type of search work. Although pups do not yet have the skill to search in earnest for scent, they are drawn to the smell of decay.
Robin and Mary’s work with the Cattaraugus County, NY Sheriff’s Office included jail & vehicle searches, school searches, and searches during community festivals. Robin, the second narcotics certified K-9 in Cattaraugus County, is their first to be allowed to search people/students due to his easy going temperament and passive “sit” alert when he locates drugs. Mary MacQueen and Robin also assist with searches for the Southern Tier Regional Drug task force and Kinzua Search Dogs, a non-profit, all volunteer group that endeavors to locate missing persons.
Based in southwestern New York, Kinzua Search Dogs conducts searches in New York State as well as Pennsylvania. Robin and Mary were recipients of the 2008 Police Officer of the Year award for the Salamanca Police Department. In addition to his work in law enforcement, Robin was also a therapy dog, AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Champion of Record, and the recipient of the Golden Retriever Club of America’s Show Dog Hall of Fame title. When Robin’s busy schedule allowed, he also lead local parades, visited hospitals and nursing homes, and made trips to schools to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. They say during community events and fundraisers that he was often seen carrying a donation basket or lunch box filled with candy for the kids.
In 2010 Mary was informed about her special boy Robin being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer just two days after his eighth birthday. Robin had his first Oncology appointment at Cornell University. They had an all day appointment filled with blood work, scans, ultrasounds, and x-rays. The original mass removal was done by her vet, but the histopathology was done at Cornell, so there was probably little room for error in the diagnosis which was Cutaneous Epithelialtropic Lymphoma. They said it was in the early stages for this aggressive form of cancer. While there is never a good time to get a cancer diagnosis, the situation had been compounded by Mary and Robin being laid off from the Salamanca Police Department due to the Seneca Casino/NY state disputes. Robin’s medical bills were not covered by his police department, and the treatment was both extensive and expensive. Donations were made to save this dog who had given so much of his life for his community.
Robin retired from police work in 2010. “He certainly could have continued working because he wasn’t by any means acting old or showing any signs of his age,” MacQueen said. “But after Salamanca laid him off I didn’t feel any need to put him under the stress of trying to go back and work when he is trying to recover from a serious disease like cancer.” Instead, Robin continued what MacQueen called “a ton of public relations” activities, including doing demonstrations for area schools and libraries and performing therapy work. His legacy is already continuing around the world. MacQueen said his grandson is currently one of the top winning golden retrievers in the history of Australia and there is also a large number of his offspring in the United States. “He was most notable in his fertility aspect for fathering many litters of service dogs to different organizations around the country,” she said. “That was one of his biggest legacies. There are a lot of other service animals for handicapped individuals, law enforcement-type dogs, detection dogs, etc., throughout the country because of him.”
Submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 ROBBIE
Handler: Trooper Dave Chatfield
Wyoming Highway Patrol
K9 Robbie was struck and killed by a tractor trailer while performing a vehicle search near mile marker 266 of I-80, in the
area of the Elk Mountain. Robbie had searched the inside of the vehicle and was beginning to search the exterior when
he ran into the roadway. He was struck by a tractor trailer that had moved into the left travel lane. K9 Robbie had
served with the Wyoming Highway Patrol for only three months. The Patrol says the driver of the tractor-trailer
was not in violation of any laws at the time of the collision and has not been charged. Trooper Chatfield and Robbie
started training together in middle-July and started patrolling together as recently as late August.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
update: Jan. 27, 2015
It's Tim from La Grange,Texas. The handler for Robbie from Wyoming Highway Patrol was
Trooper Dave Chatfield ( you might wanna spell check his las name). I've got a plaque for Robbie that I'm waiting on to get back from the printer. What is the address where I can send it to? I've finally got everything ready for K9 Hawks (Sealy Texas Police)ceremony ready to go. Yes I know it takes me forever and a day to get these things together. That's his Medal of Merit. Since he passed on because of cancer I couldn't get him in for Medal of Honor ( there's a picture of K9 Hawk and his handler Eric walking into the Vets office for the final time. Officers on either side saluting him. They didn't ask for pity or expect none. Far as I'm concerned,decorate him with the MoH for that),but he qualified for the Medal of Merit. It was defined as "a lifetime of outstanding service". Works for me. I've still need to get his paperwork signed by Chief Tollett. It's set for February 21. I was gonna do it on February 14, but Deputy Walker reminded my that was when we had K9 Knights Medal of Honor ceremony last year. The 21st is my birthday and getting Hawk decorated is the best birthday I could ever have. I'll get the pics from Hawks ceremony to you as soon as we have it.
Thanks. Tim
Sent from my iPhone=
In Loving Memory of
K9 RICO
September 9, 2014
Handler: Cpl. Darin Downey
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office
498 Chattin Drive
Canton, Georgia 30115
Retired police dog dies of cancer
He led his handlers to dangerous narcotics and helped capture felons. And when he wasn’t fighting crime,
Rico represented the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office had hundreds of presentations before his retirement.
