'One of a kind' K-9 officer mourned in Brentwood
The children at Moore Elementary School in Brentwood saw Ranger as just another friendly police officer, said Principal Bob Monaghan. "The kids were always excited when he visited during assemblies," Monaghan said of the Brentwood police K-9. "He was pretty imposing. I discourage parents from bringing dogs to the school because some little ones get frightened, but we didn't get that reaction with Ranger." The German shepherd that spent eight years with Brentwood police died last month after surgery for cancer, said Mayor Ken Lockhart. "All the kids loved him," said police Chief Robert Butelli. Butelli said the dog was affectionate when greeted by children at football games or during the borough's annual July Fourth parade. But he also described him as a "valuable asset" when apprehending suspects, tracking missing adults and children, and helping with drug seizures. According to the borough's Web site, Ranger had more than $900,000 in cash and drug seizures and helped find five missing children and one adult. The borough acquired the dog in 1999 when he and Officer Milt Mulholland left the Pittsburgh.
submitted by Jim Cortina & Renee Konias
******
The K9 ranger has been in service in Brentwood since November 1999. During his career he has over 900 thousand in cash and drug finds. He has also located 5 lost children and one elderly person with Alzheimer's. He also has 14 street felony apprehensions, the most of any dog in Western Pennsylvania.

Animals n like people - are all unique, but some are just special.
K9 law enforcement officers put everything they have into their job. Working with a human partner, who is also their best friend and caretaker, they also put themselves “on the line.” Their job, too, is to protect and defend. Losing one of them is as tough as losing any other partner.  Rommel (Ben), a four-year-old German Shepherd, had been a member of the Hendry County Sheriffs Office for about a year. Last Saturday night, Sept. 15, while working a DUI checkpoint on SR 29S at Wilson Road, Rommel collapsed. Rommel’s handler, Sgt. Bruce Slade, is a certified canine drugs and explosives detection trainer. He has been with the Hendry County Sheriff’sOffice for five and a half years. He said Rommel had just made one pass during a narcotic search. Sgt. Slade checked his stricken partner and then drove him to the animal hospital in Fort Myers. It was to no avail, the dog died enroute. An autopsy showed Rommel had a golf ball-sized tumor in his heart that could only have been found through ultrasound. Rommel had never shown any signs of a physical problem. Almost exactly a year ago Rommel came to work for the Hendry County Sheriffs Office and became Sgt. Slade’s partner. The 106-pound German Shepherd was born in Holland, and was titled there in International Trial Rules, level 3 (IPO3) in tracking, obedience and protection. Rommel and Sgt. Slade graduated recently from Lee County Sheriffs Office K9 school, where he earned his certification in narcotics detection, tracking, handler protection and patrol duties. Early in his career, Rommel had done his part both in serving several search warrants and at vehicle stops. He had successfully tracked one suspect. This tragic night was his first night checkpoint. “Rommel loved to work -- he was enthusiastic. He just lived to work and he was a good family dog,” Sgt. Slade said. He and Rommel had done several K9 demonstrations throughout the city over the past year. The law enforcement community will show its respects to Rommel at a memorial service Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the LaBelle Civic Center. The service will begin at 11 a.m. Rommel’s ashes will be presented to Sgt. Slade at that time. The public is also invited to pay their respects at the service.   submitted by lulu

It is with very heavy hearts and the deepest regret that the Glassboro Police Department announces the passing of K-9 REX on August 2, 2007 at 0545 hours.  Ten year old Rex expired under the care of the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania after being diagnosed with inoperable and terminal cancer.  K-9 Rex and his handler, Ptl. Butch Moore, were trained at the Philadelphia Police K-9 Academy in June of 2000. They graduated from Basic Patrol Course and from the New Jersey State Police K-9 Training Unit from the Explosive Detection Course  in November 2001. They were also certified with the USPCA (United States Police Canine Association) and received numerous awards and achievements throughout their career. This K-9 team bravely served the community of Glassboro and several other municipalities throughout our region working with various federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. During the 8 years of service, Rex and Ptl. Moor were responsible for the apprehension of numerous violent criminals, for finding lost children, for searching out explosives, and for thrilling crowds at numerous K-9 demonstrations like the Philadelphia Hero Scholarship Thrill Show. Rex and Ptl. Moore were recognized by the Governor of the State of New Jersey for their efforts during the tragedy at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.  All that said, Rex's most important duties were being a loyal partner, protector, and friend to Butch and his family. K-9 Rex and Ptl. Moore served with the kind of dedication and commitment not commonly found in any professional discipline.  Rex will be sorely missed, however he has, without question, earned his place on the Glassboro Police Department's K-9 Memorial.  Rex, a Czechoslovakian shepherd l was still working at the time of his death.
Submitted by Office R. Giordano    (Bob & I attended this service)

