Handler:  Donnie Vallery
Jefferson Police Department
address
 
 
 

Canine Murphy passed away unexpectedly on 12-23-2007. Murphy had a very successful career in Narcotics Enforcement. Both he and Jefferson Police Department K9 Handler Donnie Vallery were instrumental in the seizure of hundreds of pounds of marijuana, kilos of cocaine and meth as well as hundreds of thousands of U.S. Currency. He was 10 1/2 years old and currently still working. Murphy lived doing what he loved to do until the end.  submitted by Jim Cortina

It is with great sadness the Redmond Police Department reports the sudden passing of our K-9 Monte.  PD Monte became ill a short time ago and the veterinarian determined there was no treatment for the illness.  Monte peacefully passed away on November 14, 2007 with Office Same Hovenden at his side.  Monte and his handler, Officer Sam Hovenden, began serving the City of Redmond in March 2001. Officer Hovenden and Monte received their generalist certification in July 2001 through the Washington State Police Canine Association.  In May 2004 they also received their Narcotics Certification at the Pacific Northwest Police Detection Dog conference.  Officer Hovenden and Monte have been a highly productive K-9 team, receiving several commendations for their efforts to capture fleeing suspects, locate narcotics and identify drug funds.  Officer Hovenden and Monte have over 800 K-9 applications resulting in over 125 captures.  They also have conducted over 300 narcotics searches with over 225 resulting in narcotic finds.  The fruits of their efforts have been the seizure of over $570,000 in narcotics and over $85,000 in identified drug money.  On an equally important level is the community outreach conduced by Officer Hovenden and Monte.  They provided several ride along for community members and were always a great hit at local schools.  One parent wrote a letter to Chief Harris expressing their sincere thanks for the positive experience their son had on a ride along with Officer Hovenden and Monte.  This experience will be a life long memory for their child.  Monte was always a highlight at community events, such as Derby Days, and local fundraising efforts for Special Olympics, such as Tip-A-Cop.  Police dog Monte was a special K-9, who was equally successful in tracking and narcotics applications.  He also had a playful personality. Police Dog Monte was an integral part of the Redmond Police Department and will be deeply missed.
        submitted by Renee Konias

Ex-McComb K-9 cop Miranda dies at 16: Belgian Malinois was one of the first dogs put on city’s police force
By John Surratt | Enterprise-Journal    Posted: 10/22/07 - 11:43:56 am CDT
Miranda, one of the McComb Police Department’s first two police dogs, died Oct. 16 at the age of 16
at the home of her partner, Mike Ennis, a retired McComb police officer.  Ennis said Miranda, a Belgian Malinois, was purchased by the city on Jan. 7, 1992. “She was purchased by the city at a puppy age from a trainer,” he said. He said Miranda and another dog named “Ugly” were the department’s first two dogs. He said Ugly was donated to the city after it broke its leg. “He (Ugly’s trainer) didn’t think he could sell him, and gave him to the city,” he said, adding that Pike County Sheriff Mark Shepherd, then a police officer, was Ugly’s partner. “We were McComb’s first K-9 officers,” Ennis said. While Miranda was trained in narcotics detection tracking and apprehension, her strength was tracking. “She had a high prey drive, and when a dog has a high prey drive, they are better at tracking and apprehension,” Ennis said. He said that after the city acquired another K-9 several years ago, police decided to retire Miranda and gave her to him. Submitted by Renee Konais