On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office announced Rico’s death from cancer. He was 11 years old. “Rico gave his heart
and soul to this agency and this community,” Cpl. Darin Downey said in an emailed statement. “He enjoyed all
the school visits and the little hands that touched him and told him ‘good boy.’” Rico, a Belgian Malinois, was
assigned to Downey from Aug. 2005 until Nov. 2012, when the four-legged deputy retired. After his retirement,
Rico developed cancer, according to the Sheriff’s Office. He lived with Downey and his family until his death.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 ROCK
September 5, 2014
Handler: Constable Ryan Boutin
Kawartha Lakes Police Service
Canada
Rock the police service dog dies
K9 member was diagnosed with bone cancer three weeks ago
Rock the police dog was euthanized on Friday, three weeks after his handler learned that he had been diagnosed
with bone cancer. Rock had been part of the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service for three years. During
that time, he captured an inmate who fled the hospital among other key cases. The picture shows the close
bond between Rock and his handler Const. Ryan Boutin. "Rock will be sadly missed," says Inspector Will Herbert.
Another dog that was being prepared for the role did not make the grade this week so police
are searching for a new K9 partner. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RINGO
September 3, 2014
Handler: ?
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
606 3rd St # 3,
Fairbury, NE 68352
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Announces Death of K9 Ringo
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office announced today, "It is with deep regret that we report the death of Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office K9 Ringo." Ringo came to the Sheriff’s office in 2007 and served diligently, from 2009 to 2010 Ringo served
with the Fairbury Police Department and 2011 Ringo returned to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office where he served
until the time of his death. Ringo suffered from a medical condition that was being treated by a Veterinarian. Ringo
passed away the morning of September 3rd, 2014. Ringo was a great asset to the community and to Law Enforcement in
and around Jefferson County. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 REX
August 27, 2014
Handler: Sgt. Jeff Lirette
Houma Police Department
500 Honduras St
Houma, LA 70360
Houma PD mourning loss of K9
WEBSITE - http://www.houmapd.com/A very important member of the Houma Police Department died last week. Rex was found unresponsive in his kennel Wednesday
(August 27). A necropsy showed he died from a condition called gastric torsion or bloat. Rex joined Houma’s police force in 2011, after previously being owned by Terrebonne Parish Sheriff Jerry Larpenter. Since then he was used in various situations, narcotics searches, suspect apprehensions, and public demonstrations. “Rex was a very important part of the police department, and visited every school in the parish where we did demonstrations. He was a devoted, loyal, and dedicated partner and will be truly missed by his fellow officers, handler, and family,” Chief Todd Duplantis said in a release. The Houma Police Department will be having a memorial service on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Houma Municipal Auditorium on Verret Street. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RANGER
August 21, 2014
Handler: Const. Mike McGuigan
York Regional Police Service
47 Don Hillock Dr
Aurora, ON
Canada
L4G 0S7
Burst tumor claims life of York Regional Police service dog
Park Regional Police service dog Ranger was involved in 41 apprehensions that resulted in more than 120 criminal charges.
A burst tumour has claimed the life of York Regional Police service dog Ranger. During his time with the force, Ranger was
involved in 41 apprehensions and more than 120 criminal charges were laid as a result of his work, according to the force.
He was not only a crime-fighter though, he also helped police locate missing and suicidal people. Ranger was born in the
Czech Republic and trained to become a police dog in 2007. The dog began working with his handler, Const. Mike McGuigan,
in 2008 and they placed second overall in the annual Police Iron Dog Competition for provincial canine teams.
He was trained in handler protection, tracking, building and area searches, article search, suspect apprehension,
obedience and cadaver detection. Further testing on his body showed cancer had spread through his kidneys,
spleen and liver. The dog died peacefully with McGuigan by his side Aug 21. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 ROCKY
August 25, 2014
Handler: Officer Brian Kelley
Previous Handler: Sgt. Erik Gutsfeld
Rocky Hill Police Department
Connecticut
Rocky Hill K-9 takes last ride after cancer diagnosis
The Rocky Hill Police Department said goodbye to a beloved K-9 on Monday. Rocky, a dog that's been a member of the department
for nine years, was diagnosed with cancer last week. "Very loyal to his handler," said Officer Brian Kelley of Rock Hill's
K-9 unit. "And very loyal to his family." Not wanting him to suffer, Rocky's handlers chose to put him to sleep. Before
that however, they wanted to give him a fitting tribute. "Rocky was a phenomenal dog," Kelley said. Rocky was partnered
with Sgt. Erik Gutsfeld, who took him on his final ride to the vet in their police cruiser. Those who knew the dog said he
lived up to the old adage "man's best friend." "A tremendous worker, loved to work," Kelley said. "Was a constant
professional when it comes to dogs." Supporters stood along Cromwell Avenue to say their final goodbyes as he rode for
the last time. Officers from other towns also gathered. Officers could also be heard on their radios bidding farewell.