Prison dog handlers await discipline in canine's death
Two Department of Corrections dog handlers are waiting to see whether they will be disciplined after a canine they cared for died last month. The dog, Rik, is one of five Arizona law enforcement dogs that have died - three in heat related incidents - since March. The dog, a 5-year-old Belgian malinois stationed at Perryville Prison in Goodyear, was in his outdoor exercise run from 9 a.m. until about noon on July 2. Rik was alone without any handlers during the morning exercise, when dogs are allowed to roam in an enclosed area with water. The temperatures reached 105 in Phoenix by noon that day, according to the National Weather Service. A corrections employee discovered the canine was in "distress." The dog was taken to a veterinarian, but died in the evening, department spokesman Bill Lamoreaux said.
Although no official cause of death has been announced, the two canine handlers on staff that day have been reassigned, Lamoreaux said. The Department of Corrections has been using dogs for 25 years in its facilities to search for drugs, weapons and suspects. There are an additional 46 dogs on staff, although Lamoreaux said he is unsure whether any of their routines have been changed. The other canine deaths:
• In March, a Mesa police dog was struck and killed by a vehicle while in pursuit of a suspect, 
and a Phoenix Police Department dog died of heat related illness. 
• In July, Bandit, a Chandler police dog, died after being left in his handler's police vehicle 
for about 12 hours. 
• On Monday, a Department of Public Safety dog was struck and killed by a semi-truck 
on Interstate 10 outside of Benson while helping in an arrest. 
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

The Arizona Department of Public Safety has identified the police dog who was killed in the line of duty Monday evening during a chase on Interstate 10 southeast of Tucson. Rico had been with the DPS canine unit for about four years and in that time he was responsible for the seizure of approximately 68,000 pounds of marijuana, five pounds of heroin, 86 pounds of cocaine, 95 pounds of meth amphetamine and nearly $1 million in U.S. currency, according to a news release from the Department of Public Safety. Rico’s death stemmed from an incident on I-10 near milepost 287, just outside of Benson, at about 7:10 p.m. when a DPS officer attempted to pull over a Chevrolet pickup truck for speeding excessively, the release said. The officer turned on his emergency lights, but the driver did not stop, instead accelerating, which led to a short pursuit, the release said. Within a minute, the driver pulled off the roadway but he and his passenger bailed from truck and ran. At that time, the officer saw 967 pounds of marijuana in the truck and began chasing after them on foot. He also deployed Rico to help in catching the men. The officer caught one of the men, but lost sight of Rico, the release said. For an unknown reason, Rico apparently became distracted and instinctively return to the patrol car. The second man was also arrested but at some point, Rico ran out onto I-10 where he was fatally struck by a tractor trailer, the release said. The two men in the truck have been identified as Miguel Angel Mendivil Noreiga, 25, and C. Marco Antonio Miranda Siqueiros, 29. Both men are illegal entrants from Mexico, the release said. Both were to be booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of transportation of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale.
+++++++++++++ AND ++++++++++++
Fallen DPS dog joined in scores of arrests By Alexis Huicochea - arizona daily star
An Arizona Department of Public Safety dog killed in the line of duty has been lauded as one of the 
hardest working members of the department's canine unit.  Seven-year-old Rico had been with the department
for about four years when he ran into traffic on Interstate 10 southeast of Tucson about 7:10 p.m. Monday
and was struck by a tractor trailer rig, said DPS Sgt. Paul Castellano. Rico is the third law enforcement dog to die in the line of duty in the last three years in the Tucson area. According to Castellano, Rico and his handler, a 16 year veteran with the department, were trying to capture two men who ran from a truck after a traffic stop.  The truck was westbound on I-10 at milepost 287 when the officer tried to pull it over for speeding, Castellano said.  A three mile chase ensued but came to an end when the truck crashed and the two men bailed, he said. Inside the truck the officer found 967 pounds of marijuana. The officer and Rico chased the men and were able to catch and arrest them, Castellano said. As the suspects were being handcuffed, Rico returned to the patrol car, as he is trained to do, but at some point he became confused and ran into the road, where he was struck by the 18 wheeler.  Rico was pronounced dead at the scene, Castellano said. The driver of the rig did not remain at the scene and authorities had no information on the driver or the vehicle.  Castellano said no charges are expected against the driver of the tractor trailer rig but asks that he or she come forward to assist with the investigation and to bring closure. "The officers take the dogs home with them, they become a member of their families and a part of our families as well," Castellano said. "The dogs are trained to risk their own lives for the officers." Added an emotional Sgt. Ray Kennedy, supervisor of the dog unit, "Rico was an extremely important canine. The officers and canines in this area and state are some of the most dedicated, hardworking teams there are." The two men, Miguel Angel Mendivil, 25, and Marco Antonio Miranda-Siqueiros, 28, were booked into the Pima County jail on suspicion of transportation of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. The Arizona Attorney General's Office is reviewing the case to determine if the men will face charges in connection with Rico's death, Castellano said. Both men are illegal entrants from Mexico. Rico was one of four DPS dogs working in Tucson, Castellano said. He was responsible for the seizure of about 68,481 pounds of marijuana, 5 pounds of heroin, 86 pounds of cocaine, 95 pounds of meth amphetamine and more than $800,000 in U.S. currency, according to the DPS.  Rico also took part in the seizure of 66 vehicles, 36 weapons, 44 stolen vehicles and 131 drug related arrests. DPS officials said the agency has the funds to replace Rico, but they do not know when that will happen. Rico, a Belgian Malinois, was purchased for about $6,000. A dog now costs about $8,000. The dogs in the DPS canine unit must successfully complete a 10 week course with their handlers before they will begin working on the street. It takes about a year before the dogs are considered fully trained. They also undergo eight hours of training every week and have to be recertified annually for narcotics and patrol work, Kennedy said. Most dogs work until they are about 7 years old before they retire, he added. This is the first time an Arizona DPS dog has been killed in the line of duty, Castellano said. The last law enforcement dog killed on duty in the Tucson area was Miko, in 2006. He served with the Tucson Police Department for nearly three years before jumping off a bridge while chasing a suspected carjacker and suffering fatal injuries. According to Arizona Daily Star archives, a Pima County Sheriff's Department dog also named Rico was killed in the line of duty in 2004 as deputies were chasing a man suspected of stealing a motorcycle. Rico was following the man across Interstate 19 when he was struck by a vehicle. A memorial service for Rico, the DPS dog, is being planned and should be announced in the next few days.  Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at 629-9412 or ahuicochea@azstarnet.com.****Memorial service set Wednesday for police dog killed near Benson  9/5/07  Arizona ******* UPDATE
Rico, four years with the canine unit, was responsible for the seizure of approximately 68,000 pounds of marijuana, five pounds of heroin, 86 pounds of cocaine, 95 pounds of meth amphetamine and nearly $1 million in cash during his career. The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have a memorial service for the police dog Rico in Tucson on Wednesday morning. The memorial service will be held at the Tucson headquarters at 6401 S. Tucson Blvd. today at 10 a.m. Rico died helping in a pursuit. Officer Keith Duckett was trying to pull over a speeding Chevrolet truck on Interstate 10 near Benson around 7 p.m. Aug. 20. After turning on his emergency lights, Duckett followed the suspects as they drove off the interstate and crashed the truck. The two men fled from the truck after a three-mile pursuit. Rico helped the officer pursue the two men. While the first suspect was taken into custody, Rico became distracted and instinctively headed back toward the patrol car. During the arrest of the second suspect, Rico ran back across the interstate. He was struck and killed by a semi-tractor trailer. Nearly 970 pounds of marijuana were found in the truck abandoned by Miguel Angel Mendivil Noreiga, 25, and C. Marco Antonio Miranda Siqueiros, 29, according to Public Safety officials. Both men were booked into the Pima County Sheriff's office jail in Tucson on suspicion of transportation of marijuana, possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana for sale. The men are undocumented immigrants from Mexico, according to the Department of Public Safety. The canine's death follows the March death of a Mesa Police Department dog that was struck and killed by a vehicle after chasing a suspect. In addition, two dogs have perished from heat related illnesses: a Phoenix Police Department canine died in March, and a Chandler Police Department canine died in August. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA  &  Owen Keefe