Acworth police dog left in hot patrol car dies
Marco, a narcotics-detecting dog, died after being left in an Acworth police officer's patrol car. Acworth police are mourning one of their own: a narcotics detection dog, who died of heatstroke in a patrol car Monday. Capt. Wayne Dennard, a spokesman for the Acworth Police Department, said the dog's handler was "just torn up" about the death. Marco, a 6-year-old Belgiam  Malinois was trained to track and detect narcotics. In his five years with the department Marco had found thousands of dollars' worth of drugs, Dennard said. It was the second police dog the officer had worked with. The first one retired, became the officer's household pet and died of old age, Dennard said. Dennard declined to give the officer's name while police investigate the incident. He said Marco's handler, a 13-year veteran of the department, was switching out electronics equipment from one patrol car into another when he was called into police headquarters. The officer, who was on his second shift, forgot the dog was in the car, Dennard said. When he came back to the car, Marco was dead. The death hit members of the Police Department hard, Dennard said. Marco was a hit whenever he made public appearances. Marco "was our pride and joy," Dennard said. "Everyone knew him."
More about Acworth P.D.
The Acworth Police Department K-9 Unit is responsible for supporting field units in the apprehension of criminals and detecting concealed narcotics. The K-9 partners receive extensive training at Kennedy Space Center with the NASA security forces in Titusville Florida. Currently the Acworth Police Department has 2 K-9 teams. Both dogs are trained to detect the most common encountered narcotics, track suspects and track missing/endangered adults and juveniles. Our K-9 units also conduct building and article searches. Both K-9 teams are nationally certified through North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) and National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA). Sergeant Curtis Endicott is assigned to the A.C.E. Unit and handles K-9 Marco. Sergeant Endicott has been with the Acworth Police Department since 1994 and assigned to the K-9 unit since 1997. Officer Jason LaRocque is assigned to Evening Watch and handles K-9 Bosco. Officer LaRocque has been with the Acworth Police Department since 2003 and assigned to the K-9 Unit since 2006. The K-9 handlers take their dog’s home at the end of their shift, and the dog becomes a part of their family. In addition to their scheduled shifts, our K-9 teams are on-call 24 hours a day and are ready to respond to assist not only Acworth, but the needs of neighboring law enforcement agencies. Our K-9 teams interact with the community with demonstrations at local elementary and middle schools. They also complete demonstrations for city functions and numerous civic organizations. If you would like to schedule a K-9 demonstration with your school, civic group, or other function, please contact Sergeant Curtis Endicott at the Acworth Police Department (770) 974-1232.  Contact Information: Sergeant Curtis Endicott  - submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Handler: K-9 Officer J.D.Beil
Lebanon Police Department
403 W. St. Louis Street
Lebanon, Illinois 62254 - (618)537-6134 ext 107

 With the passing of Max, the Lebanon police K-9, the department and the community have lost one of their finest. Max, an 8-year-old German shepherd, died Friday at the animal hospital at the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO,after being diagnosed with cancer earlier last week. "Absolutely he will be missed, especially by the department, " Lebanon Police Chief Ron McLemore said. "Everyone gets attached to the K-9, he becomes one of the officers and one of the guys."  The dog's handler, Officer J.D. Beil, said Max had become well known, not only in Lebanon, but also in surrounding communities. "He was the best partner I've ever had," Beil said. "He was a beloved family member." Unfortunately, I just lost my K-9 partner, companion, and friend, MAX. He succumbed to a brief but fierce battle with cancer. He had been a patrol dog since he was 8 months old. Max was 7 years old at the time of his death. Currently, I am in the process of raising funding for the purchase and training of a new patrol K-9. I would like to thank you for your interest in our department and our K-9 program. If there are any questions or information needed, please feel free to contact me.     submitted by :   Sincerely,J.D. Beil

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Handler: Daryl Fitzgerald
Virginia Department of Corrections 
address?
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I am a police officer with Dulles Airport Police in Northern Virginia.  Prior to working here,I was a Patrol K-9 handler for the Virginia Department of Corrections from 1995-2002. My partner K-9 MAX was retired in 2002 and brought home to my family. In 2006, he was put to sleep on Nov. 11,06 due to severe cancer.  I would to memorialize him in some way that would be fitting for the years of dedicated service and being a part of
family who greatly misses him. I have 2 Rottweillers both german, Blaze is 6 1/2 year old German male, and Raven is 4 year old german female. Max and Raven used to spend a lot of time running around the yard together with my 2 sons and of course Blaze would be jealous until he got a chance to run with her.  When I retired Max and bought him home, it took me about 2 months to get Max and Blaze to play together, due to Max being the Alpha. But eventually they got along.  I was going to breed Max and Raven to have a very good litter of pups, since I knew Max was getting up in age but unfortunately it never happened. Even til this day D.J., my oldest son, says he still misses Max.  Even to this day I still remember the day so clearly of when I had to put him to rest.  It hurts just as much now as it did then. submitted by D. Fitzgerald  (late entry)