They all said they found comfort in knowing that he had one more ride. After nine years of service, it was the sendoff
Rocky's family said he deserved. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 REESE
August 15, 2014
Handler: Det. Const. Jeff Burns
Durham Regional Police
605 Rossland Rd. E, Box 911
Whitby, Ontario, Canada; L1N 0B8
WEBSITE - http://www.drps.ca/internet_explorer/index.asp
Cops mourn loss of service dog
Durham cops are grieving for a veteran police service dog that died suddenly last week. Reese, a five-year-old German
Shepard, died suffered a “medical episode” brought on by a blood clot and died on Aug. 15 while off-duty, Durham
Regional Police said in a press release. Reese and his handler, Det.-Const. Jeff Burns, have been part of the canine
unit since 2010 and have dozens of arrests to their credit. In addition to their normal duties, the pair had recently
been certified in drug and gun detection. The loss of Reese is the first time an in-service police dog has died in the
23-year history of the police force. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RUDY
October 26, 2011 - August 12, 2013
1st Handler: Sgt. Erik A. Gutsfeld
2nd Handler: Ofc. Keith Baker
Rocky Hill Police Department
699 Old Main Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
It is with great sadness I announce the passing of RHPD K-9 Rudy. K-9 Rudy was attending his monthly in service K-9 training yesterday 08/12/14 with Ofc. Keith Baker. K-9 Rudy was in his vehicle taking a break from his training exercise when he
passed away. K9 Rudy was approximately 3 years old and joined the CPWDA in 2013. K-9 Rudy was a member of the
department since October 2012. His first handler Erik Gutsfeld trained and worked K-9 Rudy until being promoted in
December 2013. At that time K-9 Rudy was reassigned to Ofc. Keith Baker. A memorial service for K-9 Rudy will be
sometime in the near future. (submitted by Jim Cortina, CPWDA)
Condolences can be sent to:
Ofc. Keith Baker Kbaker@rockyhillct.gov
Sgt. Erik A. Gutsfeld
K-9 Unit Supervisor
Rocky Hill Police Department
699 Old Main St.
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Phone (860) 258-7640
Fax (860) 563-6124
Email: egutsfeld@rockyhillct.gov
In Loving Memory of
K9 RICKY
MAY 2014
(need photo)
Handler: Officer Jason Delair
Fontana Police Department
17005 Upland Ave.
Fontana, CA 92335
K9 Oscar is under 2014-O
Fontana Police K9 program thrives, but two retired dogs pass away
After giving many years of service to the local community, retired Police K9s Oscar and Ricky recently passed away,
according to the Fontana Police Department.
• K9 Oscar joined the Fontana Police Department in 2003 and was assigned to Officer Mario Nelson. In 2004, Oscar was
reassigned to Officer Joe Moreno until Oscar retired in 2008. He served the Fontana P.D. for five years and remained in
the care of Moreno in retirement. He was 14 years old when he passed away in late May. "Oscar was a great dog,
an outstanding partner and will be missed very much," said Moreno.
• K9 Ricky joined the Fontana P.D. in 2004. He was assigned to Officer Jason Delair from 2004 until his retirement
in 2010. Ricky remained in the care of Delair in retirement and was 12 years old when he passed away in late June.
"Ricky was the best partner an officer could ask for. He did what he was told and never talked back," said Delair.
"He loved his job serving Fontana and we were inseparable."
The K9 Unit is considered a valuable asset to the Fontana P.D. and to the community, and the officers enjoy the
partnership with their four-legged friends. The Fontana P.D. retires each K9 after it reaches 10 years of age.
Fontana's K9 Unit began in 1976 and was the first such unit in San Bernardino County. Over the decades, the program
has grown from one K9 to six patrol K9s. A new training center for the dogs opened in 2012 and was honored with an
award from State Attorney General Kamala Harris. "It's a world-class facility," said Lieutenant Gary Aulis.
The facility includes specialized equipment such as a detection wall, blinds, obstacles, and a K9 search house. Community
donations made the training center a reality at no cost to the city. Fontana K9 Pals, a non-profit organization, has
purchased every dog used by the Fontana P.D for more than 20 years, with the exception of K9 Jaris, which was
purchased through a Homeland Security grant. At $10,000 per dog, the savings have been significant for the city.
submitted by: Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RUDY
July 5, 2014
Handler: Deputy Todd Trobaugh
Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office
407 7th St
Sioux City, IA
Rudy, longtime Woodbury County K9, dies
Rudy, an 11-year veteran of the Woodbury County Sheriff’s K9 unit, died Saturday. Sheriff Dave Drew said
several factors, including age and a bladder issue, contributed to 14-year-old Rudy’s death.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RUSTY
June 30, 2014
 
Tallahassee Police Department
234 E Seventh Ave.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Police mourn the loss of a retired K9
The Tallahassee Police Department mourns the loss of a retired K9 named Rusty. The dog began working with the
police department in 2000. In his eight year career as part of the interdiction unit, he set records for the amount
of seizures. He's credited with finding $3.1 million in cash and assets, 40 kilograms of crack and powder cocaine
and almost 4,000 pounds of marijuana. Rusty also did demonstrations for kids in the area. Officers say he enjoyed
chasing the ball and running in a spacious yard during his years in retirement.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 ROCKY
June 24, 2014
Handler: Corporal Shane Hawley
Edmonds Police Department
250 5th Ave N.
Edmonds, WA 98020
Retired police dog Rocky passes away
Police Chief Al Compaan presents Officer Shane Hawley and Rocky with the Distinguished Service Citation for Valor in 2011.
The Edmonds Police Department announced that retired police dog Rocky died Tuesday morning, with his longtime handler Corporal
Shane Hawley at his side. “Hawley and Rocky were an extremely effective and successful team from January 2004 through January 2011, resulting in the capture of 102 criminal suspects,” the Edmonds PD announcement said. “Their working career together culminated with Corporal Hawley being awarded the Meritorious Service Citation and Rocky being awarded the Distinguished Service Citation for Valor in 2011.” Rocky had several medical/injury episodes during his working life, “but he always powered through and came back even stronger,” the announcement noted. After his retirement in 2011, Rocky remained part of the Hawley household.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RADAR
May 28, 2014
Handler: Officer Scott Stafford
Lewiston Police Department
4059 Creek Rd
Youngstown, NY 14174
Police Department announces K9 Radar has passed away
The Lewiston Police Department, on its Facebook page Wednesday night, announced that its first police K9 Radar has passed
away. "It is with deep regret and sorrow that LPD reports the passing of our K9 "Radar". During a recent certification
training Radar became ill and was taken to Cornell University where he was diagnosed with splenic cancer."