On 17 February 2007 K9 Robby attended his last detail which was the 2007 Hank Days Parade. K9 Robby and his handler, Dentition officer James Rochester, represented the department as they have in past years by attending the parade procession. At approximately 18:44 hours, K9 Robby suddenly passed away at Officer Rochester's residence where he was boarded. K9 Robby has conducted random searches in the Detention Center prisoner housing units, Yuma County Courthouse and perimeter, in-coming property, high risk cell extraction's and over 400 hrs. of in  service training since 2001. Robby is sadly missed by all at the.
submitted by Renee' Konias

A retired New Castle police canine dies after a seven-month battle with cancer 
- By Debbie Wachter Morris - New Castle News
A retired New Castle canine officer has succumbed to cancer. Rico, an 8-year-old award-winning Belgian Malinois, was euthanized July 25 after his battle with the disease, according to New Castle Police Chief Tom Sansone. The dog had been living with his owner and handler, Mark Darcangelo, since his retirement from the force in April 2006. Darcangelo, a patrolman, took Rico with him when he left the police force a year ago to work as a Homeland Security agent, based in Washington, D.C.  He choked up yesterday, talking about the bond he had shared with his partner and faithful friend. “I worked with him eight hours a day, then he slept with me at night and when I watched television he was beside me,” Darcangelo said. “No matter where I went, there he was.” When Rico retired from the police department, Darcangelo was grateful to keep him, thanks to Sansone’s help, he said. When Darcangelo and his wife, Heather, were married two years ago, Rico became a family dog and was loyal to both of them. But Rico would miss his owner, and his owner would miss him, when he left for assignments. Darcangelo was alarmed in December when he noticed a bump on Rico’s chest. A Maryland veterinarian broke the bad news — Rico had an aggressive cancer and might live only about two months. As the tumor grew, Rico was given drugs to slow the process and he had lived seven months when the couple agreed to end his suffering. “He was a fighter,” Darcangelo said. Rico was hired by the New Castle police in April 2004. He understood English and Dutch commands as well as hand and arm signals. Born in Holland, he was imported for police work.  He previously worked for the Youngstown police but was retired from there for budgetary reasons. Youngstown’s loss was New Castle’s — and Darcangelo’s — gain. Tri-State Canine Services of Warren, Ohio, had notified the New Castle police that Rico was available for adoption, and Darcangelo wanted him as his partner, Sansone said. The police department paid $1,000 for him, and it received a donation from Mr. Pizza on East Washington Street to purchase a canine-equipped patrol car,
which is still in use.    -    submitted by Renee Konias