Quilcene's police dog, Missy, dies 
In May of 2001, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office acquired Missy as their first Narcotic Detection K-9. 
She was donated by a private breeder.  Missy and her handler, Deputy Mark Apeland, attended training at 
the Washington State Department Of Corrections K-9 Narcotics Detection Academy. Missy served with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office as a Narcotics Detection Dog from June 2001 through December 2006, retiring due to health issues.  She continued residing with her handler and his family. On August 3rd, 2007, Missy passed away at her home in Quilcene.  She was 9 years old. Missy will be dearly missed by her handler, the Jefferson County’s Sheriff’s Office, and those who knew her.
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Missy, the police dog is dead. She was 9. Missy joined the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in 2001
as its first narcotic detection K-9. She was donated by a private breeder. She and her handler took 
training at the state Department of Corrections K-9 Narcotics Detection Academy. Missy served with the Sheriff's Office from June 2001 through December 2006, retiring due to health issues. She lived with her former handler and his family in Quilcene - and died there on Friday. "Missy will be dearly missed by her handler, the Jefferson County's Sheriff's Office and those who knew her, " a statement from the Sheriff's Office."  submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA & Mark Apeland

Retired Salem Police Narcotics Canine Mick Passes
 The Salem Police Department lost a loyal and valuable member of the team on Friday. Mick, a 14-year-old 
Chocolate Labrador Retriever that worked narcotics detection for five years, first with handler George Finch, 
then on the streets with Officer Kris Knox. Mick joined the department in 1995 with the help of the community, including several schools that sold Hershey Kisses in a campaign called "Kisses for Mick." Funds raised in that campaign assisted the Salem Police Department in purchasing nd training Mick to be an outstanding narcotics detection asset. Mick assisted in detecting narcotics while on patrol, during search warrants, at the Department of Corrections, at the Marion County Jail and in numerous surrounding jurisdictions. Mick was a very playful dog with an outgoing demeanor and friendly disposition and was 
frequently called on by our community do demonstrations at schools and service organizations. Mick was an excellent ambassador for our agency and he will be greatly missed. submitted by Jim Cortina

My name is John Allen Jr. I’m a State Trooper with the Tennessee Highway Patrol.  On January 19th 2007 Max was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 75 in McMinn County TN. He got away from me after getting into fire ants. Max was a 2 year old, 95 pound black Malinois drug detector. We had just made a case when we pulled into a huge wooded interstate median to give him a break.     submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Police dog with cancer is euthanized
"Marko," a police dog with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, was euthanized last week after a bout with cancer, officials announced Friday. The Belgian Malinois started with the county in April 2002 and worked in the High Point jail with his handler, Cpl. David Thompson. The dog was used to search for drugs and other contraband, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Marko died June 20. "K9 Marko’s five years of dedicated service are greatly appreciated," the office stated in its release. "His spirit and enthusiasm will be sorely missed."
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Sheriff’s Office Mourns Loss of K9
With much regret the Sheriff’s Office announces the death of K9 Marko, Corporal David Thompson’s 
partner. He was euthanized Wednesday June 20 after a brief bout with cancer. Marko, a Belgian Malinois, began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in April 2002,having been trained at Southern Police Canine.  Marko was certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association.  He was assigned duty in the High Point Jail, and could often be seen with Officer Thompson circling the outside several times per day, checking for drugs and other contraband. He proved himself an invaluable member of the team, finding drugs, protecting 
Detention Officers, and preventing violence in jail. At the end of each day, K9 Marko made his home with Officer Thompson. In June 2005, K9 Marko, his handler, Officer Thompson, K9 Kimo (Greensboro Detention), and his handler Officer O’Connor were featured on an episode of “Sheriff’s Beat.”  The K-9 Detention units were shown performing drills and functions besides jail work.  They typically work inside the courthouses
several times per week, escorting inmates for the Bailiffs, and assisting with disturbances.  Both K9 Detention Units also share duties at the County Prison Farm. K9 Marko’s five years of dedicated service are greatly appreciated. His spirit and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. submitted by Jim Cortina

Looking at the car: Kimo is on the trunk, Marko is on the hood and Brek (explosives K9) is on the roof because it's his car, (smile). I m now in training for the next 3 weeks with my new partner Argo. I have adopted Kimo from the Sheriff and he will live out his days in luxury......or at least very comfortably. David lost Marko
and is in school with me now and is doing great with his new (female) partner Zenia...(The Warrior Princess). It's funny, if you know Dave, to see him adjusting to his first female K9 Malinois. His praise voice has
gone up 3-4 octaves. Regards, O'C - associate - Kevin O'Connorkevin oconnor <koconnor7@triad.rr.com>