Lewiston K9 Officer Scott Stafford said, "Today I had the most unfortunate task of taking my partner
with my family to our veterinarian to euthanize him, he is now watching over us with the rest of the guardians.
Radar was the first police K9 in Lewiston history, he set the bench mark pretty high. We had may
successful tracks with apprehensions, drug searches and money sniffs, along with some failures too, but he
was well respected in the law enforcement community. Radar was able to disrupt the lives of many criminals,
for that he got my respect, my admiration and most of all my love. I truly believe Radar liked tracking
criminals more then I do. It is never easy losing a pet but it seems a little bit harder to lose a partner, buddy and friend."
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 REX
May 16, 2014
Handler: Sgt. John Mendham
Mason County Sheriff's Office
302 N Delia St
Ludington, MI 49431
Retired Mason County Sheriff's Office K-9 Rex has died
The Mason County Sheriff's Office K-9 Rex has died. The dog was with the county agency for 10 years and died
Friday, May 16, with his handler, Sgt. John Mendham, at his side. The dog won numerous state awards and was
nationally recognized for finding cocaine hidden in a vehicle engine compartment, among other things.
The dog had officially retired from service in 2013. The newest K-9, Cash, is now in service.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RENKO
May 20, 2014
Handler: Patrolman Robert Swartz
Taunton Police Department
23 Summer Street
Taunton, MA 02780
Taunton Police mourn the loss of heroic K9
Taunton Police are mourning the loss of a retired K9 unit, Renko, who they describe as a hero. Renko, a German Sheppard,
is credited with saving his handler when an armed suspect threatened the officer with a weapon. In 2012, shortly before
his retirement, Renko and his handler Patrolman Robert Swartz were pursuing an armed suspect. The suspect ran
around a building. Swartz and Renko pursued him. Before Swartz was able to see the suspect, Renko pulled him hard
to the left and went after the suspect. At that point, the officer saw the suspect to be armed and pointing a weapon
at him. To this day he credits the dog for saving his life.
Renko was born in Nov. of 2003 and hired by the department in 2005. He served for 7 years before his retirement.
He died on Tuesday morning at the age of 10 1/2. He finished out his life living at the home of his handler Swartz.
Renko was trained in drug detection, handler protection, building searches, and evidence searched. He was also
known to perform in public demonstrations. "A true guardian of the night he was never one to complain, always
eager to go to work and always willing to place himself in harms way to protect the citizens, his handler and
the officers of the department. May he RIP," said Patrolman Swartz in a statement.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 ROOK
May 6, 2014
 
Handler: Cpl. Jarrod Trickett
RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police)
British Columbia
Canada
Police dog ‘Rook’ dies
Terrace’s only police dog ‘Rook’ passed away suddenly on Tuesday of natural causes. Cst. Angela Rabut from the
Terrace RCMP said in a statement “It is with a heavy heart that I advise police dog Rook passed away yesterday of
natural causes during a training exercise.” Rook, a nine-year-old German Shepherd, worked with his handler,
Cpl. Jarrod Trickett. “PDS Rook was a hardworking, dedicated, member of the RCMP, serving the people of
British Columbia well,” said Radut. His cause of death has not been released at this time. Rook was the
region’s only police service dog so now the RCMP are in the process of acquiring another one.
“In the interim our area is being covered by the Prince George police dog,” said Radut.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 RICO
May 3, 2014
(requested photo of K9 Rico)
1ST Handler: Officer Scott Durkee
2ND Handler: Officer Chad Brown
Pleasant Prairie Police Department
8600 Green Bay Rd
Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158
Pleasant Prairie police mourn the loss of former k-9 officer
The Pleasant Prairie Police Department sadly announces the death of retired K-9 officer Rico on Saturday, May 3rd. Rico was born on October 22, 2003 in the Netherlands and then sent to Spring Hope, North Carolina, in 2004 to train for duty. In 2005, Rico joined the Pleasant Prairie Police Department and was assigned to K-9 Handler Scott Durkee. In 2008, Rico was re-assigned to K-9 Handler Chad Brown. Both handlers attended and graduated from a six-week canine handler course in Spring Hope. The police department says Rick retired in late 2011 due to medical conditions.
During his six years on duty, Rico captured several fugitives, assisted in tracking lost children and elderly subjects, located narcotics, and preformed vehicle searches. Rico was also a steward of public relations and fostered a positive relationship between the Department and residents through many public appearances and K-9 demonstrations. Police say in Rico’s retirement, he continued to reside with his handler Officer Chad Brown. The Police Department say Rico was part of the departments family, as well as the Brown’s family. They say the loss is significant for everyone. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In
Loving
Memory
of
K9 RICCO
March
18, 2014
Handler:
Deputy
Greg
Thomason
Harris
County
Sheriffs
Dept.
Texas
Harris
County
Deputy
Canine
Laid to
Rest
Deputy Greg
Thomason
with the
Harris
County
Precinct 4
Constables
Office
acquired
Ricco, his
canine
partner in
2004. For
the next 7
years they
worked side
by side.