Longview Police Department's most successful K9 dies of old age
Longview's K9 Reno, the most successful police dog in the Longview Police Department's history, died Sunday at home. His partner, Officer Steve Dennis, said Reno, who would have been 12 next month, had been troubled with back and hip problems in recent months. Shepherds have a life span of 10 to 12 years. Born Sept. 18, 1995, in the Czech Republic, Reno was shipped to the United States in 1998 by a breeder who looks overseas for dogs bred with tracking skills. Dennis saw him in January 1998, a week after Reno arrived in the states, and chose him before anyone else got the chance. Because Reno didn't understand English, Dennis had to learn to command him in Czech. On his first night on the job, in April 1998, Reno captured his first suspect. By the time he retired in November 2004, he had racked up 184 captures. "This dog is in a league of his own," former Longview Police Captain Stan Munger said upon Reno's retirement. "He's the premier K9 in my 23 1/2 years of service. This is an all-star. This is like Ichiro Suzuki -- our top hitter. " In August 2003, Reno became nationally famous for capturing William Allan Repp for the fourth time in connection with car theft and eluding. The story still shows up on Google searches. Sometimes Reno's reputation alone was enough to make a capture, Dennis said. One night in the rural Kalama area, Reno was tracking a suspect into the woods. Dennis announced police presence, waited in vain for a response, then warned the suspect he would be bitten if he didn't come out. "This voice comes, 'What dog is that?' " Dennis said. "I said, 'It doesn't matter, come out.' " Again, the suspect asked which dog it was. "I said it was Reno. He said, 'Don't send him in -- I'm coming out!' " Dennis said. "He definitely loved his work, that was for sure," Dennis said. "And he was such a nice dog. His temperament -- he's good around the kids. He knew when it was time to work and he knew when it was time to play." After Reno retired, people often asked Dennis how his dog was doing. "It's amazing," Dennis said. "He really took the town by storm." It took Reno about 6 months to a year "to kind of settle down and get into retirement mode," Dennis said. He really slowed down in the last year and a half. Reno will be buried at a deputy's residence west of town where he loved to romp when Dennis was out of town.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA & R. Konias

emailed PD for .jpg 

Handler: Officer Oscar Santos 
Indio Police Department
46800 Jackson St
Indio, California 92201 - (760)347-8522 

Indio police dog dies this morning- 7/5/07
Rotor, an active Indio Police dog, unexpectedly died Thursday morning of complications from old age, Indio police said. Rotor, 9, was born in Germany and served with his partner, Officer Oscar Santos, for five years.“ We’ll miss seeing him,” Indio Police Spokesman Ben Guitron said. “They become very attached to the staff.” Indio’s canine unit is down to one dog now following a retirement and another officer’s promotion. The department is looking for a replacement, which will be purchased and trained through community donations. Call 391-4111 to make a donation or for more information.  submitted by Jim Cortina, CPWDA Dir.

Handler:  Officer R. Nickels
City of El Paso Police Dept.
2 Civic Center Plaza, 3rd Floor
El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: 915-541-4081 - Fax: 915-541-4220
E-mail: Ceniceroslx@ci.el-paso.tx.us
Website: www.elpasotexas.gov
Pat Pacillas- Officer Paul Pacillas #1012
El Paso Police Department
911 N. Raynor
El Paso, Texas  79903
915-564-7065  - 915-564-7177 fax
submitted by Paul Pacillas