On January 31, 2006, while working the “Presidential State of The Union Address” detail, my best friend, a family member, and my partner, K-9 Max, was hit and killed by a vehicle. K-9 Max was an Explosive Detection Canine for the Metro Transit Police in Washington D C. Max was a five-year old yellow Labrador who has conducted hundreds of explosive sweeps within the Washington DC Transit system.  Learning of his death, my first ]thoughts was how my wife, Kimberly was going to give Max his rawhide bone that she had purchased for him the day before.  Kimberly loved giving Max a bone.  On the day of January 31st, 2006, before my shift began, I observed a rawhide bone sitting on the shelf, and I said to myself, Max is really going to have a pleasant surprise waiting for him tomorrow morning.  I also thought about my four-year-old son, Ryley. 
Every morning, Ryley would wake up and the first thing he would do is go to the end of my bed and lay with Max.  The other three kids, Jessica, Ryne and Jeffrey wouldn't be able to play fetch with Max as they have so many times in the past.  The kids use to brag about how perfect Max was. In my eyes, Max was my ultimate friend.  Because of Max’s sudden death, I really don’t know how to deal with this emotionally.  Since my family has expressed so many emotions with Max’s sudden death, I feel like I have to be the strong one for them. Max was my first K-9 and I can tell you that he will be deeply missed.  Many people will say that Max was just a dog, but to me Max was my friend, and my partner.  I spent more time with Max then I did my family.  Max was one of my kids.  Hey Max, Ryley wants me to tell you that he loves you and he will see you in Heaven one day.  Max, you will always be in our prayers.Since Max’s death, the support has been overwhelming from our friends, family, and the department.  I want to say thanks to Chief Polly Hanson for the support she has giving towards my family.  I especially want to say thanks to the K-9 Coordinator, Sergeant Thomas Sharkey and all of the Metro Transit Police K-9 Handlers.  Without you guys, I could never have gotten through this. submitted by: Sergeant Thomas Sharkey - Bomb Squad / K-9  Commander 

Handler: Deputy James Hildreth 
Niagara Police Department
5526 Niagara Street Ext., P.O. Box 496
Lockport, New York 14095-0496  (716) 286-4590

Niagara Sheriff's Department Loses Police Dog -  6/3/2006 
The Niagara County Sheriff's Department lost a valued member of its K-9 unit last week when drug detection dog Max died following an illness.  The yellow Labrador retriever was the personal pet of Deputy James Hildreth and his family when they determined the dog had the ability to sniff out drugs. After special training Max became a K-9 member of the department in 1996. He took part in numerous searches of schools. homes, vehicles, and other warrant cases to detect drugs like cocaine, crack, and marijuana. Max also enjoyed being around people and was the star of a Christmas 2005 visit to the young patients and families at Women and Children's Hospital in Buffalo. Deputy Hildreth says Max helped pave the way for the department to establish a K-9 unit. Hildreth is now working with another K-9 dog called Ciro, but says it will be difficult to replace his loyal and loving companion and police partner.     submitted by Jim Cortina

K-9 Services - Black Laboratory Retriever
Manassas Park Police Canine (K-9) teams provide line support to members of the Department with highly mobile, specially trained police service dogs.  K-9 teams perform preventative patrol,including inspection activity, oriented toward prevention of crimes, maintenance of public order and responds to calls for services, traffic direction, and control. The trained law enforcement K-9 team is a valuable supplement to police operations. 
submitted by Jim Cortina and Sgt. Quesenberry

Handler: Chris Thornton
HMP (Her Majesty's Prison) Army
Leeds, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
29 Cotefields Ave. Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, UK LS285EJ
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Mack was a retired prison service dog. He worked at Her Majesty's Prison (above) for approximately seven years, where he was regarded as one of the best dogs they have ever had. He had a very fearsome reputation. His bite was quite awesome, his jaws sounded lust like a crocodile snapping. For all his  aggression when he was working he really was a gentle giant once retired. He wasn't one for much fussing, just a rub behind the ears and the shake of a paw was enough to keep him happy.  His full name was simply just K9 Mack. Over the years
he had a few different handlers, the names of which I do not know. I had the pleasure of his company for the last four years and they were four very happy years. He seemed to love retirement as much as he loved orking. He was a lovely dog to be around, a real gentleman and character. One of the most striking things about Mack was his sheer size. He was huge, with the biggest paws I've ever seen!  He will be missed and never forgotten. submitted by Chris Thornton