Ricco was
responsible
for 300
criminal
apprehensions,
locating
many lost
children and
adults and
taking
thousands of
pounds of
drugs off
the streets.
Not to
mention
saving over
$2 million
in cash
assets
seized from
drug
trafficking
and saving
Thomason’s
life several
times. Ricco
would go
where no man
would go
many times
in search of
a suspect,
he wouldn’t
complain, he
was fearless
and he
usually
returned
with a
suspect who
was being
sought. Not
just in
buildings
but heavily
wooded
areas,
swamps, and
creeks.
In 2010
Ricco
retired and
was given
his
credentials
as a
Precinct 4
Deputy. He
went on to
live with
Greg and his
family. He
became very
different
after his
retirement,
instead of
wanting to
bite or
remove the
hide off a
fleeing
suspect he
would lick
someone to
death. He
was always
happy to see
Thomason but
a little
disappointed
that he
wasn’t able
to work with
him for the
day.
Thomason
said he
spent more
time with
Ricco then
he did his
own family.
In 2008
Thomason
came up with
a motto for
Ricco, “I
would
sacrifice
mine to save
yours.”
Harris
County
Precinct 4
Assistant
Chief Woody
Mitchell
said Ricco
was a very
dynamic and
good dog.
He said the
dog and
handler
worked
together as
a team and
when Ricco
retired it
didn’t stop
there, it
continues
on. The
family grew
very
attached to
Ricco and
were
devastated
when a trip
to the vet
recently
revealed a
lump on his
leg was
actually
cancer. It
wasn’t just
there but in
his lymph
glands
throughout
his body.
The only
option was
to amputate
the leg
which would
maybe give
it a few
more months
in pain
before the
cancer took
over. A
decision was
made to let
Ricco die
with dignity
and among
friends.
Thomason
said he
wasn’t going
to put his
partner
through that
with his
stature and
wanted Ricco
to go out
knowing he
was still on
top.
Mitchell
said, “our
community
today is a
safer
community
now because
of Ricco and
the hard
work and
dedication
that Ricco
had with
Greg, his
handler.”
Tuesday
afternoon
Deputies
with Harris
County
Precinct 4
Constables
Office,
Humble
Police,
Montgomery
County
Precinct 3
Constables
Office,
Montgomery
County
Precinct 2
Constables
Office and
Cypress
Creek EMS
along with
their Honor
Guard and
many other
friends and
family
gathered at
Thomason’s
home in
Montgomery.
Just after
3:30 p.m. a
vet from
Spring Hill
Animal
Hospital
along with
her
technicians
arrived at
the Thomason
home.
Many
gathered
inside and
said
good-bye to
Ricco one
last time.
Ricco’s flag
draped body
was then
removed from
the house by
Cypress
Creek EMS
Honor Guard
and loaded
into
Thomason’s
vehicle in
which Ricco
had
accompanied
his partner
for years.
With a full
escort of
police
vehicles and
motorcycles
escorted
Deputy Ricco
to a Pet
Care
facility in
Grimes
County near
Anderson
where he
will be
cremated.
submitted
by Jim
Cortina,
Dir. CPWDA
In Loving
Memory of
K9 RANGER
March 1, 2014
Handler: Officer
Chad
Norris
Barrow County
Sheriff’s Office
233 E. Broad Street
Winder, GA 30680
Police narcotics dog
Ranger dies
County Sheriff K9
handler Chad Norris
takes Ranger his
Labrador Retriever
out of his cruiser
during
a hands-on training seminar in 2011.
Before his
retirement eight
months ago,
Ranger, a police
narcotics dog,
had a successful career at the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office.
Since April
2004, the black
Labrador
Retriever had
not only sniffed
out several
pounds of
illegal drugs,
but also
performed at
community events
and was loved by
police officers
and local
residents alike.
Ranger,
born Nov. 2,
2002, died on
Saturday after a
successful
tenure as a
police partner –
and man’s best
friend.
“He loved
being around
people and
children,” the
Sheriff’s Office
said in a
statement.
“Ranger will be missed by the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office, and mostly
by the handlers
that were lucky
enough to be
able to have him
as a partner.”
A search was launched
for the missing dog
after it was discovered
that he had escaped his
handler’s
fenced-in yard Friday night. Ranger was found on the side of Highway 211
after being hit by a car
and was rushed to a veterinarian, who pronounced Ranger dead. Ranger was
good at his job,
authorities said.
In the past decade, he helped locate about $300,000 worth of drug-seized
funds,
15.5 pounds of cocaine,
3.5 pounds of
methamphetamine, several
vehicles containing
drugs and other
illegal narcotics and paraphernalia. Ranger will be laid to rest on
Tuesday, March 11 at 1
p.m. at Oak Rest Pet
Gardens at 2691 Harbins
Rd. in Bethlehem.
submitted by Jim
Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 REX
March 4, 2014
Handler: Officer Christopher
Guadagno
Fort Pierce Police Department
920 South U.S. Highway 1
Fort Pierce, FL 34950
K9 Rex passing announced
The Fort Pierce Police Department
sadly announces the passing of one
of our recently retired K9 dogs. In
his 8 years of
service K9 Rex and his handler Officer Christopher Guadagno apprehended
more than 350 criminals including
200 burglars
and
several other violent offenders. K9
Rex has given uncompromising
commitment to Officer Guadagno, our
police
department and our community. Please
keep Officer Guadagno and his family
in your thoughts and prayers as
they mourn the loss of a true
partner and friend.
Submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir.
CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 REX
February 7, 2014
Handler: Officer Mike Fink
South Euclid Police Department
1349 South Green Road
South Euclid, Ohio 44121
Officer says goodbye to beloved K9
Rex, a retired South Euclid police dog, passed away
Friday night, surrounded by the family and friends
that loved him.
The much-loved dog spent over a decade on the force,
working most of that time with Officer Mike Fink. It
was
with Fink that Rex lived out most of his days - going to work together as
partners and coming home each night,
where Rex was part of the Fink family. In recent
days, the aging dog's health has worsened. Officer
Mike Fink
posted the following message on the South Euclid Police Department's
facebook page:
"Yesterday, after
nearly 12 years together, I said goodbye to my
partner and friend for the last time. Retired
South Euclid Police K9 Rex passed away peacefully with his family at his
side, and surrounded by friends who
loved him. Rex's condition had worsened, and it was not fair to allow a
proud warrior to continue to suffer.
Rex was so much to so many people. To the men and
women at the South Euclid Police Department,
he was a fellow officer, to the children at Adrian Elementary School, he
was the police dog who came to
visit them in their classroom. To my family, he was their beloved dog, who
went to work with me and made sure
I came home safe each night. To me, he was a brother who will be
remembered for his undeniable courage,
his fierce loyalty and his remarkable love of children. We spent over 10
years in a police car together and
I still miss him every day. His retirement was good, spent getting my son
on and off the school bus and being
spoiled by my daughter. His life was a wonderful
blessing and I am thankful for the time we spent
together
and the friends we made along the way. I could not have asked for a better
partner.
Rest easy big dog…we'll take it from here…."
submitted by
Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
In Loving Memory of
K9 ROCCO
January 30, 2014
UPdate:
Artist creating bronze
statue to honor fallen K-9 officer Rocco
12/26/14
- Pennsylvania
The
local police dog killed in the line of duty will
soon become part of a Pittsburgh landmark.
Pittsburgh artist Susan Wagner is creating a
bronze statue of K-9 officer Rocco to honor him.
“I was so happy to be able to do this for the
police,” said Wagner. The statue she is making
will go right next to the police officer that
she created for the Law Enforcement Officers
Memorial on the North Shore. “The K-9 deserves
attention. They are very much loved by their
partners,” Wagner said. The statue is being
built in pieces at a foundry in Cleveland. The
head has already been completed, and the statue
will be almost life-size. Channel 11 witnessed
the bronze being poured into the body of the
cast. After bronze bars are melted and heated to
the right temperature, it's carefully poured
into a ceramic cylinder.
Inside, a wax mold is melted down, and the
bronze will fill up the cavity to make the
statue. Wagner said she has wanted to make a K-9
for years and just joined forces with the Law
Enforcement Officers Memorial this year to make
the K-9 memorial a reality. “We have four K-9s
in Allegheny County that have been killed in the
line of duty. Rocco last year in January brought
it to everyone's attention that our partners
were left out,” said Cmdr. Donna Best, the
president of the Law Enforcement Officers K-9
Memorial. Best said the group is $50,000 short
on its funding and could use the public’s help.
It's something that Wagner said everyone in
Pittsburgh will benefit from. “The idea is these
both go to watch over the spirit of the fallen
policemen watching over our city,” she said. The
statue is on schedule to be unveiled at a yearly
ceremony in May.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Handler: Officer Lerza
Pittsburgh Police Department
Pennsylvania
Zone 2, 2000 Center Ave.
Pittsburg, PA 15219
42 255.2827
Police dog Rocco
has died after being stabbed.
UPDATE:
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2014/02/04/Foundation-poised-to-help-replace-slain-police-dog/stories/201402040069
please check URL above regarding Rothlesberger's help
(Steelers)
Rocco, an 8-year-old German
shepherd, Pittsburgh police K-9 officer, has died after being
stabbed. City police officials were preparing for a press
conference this evening to detail the circumstances of the
German shepherd's rapid demise today. Earlier, police
spokeswoman Diane Richard said Rocco had been improving at the
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center on Camp Horne
Road. But this afternoon, dozens of Pittsburgh police officers
began arriving at the clinic to pay their last respects to
Rocco, who was stabbed Tuesday night while apprehending a
suspect.
The dog
was commanded to go after a fugitive, 21-year-old John Rush
of Stowe, who police said was found lurking in the basement
of a building in the 3700 block of Butler Street in
Lawrenceville. Police said Mr. Rush -- also accused of
resisting Allegheny County sheriff's deputies' attempts to
arrest him earlier that night on numerous warrants -- swung
"wildly" at officers with a pocket knife and stabbed the dog
and an officer, and injured two others officers in the
ensuing scuffle. Rocco had two surgeries and multiple blood
transfusions Wednesday. Workers from the Allegheny County
medical examiner's office expect to take Rocco to their
Strip District office tonight for examination.