 North Port Police Department to hold memorial service Friday 
 Memorial service planned for Friday to honor Racco, a North Port Police K-9 who passed away on Sept. 12. 
He was more than a dog to North Port Police Sgt. Tony Sirianni. He was his partner and a fellow police officer to whom Sirianni said he owes his life. North Port Police K-9 Racco passed away on Sept. 12. Sirianni said he fed Racco lunch at 11 a.m. At 3 p.m., Racco fell asleep and never woke up. Racco was 14 years old. A memorial service will be held for Racco in front of the North Port Police Department at 9 a.m. Friday.  Sirianni said that, in the beginning of his K-9 career in February, 1997, he and Racco  a Dutch Shepherd, responded to a call about a man with a weapon who broke into a home. Sirianni said Racco started a track. However, the armed man circled and was behind Sirianni, ready to attack him. "Racco jumped back and to the right," Sirianni said. "Trying to control Racco, I ordered the person to come out."  The man gave himself up.  "He (Racco) had my back on that day," Sirianni said, after learning of the man's intentions. Sirianni said if it were not for Racco, he would not be here today. Racco would go on to save the lives of many people during his four and a half years on the job.  Sirianni said Racco helped find an autistic 4-year-old child after he was discovered missing for two hours in a cold rain. "He (the child) was minutes from death," Sirianni said.  Racco also saved two suicidal people, who tried to overdose on drugs.  What Sirianni remembers the most about Racco is he never left his side.  "Most dogs like to run around and check things out," Sirianni said. As he said this, his other K-9 dog, Ares, halted the interview as Sirianni had to chase him. Ares was running along Sirianni's fence. "Racco never left my side. He was a true partner," he said. Racco completed almost 600 calls during his career, including apprehending 59 people, biting only eight. Sirianni recalled some of Racco's most notable collars. "About halfway through his career, Racco and I responded to a call where a woman said her x-husband was at her house, trying to break in, threatening to kill her," Sirianni said. "The woman had a restraining order against him. We arrived and the man ran around the back of the house. Racco raced to the back of the house. He found the man hiding in thick palmetto, and dragged him out of it by his leg." Sirianni also recalled Racco's last apprehension. Racco caught three burglars as they were coming out of the back windows of the Moose Lodge. Racco retired from the job in December, 2001. "I can only hope to be the 'man' that Racco was," Sirianni said. When asked what he meant by this, Sirianni's voice started to break, saying it was hard to explain. "I don't consider him a dog. He is a police officer, working side-by-side with me," he said. "No matter what I asked of him, he was happy to do it. He would have died for me," Sirianni said. "How many men do you know that have that kind of fortitude?" Finding it harder to speak, Sirianni said that he can only hope that he could measure up to Racco.  submitted by Jim  Cortina

Police dog found strangled in woods
RCMP police dog killed in the line of duty , Baltimore, N.B. On July 22, 2006, Caledonia District 11 RCMP responded to a call of an armed man in Baltimore, N.B. The J Division Emergency Response Team and Police Service Dog “Rain” were also called to the scene. At the scene, “Rain” got away from his handler and pursued a suspect into a wooded area. The suspect was bitten by the dog, but the man managed to escape back to his home where he was later arrested. “Rain” did not return.  At 2pm on the following day, July 23, “Rain” was discovered dead in the woods. "Rain" was later flown to the university of PEI Veterinary College for an autopsy. At this time, no charges have been laid. The matter is still under investigation.  Sgt. Maurice Comeau  506-387-2222
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MONCTON (CP) — A preliminary autopsy has revealed that a New Brunswick police dog died from strangulation over the weekend while out hunting for a man. The German shepherd, Rain, accompanied his handler to a call Saturday afternoon in Baltimore, N.B.  Police were told a man was threatening to kill himself with a rifle somewhere on his large, wooded property.  Sgt. Maurice Comeau said K9 Rain was on the hunt for the man, trying to sniff him out of the woods but then he got loose. It was while on the prowl without his handler, leash trailing behind him, that Rain ran into trouble.  "The dog got away," Comeau said. "The dog found this guy in the woods and there was a skirmish between him and the dog. The dog did bite him, and the guy managed to escape." Police say the suspect was found later Saturday afternoon in one of the several buildings on the property with a dog bite. He told police he didn't harm the dog, and no gunshots were heard. submitted by Jim Cortina & Paul Green

It is with a very heavy heart that I just learned of the passing of K-9 Recon at 09:00 hrs this morning. Recon was handled by officer Bob Suarez of the Clinton Tn. P.D.,in Region 8.   For those of you that may have met Bob & Recon, they were one team that you would never forget.  Recon was a black,  curly haired,  Belgium Lackenois,  who most of us referred to as - jokingly -  the "goat dog". Bob and Recon were one of most consistently solid narcotic detection teams I have had the privilege of scoring.  Recon was also dual purpose trained in Cadaver work,  another area in which they both excelled in year after year.  Recon had excellent results on the streets as well. If you were lucky enough to have spent some time with Bob and Recon,   then you saw just an amazing bond between handler and dog.   Recon will be remembered for many,  many, years.  He touched the  liver's of so many people.   " Recon,  rest in peace my friend." 
submitted by Dusty Simon & Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA     website - http://www.clintontn.net/Police/index.htm

Clinton Police Department cadaver dog, Recon, who with his handler came to the Department three years ago, has died. Recon, an 11-year-old Belgian Lakinois, died Feb. 25, after battling a debilitating illness. Detective Bob Suarez brought Recon with him when he joined the Clinton Police Department in March 2003.  In 2004, Recon became the first dog nationally certified through U.S. Police Canine Association as a cadaver dog. He also received first place in 2004 in the cadaver category during USPCA national competition in Bay St. Louis, MS.  In 2005, Recon was the first dog to certify as a cadaver dog through the International Forensic Research Institute.  Being a cadaver dog means he's trained to search for bodies. "Recon was a tremendous asset to our department," said Police Chief Rick Scarbrough. "He was known throughout the area as a great public relations dog, but he was also respected in the law enforcement community. The 'old man,' as Suarez referred to him, always came through."  I sure you hear all the time about how special each and every one of our K9 partners are. Of course Recon was no exception. He was big, fuzzy, no tail, strange haired dog, that no would believed to be a police service dog. I’ve trained more than a hundred police dogs and taught in dozens of seminars. Attended several national police dog trials I’ve not seen nor heard of a dog like mine. It may sound like bragging but it is not.  I would like you to know just some of his deeds. 