Sheriff's Deputy Neil Gardner and police dog Muci were partners until Muci's death over the weekend, three weeks after surgery to remove a tumor from his spleen. "He was a special dog," Gardner said. By Charley Able, Rocky Mountain News November 29, 2006
Sheriff's Deputy Neil Gardner planned to retire to his Western Slope ranch with his police dog Muci at year's end. But now Gardner will finish his 24 years of service to Jefferson County without his longtime partner. Muci died last weekend, apparently passing peacefully in his sleep, after seven years of ensuring the public's safety. When Muci was found dead early Sunday, Gardner was away at the ranch, one of the few times he had gone there without his companion. "It's going to be hard when I actually get home and go the kennel and he's not there," Gardner said Tuesday. "He was a special dog." Muci underwent surgery three weeks ago to have a tumor removed from his spleen and seemed to have bounced back, returning to work within days. Muci's last day on the job was Friday, less than two days before he died. Muci was a top-notch bomb dog, recognized in 2005 as the explosive-detection dog of the year by the Colorado Police Canine Association. "Every time he had a certification (test),he never missed one explosive," Gardner said. The dog's first assignment was at Columbine High School in 1999 after students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 12 of their schoolmates and a teacher before killing themselves. At the time, Gardner was the school resource officer at Columbine. About a year and a half later, though, Muci's previous handler changed jobs and Muci and Gardner partnered up. Muci's sensitive nose uncovered two potentially lethal situations, one at a former business in Golden where the dog found an old cache of dynamite and again at a storage unit where he alerted investigators of the presence of explosives, ammunition and gunpowder. The Gardner-Muci partnership continued off-duty as well, with Muci quickly becoming a member of the Gardner family, which includes three other dogs. Muci offered unbridled devotion and a sense of security for Gardner's five daughters and two sons. "A lot of times, if we weren't home
and the girls were scared at night, they would bring Muci in the house," Gardner said. Muci, a 10-year-old mix known as a Dutch shepherd, spent his last years patrolling the hallways of the county's Administration and Courts Building, where his friendly nature and affectionate ways captured a number of hearts. "You never quite know the worth of your dog. You know he's a special dog, but the way he touched people was quite amazing, actually, "Gardner said. News of Muci's death brought tears to the eyes of a number of county employees,
including Julie Gasparovich, who works at the information desk in the atrium of the county building. "He was just a wonderful dog, an asset to the sheriff's department," Gasparovich said. "You could see how people would radiate to him. They ask about him all the time. He was a sweetie,and I am going to miss him." Pat Holloway, former Jefferson County Commissioner, fell for -Muci the first time they met, in the hallways of the county building. "There aren't many dogs like him; Muci was really special," Holloway said. "He was beautiful, and he 
had a personality. "Many times I would just sit on the floor with him and rub him. He would lay there and cuddle with you. He was a totally different dog . . . than when he was working."
p.s.  Officer Neil Gardner is the sheriff's deputy assigned to work each day at Columbine --there is one armed deputy in each of Jefferson County's high schools, not for any particular reason, according to sheriff's spokesman Davis, just the times we live in. Gardner heard a war erupt in his school and drew his pistol and charged in the direction of the noise. In a corridor near the commons he encountered one of the gunmen and they started firing at each other. Neither was hit. Gardner retreated to call for reinforcements, but already the 911 dispatcher was calling all cars. Two more deputies arrived within minutes and charged into the building. More shots were exchanged. submitted by Jim Cortina

Handler: Police Officer Paul Jackson
Lufkin Police Department
300 E. Shepherd
Lufkin, Texas 75902  -  Ph: 936 633-0356