When he learned of the dog's death tonight,
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto issued the
following statement: "I am saddened to learn
about the passing of K9 Officer Rocco. He served
this city faithfully and paid the ultimate price
in the line of duty in service of the residents
of our city. His brave actions very possibly
spared the lives of two other officers. My
thoughts and prayers are with his fellow
officers and the entire Pittsburgh Police
Bureau."
submitted by
Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
MORE:
UPDATE
Roethlisberger Foundation
poised to help replace
slain Pittsburgh police dog
February 3, 2014 11:01 PM
District judge defends high bond in Pittsburgh
police dog killing
By Amy McConnell Schaarsmith and Liz Navratil /
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
However priceless a police K-9 like Rocco
becomes to his handler, his handler's family and
his unit,
acquiring and training him comes at great cost.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police spends between
$6,500 and $8,000 to purchase an untrained dog
with
Rocco's raw talent for police work, according to
a spokesperson. Sharpening that talent into
real,
proven skills can costs tens of thousands of
dollars and months of training, creating an
additional burden for an already grieving police
unit when a canine officer dies.
Pittsburgh is still mourning the loss of Rocco,
an 8-year-old German shepherd originally from
the Czech Republic who will be honored with a
service at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and
Museum in Oakland on Friday. But while no one
can replace Rocco, who died Thursday evening
from
blood loss and pneumonia resulting from a stab
wound from a suspect, the department might soon
have help with the expense of finding and
training another K-9 officer.
The Ben Roethlisberger Foundation, begun by the
Steelers quarterback in 2006 to acquire and
train
police dogs, plans to begin announcing grants
now that the Super Bowl is over, said foundation
relationship manager Jessica Duffaut.
"I do believe we'll be making a separate
announcement regarding Rocco's department and
what we
might be able to do for them," Ms. Duffaut said.
Ms. Duffaut did not discuss what, if any, dollar
amount might be offered. Since 2006, the
foundation has made grants in excess of $1
million.
For now, she said, Pittsburgh residents need a
chance to grieve for Rocco.
Pittsburgh police have not yet discussed
replacing Rocco, according to spokeswoman Diane
Richard.
The bureau's dogs are not covered by life or
health insurance, she said.
And while the dog itself is expensive, the
training is even more of an investment, with a
four-week
basic training course for apprehending a suspect
costing more than $13,000 at one well-known
training center that supplies police dogs to
many Pennsylvania departments.
At that kennel, Castle's K9 outside Harrisburg,
a basic four-week narcotics detection course
costs
about $11,000 while a six-week explosives
detection course costs more than $16,000,
according to
the center's website.
Rocco's Friday morning service originally was
going to be closed, but Officer Phil Lerza, who
was
Rocco's handler, and his family asked that it be
opened to the public due to an outpouring of
support for the fallen police dog and the police
bureau.
MORE:
Officer
Phil Lerza sobbed. He exited the glass
double doors and walked away from the
building. Inside, his fellow Pittsburgh
police officers lined the hallways of
the veterinary office, some in their
uniforms, others sporting green canine
unit sweatshirts, as he was. They had
just lost one of their own -- and
Officer Lerza had lost his partner.
Canine Rocco died at 6:17 p.m. Thursday
at the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty &
Emergency Center in Ohio Township "after
a good fight," Zone 2 Cmdr. Eric Holmes
said. The 8-year-old German shepherd was
stabbed Tuesday night while apprehending
a suspect. "Officer Lerza lost a member
of his family," the commander said.
Hopes for
Rocco's recovery had grown Thursday.
About 8:30 a.m., police spokeswoman
Diane Richard said Rocco was resting
while his blood count improved. Four
hours later, she said he had been
upgraded from critical to serious
condition. He had begun resting on his
sternum rather than on his side, she
said. Often wiping tears from her eyes,
staff surgeon Julie Compton said
Thursday night that Rocco remained in
the intensive care unit all day, but was
upgraded from a table to a dog run, a
cage or kennel where he could get up.
But as the day wore on, word began to
circulate that Rocco's condition had
deteriorated.
By early
evening, dozens of Pittsburgh police
officers -- and their canines -- arrived
at the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty &
Emergency Center to pay their respects
to Rocco. Ms. Compton said Rocco
suffered from additional bleeding and
had developed pneumonia. The dog
succumbed to his injuries and was not
euthanized. "He fought as hard here as
he did out on the field," she said. Ms.
Richard said Rocco would be laid to rest
with honors. "This is a police officer;
it just happens to be a canine," she
said. Around 7 p.m., officers, canine
handlers and their four-legged partners
lined the cold sidewalk outside the vet
center.
A retired
canine officer played bagpipes, as
police assisted a gurney, draped with an
American flag, from the clinic. Officers
presented arms. Then, a procession of
dozens of K-9 units, cruisers and
motorcycles with flashing lights left
the veterinarian center, headed Downtown
and then to Oak Crest Pet Crematory, on
Cemetery Lane in Ross. Rocco's body will
remain at Oak Crest while arrangements
are made for a ceremony, staff there
said. Mayor Bill Peduto, who later
ordered city building flags to be
lowered to half-staff today in honor of
Rocco, said he met with Officer Lerza,
who had been Rocco's partner since 2010,
and his wife Thursday evening.
Rocco
"died saving one of his fellow"
officers, the mayor said. Police said
Rocco, who joined the force in 2008,
suffered from a 3-inch-deep stab wound
that lacerated muscle and his kidney,
causing major blood loss. While officers
awaited word on Rocco's condition,
homicide detectives obtained a warrant
charging the man accused of stabbing the
dog and wounding several officers. John
Rush, 21, who previously lived in McKees
Rocks but had recently been homeless,
faces felony charges of abusing a police
animal, disarming a law enforcement
officer, aggravated assault, burglary
and misdemeanor charges of animal
cruelty, resisting arrest and possessing
instruments of a crime.