 Reno, the beloved and hard-working Kirkwood Police Department canine officer, died on Thursday, Nov. 16. He was nine years old and worked with his handler/partner Sgt. Dave DeGonia for seven-and-a-half years.  Reno was taken to Clark Animal Hospital on Nov. 16 after he didn't want to get up for breakfast, according to DeGonia. Numerous cancerous tumors were found throughout his abdomen and he was euthanized. "Reno was far and above the average K-9 dog," Kirkwood Police Chief Jack Plummer, noting much of the credit goes to DeGonia. Not only was Reno a good search and tracking dog, but he was also wonderful with the public, Plummer said.  As recently as two weeks ago, Reno helped to locate a suspect in a Ladue robbery case, the chief added.  Reno was a German Shepherd born in the Netherlands. The Kirkwood Police Department acquired Reno in May of 1999. He attended the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department's canine school with DeGonia. DeGonia joined the Kirkwood Police Department in August 1987 and was promoted to sergeant in August 2005. During their first regional patrol certification through the United States Police Canine Association (U.S.P.C.A.) the canine team finished fifth out of approximately 40 canine teams. This was exceptional for a first time canine team. Dave and Reno consistently placed in the top ten and one year they finished as high as second. Reno had many accomplishments not only in Kirkwood, but also throughout the St. Louis area. Assisting the Maryland Heights Police Department, Reno helped track down a suspect who had fled into Creve Coeur. When officers from several different departments were unable to locate the suspect, Reno began his search. Reno located the suspect in a high grassy and wooded area. DeGonia knew Reno had located the suspect when he heard the suspect yell, "I give up."  Officers and citizens alike will also remember the way Reno could open the car door with his nose and close it by pulling a handle inside of the door. Reno was not only DeGonia's partner, he was also a part of his family. He lived with the DeGonia family which includes Dave's wife Kathy and their two young daughters, plus Jack, a nine-year-old yellow lab and Greta, an 18-month old German shepherd. Every dog training exercise ends with the dog coming to a heel position and staying until he is given his release command when he is rewarded and praised, DeGonia said. Reno's release command was "free" and his reward was his favorite "Kong" ball.    DeGonia said he always praised Reno by telling him he was a clever dog — "Reno, you are clever dog and now you are free."  "Reno made people smile and made criminals nervous," DeGonia said. "Being able to watch both sides of his personality made me feel so proud to be his handler. " He taught me many things and gave me many memories," he added. "I will cherish those memories and use them to help other canine teams as well as my future dogs."  Chief Plummer said the department has been getting calls — both in sympathy and to volunteer financial help to replace Reno. "It's an expensive endeavor and very worthwhile," Plummer said concerning b-taining and training a K-9 dog. He noted the department will look into the situation after the first of the year. "I'd hate to be the dog following Reno," Plummer said. A public ceremony to honor Reno will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m. at the Kirkwood Police Department, 131 W. Madison Ave. Plans are to plant a dogwood tree in Reno's honor. Some of Reno's "running buddies" will likely be in attendance, Plummer said.   submitted by J. Cortina

A Defiance County Sheriff's dog, which was trained in drug detection, search and recovery, and aggression, 
was struck by a car and killed instantly in a hit-and-run incident in southeastern Defiance County. (date) Rowdy, a German shepherd, was about 6.5 years old and was part of the sheriff's crew for 5 years. He was hit shortly after 4 PM on Harris Road just south of Hoffman Road in Highland Twp. in the far southeast corner of Defiance County where he lived with his handler Deputy Aaron Giesige. Rowdy had run onto the road into the path of a light blue car that was northbound on Harris Rd. The driver did not stop, according to the Ohio Highway Patrols Defiance post, which is investigating. A spokesman for the sheriff's department said today that Towdy was outside Deputy Giesige's home being "attended to" by a family member when he chased an animal onto the road and was killed. Rowdy's death leaves Sheriff David Westrick with one GSD named Malek, 2 years old and has been with the offices less than a year.  submitted by Jim Cortina