 During a break early Wednesday from his bomb sniffing duty, Mikey made a fatal, albeit instinctive, mistake when he playfully chased after a pigeon.  The 4-year-old Labrador retriever, known for his professionalism and tail-wagging friendliness, broke away from his handler and leaped to his death from a ramp at the George R. Brown Convention Center about 1:30 a.m.  It's the response you would expect from a typical dog, but Mikey had months of training under his collar and was a nearly two-year veteran of police work.  "This is a highly trained animal, but sometimes you can't train the instinct out of them," said Franceska Perot, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Houston.  Lufkin police officer Paul Jackson and Mikey were part of an ATF unit conducting security sweeps at the convention center in advance of NBA All-Star Game-related events when the accident occurred. Mikey's death marked the first on-duty fatality in the 20-year history of the federal agency's arson and explosives canine program, Perot said. During a water break, Jackson was attempting to place Mikey back into his kennel when the dog saw a pigeon. Mikey broke away from Jackson and leaped over a vehicle ramp leading into the rear of the convention center, falling about 50 feet to his death, Perot said. An ATF medic on the scene treated Mikey for head and spine injuries before a Houston police officer took him to a nearby emergency veterinary clinic. He was pronounced dead there at about 4 a.m., Perot said.  "Jackson is really upset," Perot said. "He's had this dog with him for almost two years."  Jackson could not be reached for comment.  The officer, an 11-year veteran, left word with the Lufkin Police Department that he would be returning there late Wednesday with Mikey, said Lt. Greg Denham, a spokesman for the department. Denham did not have any information about where the dog might be buried.  "He was a good dog," Denham said. "He'd walk into the room and jump up and wag his tail."  Denham 
said clerks in the department's records office doted on Mikey and showered him with treats. Mikey had been on duty since he graduated from ATF's 10-week program in July 2004. Jackson also completed five weeks of training with Mikey and had been assigned to work with and care for him since. The pair was also part of security detail during last year's World Series, Perot said.  "Most of our dogs are placed with ATF agents and they are also placed with state and local officers," she said. "Any time these dogs are placed, it requires a full-time commitment."  The ATF began its explosives-detection canine program in 1992, but the agency began training accelerant-detection dogs six years before. The dogs are trained to detect 19,000 explosive chemical formulas.  The ATF has more than 550 trained accelerant-and explosives detection canines serving with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and in more than a dozen other countries, including Iraq. 
Chronicle reporter Eric Hanson contributed to this report. 
 For more information on the program go to http://www.atf.gov/explarson/canine.htm.   - 
Submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