He was
being held without bond in the Allegheny
County Jail. The felony three charge of
abuse of a police animal stood whether
or not Rocco died, District attorney's
office spokesman Mike Manko said.
Members of the Allegheny County
sheriff's office were searching for
Rush, a convicted sex offender, on a
bench warrant signed earlier this month
when they spotted him carrying several
bags while walking Tuesday night on
Butler Street in Lawrenceville. Deputy
John Herb asked Rush for his name and
identification and Rush lunged toward
the deputy's gun then began hitting him
in the face, the complaint says.
The deputy
tried to stop him by using a Taser, but
Rush ran into the basement of a home in
the 3700 block of Butler Street, police
said. Rocco and Officer Lerza were among
those who responded to a call for a
suspicious man. Officer Lerza stood by
the doorway of the basement and shouted
three times, "Pittsburgh Police K-9,"
and warned the man to "sound off" or the
dog would come for him, police wrote.
Police said Rush "lunged out from near a
pillar and attacked K-9 Rocco," swinging
the knife about while the dog attempted
to bite his upper torso and arm.
Rush,
police said, punched Officer Daniel
Nowak, who told him he was under arrest,
and hit Officer John Baker in the head
several times. Officer Lerza sustained a
puncture wound to the back and was
treated at UPMC Mercy. A fourth officer
sustained a knee injury. Court documents
did not indicate whether Rush had an
attorney who could comment on a possible
defense in charges related to Rocco's
death. But in similar cases throughout
the country, suspects sometimes claim
self defense to explain why they killed
or injured police dogs. The Pittsburgh
police K-9 unit includes 21 dogs, in
addition to Rocco. Police praised K-9
instructor Dan Tice's commitment.
"Officer
Tice has done a tremendous job through
this whole process. He has been here
night and day, hardly any sleep at all,"
Ms. Richard said at the vet center
Thursday night. He and Officer Lerza
declined comment. "We need our officers,
especially our canine officers, to go
through their grieving process," she
said. Pittsburgh has protective vests
for its police dogs, but they are not
used in every situation, officers said
earlier this week. Representatives from
the Humane Society's Pennsylvania office
and for a national police canine group
said they encourage officers to put
protective vests on their dogs when
possible but recognize that might not
always be practical.
Unlike
humans, the dogs cannot quickly don them
or wear them for prolonged periods
because in warm climates the dogs could
overheat, said Russ Hess, national
executive director of the United States
Police Canine Association. Additionally,
he said, a dog needs to be trained to
grow accustomed to the vest or it will
try to remove it, like a puppy trying to
pull off a collar. If police have
properly trained a dog and have ample
time to prepare before a call, it might
make sense to equip a dog with a vest,
Mr. Hess said. But, he added, "In the
fast line of police work, sometimes that
option's not available."
Mr. Peduto
said Thursday night he talked with
canine handlers to determine if they
needed additional protection, though he
said they did not feel that they do. As
the story of Rocco's struggle unfolded
Thursday, scores of people expressed
their feelings on the Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette's website. Wrote one man,
"It is a sad and painful day for those
of us with feeling for animals and those
that love them. I am crushed to hear the
sad news. God bless his handler and his
family and all who cared for this
precious and unique boy. They shall be
in the thoughts of caring people in the
days to come.
We are
newly reminded of the danger that our
human and K-9 officers face, that their
lives are on the line every day as they
deal with the criminal element." A woman
wrote, "My thoughts and prayers go out
to Rocco's handler, family, friends and
the entire City Of Pittsburgh Police
Department for the loss of fallen
Officer K-9 Rocco in the line of
duty. "RIP, Beautiful Boy. Heaven
has
another Angel.
UPDATE 2015
PITTSBURGH (AP)
– A man whose
fatal stabbing
of a K-9
prompted
Pennsylvania
lawmakers to
stiffen the
penalty for
harming
police
animals has been
sentenced to up
to 44 years in
prison.
A
judge
on Tuesday
decided John
Lewis Rush
should serve
a
minimum of 17
years, nine
months in prison
and said he must
also serve eight
years of
probation after
being released.
The
22-year-old
Stowe Township
resident was
convicted in
December of
torturing a
police animal,
aggravated
assault on the
dog’s handler
and three other
officers, and
other offenses.Police say
Rush stabbed the
dog and wounded
two officers
trying to arrest
him in January
2014 on warrants
for violating
probation and
failing to
register as a
sex offender.Rush says he
stabbed the dog
in self-defense.
submitted by
"Lulu" Louise
Krause....
author of K9
webpages ...
www.k9memorialcards.com
In Loving Memory of
K9 REMI
January 13, 2014
Handler:?
Federal Reserve Police
Detroit, MI
K9 Remi
was killed in an automobile accident on I-96 while she and her
handler were en route to the Detroit Branch
of the Federal Reserve Bank for an assignment at the vehicle
inspection facility. The
handler's vehicle slid into a
concrete barrier after sliding on a patch of ice. Remi's crate was ejected
from the vehicle through a rear window
and broke open. She was subsequently struck by a another vehicle, which
then fled the scene. K9 Remi served
as an explosives detection canine and had served with the agency for only
two months.
submitted by Jim
Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
condolences may be
sent to:
Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago - Detroit Branch Police
1600 East Warren Avenue
Detroit, MI 48207
Ph: (313) 961-6880
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Memorials
to Fallen K-9s