The Utah Highway Patrol reports that a K-9 dog has died after being left inside a vehicle by its handler. The dog, named "Reggie",  died of apparent heat exhaustion on Sunday after his handler says he left the animal inside his vehicle with the engine running and the air conditioning on. In a statement released Monday, the UHP said leaving a K-9 police dog inside a vehicle with the air conditioning on is "standard procedure".  The handler was staying with other troopers at a hotel in Green River. According to the statement, UHP K-9 trooper Brad Zeeman arrived at the hotel Sunday afternoon and left Reggie in the vehicle. A concerned citizen advised hotel management who then advised Trooper Zeeman that his dog was struggling inside the UHP cruiser. The trooper rushed outside and found Reggie unconscious inside the vehicle. The troopers immediately took Reggie and put him into an ice bath to try and lower his core temperature, and then took the dog to a veterinarian in Price, where he later died.  The Utah Highway Patrol is conducting an internal investigation into the incident. 
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  (KUTV) SALT LAKE CITY A police dog inside a Utah Highway Patrol car for six hours collapsed and later died when the air conditioner failed in extreme heat.  Reggie, a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois with a nose for finding drugs, was put in an ice bath and rushed to a veterinarian Sunday night but didn't survive. "As you can imagine, there are a couple of people who are broken up," Trooper Jeff Nigbur said Tuesday. "He was a hard worker and had some good dope finds. "Reggie and his handler were on weekend patrol near Interstate 70. The dog was given food and water and placed in the patrol car outside a motel with a window open 4 inches and the air conditioner on, Lt. Chris Simmons told the Desert Morning News.  At some point, the air conditioner failed and instead blasted warm air.  "There was antifreeze all over the parking lot. Something happened to the car, and we lost the coolant," Capt. Jeff Graviet said.  Trooper Brad Zeeman, who was asleep at the motel, was awakened when someone reported Reggie struggling in the car around 4 p.m. The Utah Highway Patrol typically keeps dogs inside climate-controlled vehicles rather than ask if an animal can stay in a room, Graviet said.  "In years past, we've had issues with motels," he said. "We came up with a program to have the kennel in the car.
It's worked for several years. We've never had a problem."  The temperature in the area was 100 degrees or higher, Graviet said.  Zeeman had not activated a system that opens all windows and sounds the horn when the inside temperature exceeds 80 degrees, Graviet said.  Reggie had hundreds of drug finds, including 100 pounds of marijuana in the gas tank of a truck in 2002. He once tracked down a man who had assaulted a police officer and fled into the hills of Tooele.

Handler - Deputy Don Zickmund 
Benton County Sheriff's Department
105 S Lincoln Avenue
Fowler, Indiana 47944  (765)884-0080 

A police dog that served with the Benton County Sheriff's Department died. 
Rolf, an eight-year-old German Shepherd from the Netherlands, was diagnosed with bone cancer and suffered a stroke. Deputy Don Zickmund was Rolf's handler for six years. Rolf worked with the Rensselaer Police Department for four years before serving with the Benton County Sheriff's Department.  Rolf was the only canine serving with the department, but the department does plan to continue to pursue a canine program. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. for Rolf at the town park of Fowler. 
The public is welcome to attend.   submitted by Jim Cortina

call for .jpg of Reno

Handler: Officer Chris Gawlas 
Jefferson Hills Police Department
925 Old Clairton Rd.
Jefferson Hills, PA  15025
PH: 412 655.735 - 412 655.2222

Officers Mourn K-9 Companions Death
The Jefferson Hills Police Department mourned the loss of a K-9 unit that was put to sleep earlier in the week.
The highly-trained dog was acting as a PR pooch since being shot with a pellet gun while playing in the backyard with his partner, officer Chris Gawlas. Gawlas, of the Jefferson Hills Police Department, said the shooting would make sense “if he was engaging a subject, or if he was in a building and something happened. I could understand that,” he said. “But he was in my backyard. There's no words for that, that is cowardice.” The dog, Reno, was put to sleep after the lingering effects of the shooting became too painful. Reno was trained as a utility K-9, which meant that he could track lost people or search buildings for narcotics or injured people. The training cost more than $10,000. Donations and seized cash from drug dealers will help pay for Reno’s replacement. Those who worked along side the dog said it would take a long time to get over Reno’s death. It is with the deepest sympathy that Jefferson Hills Police officer John "Chris" Gawlas and his family announces the passing of K9 Reno. Chris was forced to retire Reno last year after Reno was shot several times with a high-powered pellet gun in his own back yard. One of the pellets was lodged next to Renos spine, which caused him great discomfort. The injury got worse over the last year and over the last couple of days Reno quickly lost his ability to walk or even stand. Early Friday morning, Chris was forced to put Reno down to put him at ease. If it were not for this injury, Reno probably would still be serving the residents of Jefferson Hills today. Reno proudly served his community and partner with honor everyday of his career. He will be greatly missed by all.  A memorial service is being planned to honor our fallen brother. I will post all further information. Please pass this on to get the word out. If you would like to send condolences, please email them to me and I will forward them to Chris and his family or you can mail them to the following address.
Jefferson Hills Police Department   C/O Officer Chris Gawlas
925 Old Clairton Rd.  Jefferson Hills, Pa. 15025
**********
Supporters ensure new K-9 for Jefferson Hills
Thursday, December 08, 2005 ~By Margaret Smykla, Tri-State Sports and News Service
As retirement drew near for Reno, 9, Jefferson Hills' police dog, his handler, Officer Chris Gawlas, sought grants for a new dog.  With public funding sources slim, Officer Gawlas also approached area business leaders in September about donating. As word spread, contributions poured in, hitting the goal of $10,000 for a new dog and police training. "You can back a program verbally, but when you actually back it financially, I think that's a sincere interest," Officer Gawlas said. On Nov. 8, he brought home 1-year-old Fritz, who, like Reno, is a purebred male German shepherd born in the Czech Republic. Fritz and Officer Gawlas are students in a strategic law enforcement canine class in North Huntingdon. Fritz is expected to be ready for full duty in the spring.  That means sniffing for drugs, apprehension, tracking people and searching buildings. In the meantime, Reno, who lives with the Gawlas family in Jefferson Hills, is still on duty. On Saturday afternoon, the pair visited the Pleasant Hills Middle School for the Pleasant Hills police department's community Christmas party. In his retirement, Reno will remain in the spotlight, making appearances for the DARE program and other departmental public relations events.  Officer Gawlas said his new partner, Fritz, like Reno, is extremely intelligent and a quick learner, though the animals' maturity levels differ, and Fritz will be bigger.  But as Fritz is still a puppy, even at 62 pounds, a chew bone is always on the family grocery list, said Kim Gawlas, Officer Gawlas' wife. submitted by Jim Cortina