It is with deep sadness that I inform you that Gary Schad's partner Miko was killed during a traffic stop on a suspected car-jacking suspect last night around 2130 hours. Gary stopped a car that was driving erratically on the overpass at Kino and Aviation. The vehicle stopped near an off-ramp.  As Gary exited his car he heard a female passenger yell that the driver had a gun and had just car-jacked her.  The suspect began running down 
the off-ramp as Gary released Miko.  Just as Miko was about to apprehend the suspect he jumped off of the overpass and Miko followed.  They fell 30 feet. The suspect fell into some bushes that broke his fall and was able to evade capture.  Miko suffered fatal injuries. We are all deeply saddened by the loss.  Miko was a great dog. Please keep Gary and his family in your prayers. Thx. Andy Birtcil & Ike- Tucson Police K-9
Ps. Special Thx to PCSO K-9 who helped look for the suspect for several hours. submitted by Scott Cramer 
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Miko's death a lesson in police dogs' merits 
By Ken Sweet - Arizona Daily Star Tucson, Arizona | 6/2/2006
Two-year-old Aidan Gaunt got a wet kiss last year from Miko, the police service dog who died after a 30-foot fall from an overpass while chasing a suspected carjacker on Saturday. "These dogs are often the face of the TPD," said Miko's handler, Officer Gary Schad. Miko was special. The police canine could sniff out drugs as easily as run down a perp. And probably most appropriately, Miko died Saturday night doing his job, just inches away from nabbing a man police say was a carjacker before the dog fell about 30 feet from an overpass. It was a routine traffic stop, Officer Gary Schad said Thursday, speaking publicly for the first time about the events leading to Miko's death. Schad released Miko when the man bolted from what was until then a routine traffic stop. After an extensive search, the man was not found. "There was no way of calling the dog off in that short amount of time," Schad said. With a suspect so close, police dogs are trained to go after that person to the very end. Schad said the man's choice to dive off the overpass was unpredictable. That Miko followed was not. "They just don't know when to stop," Schad said. "They only know one person who is stronger than them, and that's their trainer." The Schad family is an institution in the Service Dog Unit at the Tucson Police Department, providing a long line of dogs like Miko to the department. Gary Schad has worked in the service-dog unit for 10 years. His father, Richard Schad, founded the unit in 1972 and worked in it until his retirement in 1987. Together they trained seven German shepherds for police-dog work, spanning a quarter-century. Gary Schad and his 11-year-old son, Austin, have had a police dog at home for the majority of their lives. , but nothing has been scheduled, Gary Schad said. Also, Gary Schad will in time get his fourth dog and then retire — just like his father. Being a service-dog family is more than a part of the job. It is a lifestyle. The dogs always come home with the officers and a lot of training is done outside of regular hours. "We put in a lot of personal time to train these dogs," Richard Schad's wife, Lissa, said. "This incident affected the whole family." Even 11-year-old Austin said he wants to be the third-generation Schad to work with police dogs. Gary Schad said with a smile he would like to see his son pursue something different. 
"There's a lot guns and knives out there," Gary Schad said. "I kinda want to see him safe behind a desk." 
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Looking for K9 Miko's suspect
Police are searching for a man they say was involved in a chase where Miko, a police service dog, was fatally injured in a fall from an overpass last month. Ernesto Imperial-Ramos, 36, was identified by police and is being sought on charges of criminal damage and animal cruelty, according to a Tucson Police Department news release. Ramos is known to frequent the area of South Campbell Avenue and East 36th Street. He has a tattoo of boxing gloves on his right shoulder. Miko died May 28 after chasing a carjacking suspect, police said. The man jumped from an overpass at Kino and Aviation parkways and Miko followed. While the man was able to get away, Miko took a 30-foot fall, breaking his back, shattering a leg and suffering neurological damage. He was euthanized as a result of his injuries. More than 200 people attended a memorial service for Miko on Wednesday at Reid Park. He served with Tucson police for 2 1/2 years. A pistachio tree was planted at the park in memory of Miko. Tucson police has proposed that the dog park at Reid Park be named "Miko Memorial Dog Park." Ramos was convicted in 2004 of second-degree burglay in Cochise County, public records show.  Miko was the first to die unexpectedly. "When I was 16, I would be my dad's decoy," Gary Schad said, talking about when he would dress up as a criminal for the dogs to attack during demonstrations. The elder Schad from across the table joked about the beginnings of the unit. "We flew on the seats of our britches," Richard Schad said. "We trained out of a book. Now it's a science. I don't know how we did it." Richard Schad trained with his first dog, Major, along with five other police officers. Back then, he said, there wasn't even a police-dog force in Arizona. The six-member force has grown to nine. Interest in the program also has grown exponentially. "These dogs are often the face of TPD," Gary Schad said. Getting onto the unit is a long and complicated process, Gary Schad said. Police officers need a minimum of five years on the force, but it is highly likely that an officer will have worked at least 10 years before being allowed to train a dog. Although there is now a three-month training process to become a service-dog police officer, much more is needed. "Nothing takes the place of experience," Gary Schad said. The Tucson Police Department has nine trainers in its more than 1,000-member police force. Although Tucson started a service-dog unit in 1972, police dogs did not become as popular in police work until the early 1990s, said Sgt. Rod Mamero of the Payson Police Department, past president of the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association. "They are such an effective tool," Mamero said. "Without a dog, we might have to rely on deadly physical force. You cannot call a bullet back once it has been fired." Gary Schad said the Tucson Police Department traditionally gets its dogs from outside Arizona or the country. When he was working as a dog trainer, Richard Schad said, he had one dog that was born and trained in Germany and only obeyed commands in German: "He took English suggestions." German shepherds bred for police-dog work cost between $4,500 and $9,000 depending on the pedigree of the dog, Mamero said. Miko, a 4-year-old German shepherd, was special for several reasons, Gary Schad said. Among the reasons was Miko's training to sniff out narcotics and work patrol. A dual-purpose dog like that is rare. "I don't know how you can put a price tag on a dog like Miko," Gary Schad said. "They don't exist. You cannot buy them." Both Schads said that dogs get injured on the force occasionally. In January 1995, a TPD canine named Dax was shot in the head by a robbery suspect trying to get away. Dax recovered and continued to serve on the force for several more years. The decision to euthanize Miko was made after five veterinarians diagnosed his extensive injuries. Miko was the first dog to die in the line of duty in Tucson in more than 20 years. Plans are being made for a memorial service for Miko. 
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On May 27, 2006, at approximately 9:37 p.m., Officer Gary Schad, a Tucson Police dog handler since 1996, was following a suspect in a vehicle that had been carjacked in the area of 34th Street /Campbell Avenue. On Kino Parkway, just south of Aviation Parkway the suspect abandoned the victim?s vehicle and fled on foot. K9 Officer Gary Schad released Miko off-leash to pursue the fleeing suspect. The suspect ran southbound on Kino Parkway and jumped from the overpass at Aviation Parkway. Miko pursued the suspect and also jumped from the overpass. Officer Schad found Miko seriously injured on Aviation Parkway. Miko was immediately transported to a local veterinary hospital. The 30-foot fall proved to be fatal for Miko. Miko is a 4 year old German Shepherd and has been serving the Tucson Police Department and our community since September of 2003. He has been Officer Schad?s partner since he went into service in September of 2003. Since then the two have participated in 25 felony arrests, 278 K9 searches, and well over 1,500 hours of training. Miko will be remembered by the citizens of Tucson and by his friends in the Police profession with fondness and appreciation. Information about Memorial Services for Miko will be forthcoming. An extensive area search for the carjacking suspect was fruitless. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to call 911 or 88-CRIME. 
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA  &  Lisa Schrope
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Miko, the police dog killed in the line of duty while pursuing a carjacking suspect on Kino Parkway and Aviation Parkway, is shown here with his handler, Officer Gary Schad of the Tucson Police Department K-9 unit. 
A memorial service for Miko, the police dog killed in the line of duty last month, will be held Wednesday, officials said Monday. The service is to begin at 10 a.m. at Reid Park at Ramada #16 on the west side of the park off South Country Club Road, between East Camino Campestre and East 22nd Street, according to a news release from the Tucson Police Department. Commanders from the Tucson Police Department, K-9 officers and representatives from Valley Animal Hospital and other animal organizations will speak at the ceremony, the release said. A tree will also be planted in Miko's honor. Miko died May 28 after chasing a suspected carjacker, police said at the time. The suspect jumped from an overpass at Kino and Aviation parkways and Miko followed. While the suspect was able to get away, Miko took a 30-foot-fall, breaking his back, shattering a leg and suffering neurological damage. He was euthanized as a result of his injuries. Miko has been cremated and his handler, Officer Gary Schad, said he, his wife and their 11-year-old son will decide in about a year where to spread his ashes. "I think the memorial service, like with any other loss, will bring closure," said Schad, who worked, played and lived with Miko for more than two years. As of Monday, the carjacker still had not been caught, said Sgt. Decio Hopffer, a Tucson police spokesman. For information on how to make a donation in memory of Miko, visit the Tucson Police Foundation Web site, www.tucsonpolicefoundation.org.
Police-dog-fatality suspect sought.  Arizona Daily Star Tucson, Arizona |  06.16.2006
UPDATE: 2007
New Dog Park Opens Honoring Fallen Police K-9  -  Mark Stine KOLD News 13 Reporter
It was a little rainy and a little bit chilly, but still hundreds of people showed up with their dogs in tow to enjoy the new facility honoring a fallen hero. Miko's Corner Playground unveiled and open to dogs of all shapes and sizes. Dog owner Tiana Wade said, "It's just wonderful to have a place where your dogs can actually be a dog and socialize with other dogs and get that energy out."  "It's a place dogs can come and socialize and be off the leash and hang out together," Parker Summons told KOLD.  This new off-leash facility at Reid Park is dedicated to Miko, a former Tucson Police K-9 killed in the line of duty. You might remember, back in May of 2006, Miko and K-9 officer Gary Schad were after a man in a car-jacked vehicle. The suspect left the car, ran and jumped off a bridge with Miko behind him. The man survived the fall, Miko did not. Schad had worked with Miko for three years. "To have a park like this dedicated in his memory is just really special," Schad explained. Even though Miko could never be replaced and will always be remembered with this new dog park, Officer Schad does have a new partner named Janco. "I spent a long time looking for him and I've got him trained up now and we're back deployable again. So life is a little bit better than it was a year ago," Schad told KOLD. And because of Miko, life is a lot better for all of these dogs who have a new place to stretch out and play.  The two acre park has two separate areas, one for large dogs and one for smaller ones. It has a good mixture of grass and dirt for the dogs to run.  Wade told us, "They get a different textural sense on their paws to feel something that's not normally here in Tucson and you really get to feel like this is a park, it's not just a fenced in dirt lot."  The park also has lights, a doggy water fountain and even a fire hydrant.
"Hopefully we can keep it nice and clean so it looks beautiful like this all the time," Wade said. 
submitted by Jim Cortina 2007