The Mono County Sheriffs Department reported Thursday that canine officer Razor was killed in a traffic accident in Riverside, CA. Undersheriff Greg Busey said Razor, a black German shepherd, and his handler, Deputy Ruben Ortiz, were attending a training session in Riverside.  While off -duty, Ortiz and Razor were separated. When Ortiz called out to the dog, Razor responded and was struck by an oncoming car Wednesday.  He was rushed to a veterinarian but was pronounced dead. The 2-year-old dog was trained in general patrol operations and narcotics detection.  He had been a member of the department in Bridgeport, Calif., for less than a year, Busey said.  The accident is almost a year to the day that Douglas County canine officer Jon-Jon was killed in a patrol car fire. Jon-Jon died Feb. 4, 2006, when faulty wiring ignited and the patrol car burst into flames. Deputy Rick Koontz and another officer were investigating a burglar alarm when the fire broke out.  Jon-Jon died from smoke inhalation despite the deputy's efforts to rescue him. Jon-Jon was honored with full department honors at a memorial service Feb. 25, 2006, that attracted law enforcement personnel and canine officers from all over Nevada and as far away as Idaho. submitted by Jim Cortina

 On September 7th, 2006 K-9 Rexx was put to sleep after a courageous battle with cancer, he was 7 years old and was an active, working member of the Taunton Police Department. Rexx and I had been partners since April of 2001. Rexx will be greatly missed not only by me, but by the entire Correia family Mom: Beth and sisters: Ashley, Heather and Sophia. submitted by Handler, S.J. Correia

Handler: Sgt. Lee Bunting
Montgomery County Sheriff 
 S Main Street
Troy, North Carolina 27371  (910)572-1313
Faulty Air Conditioning Blamed for Death of Police Dog 5/21/07 North Carolina 
A police dog died while on duty last week after an air conditioning sensor broke on the car he was left in.
"We had some problems with the air conditioning unit that we weren't aware of until it was too late," explained Montgomery County Sheriff Jeff Jordan. After searching for drugs in a stopped car, Ricky, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, was left in the car while his handler, Sgt. Lee Bunting, went to court. "We searched the vehicle, I put him back, gave him water, went to court.....The air conditioning was running wide open," recalled Bunting. Bunting said he ever rolled down the back window to make sure Ricky had fresh air. When he returned an hour and 45 minutes later, the air conditioning was blowing warm air and Ricky didn't respond to Bunting's calls. "I picked him up and laid him along the pavement between my vehicle and another vehicle. I got my water container out of the trunk and emptied it on him. That didn't seem to help," he said. Bunting rushed Ricky to a shaded area next to the courthouse and grabbed a water hose to try to keep the dog as cool as possible. "I got down, put my ear to his chest, didn't hear a heart beat and I started to administer CPR on him at that time," said Bunting. Ricky couldn't be revived, and now Montgomery County is without a police dog. The department is waiting to see if insurance will help buy another. The sheriff's department spent about $10,000 to train Ricky. According to the North American Police Dog Association, dozens of police dogs die each year due to faulty air conditioning units and faulty heat alarms. "If we get one half as good when we replace this dog, we'll be doing quite good," said Jordan.  submitted by Jim Cortina

Handler:
North Versailles Police Department
1401 Greensburg Ave
North Versailles, PA 15137 
Local papers dated Saturday, March 31, 2007 
"K-9 Rikko remembered in NVT" I cannot find this article online but here's what it says: "North Versailles Twp. police are mourning the loss of a close friend.  Rikko, a German Shepherd, served as the department's K-9 officer for five years. He was retired for health reasons in 2004 and found a home with North Versailles Twp. Detective Scott Kucic.  But his long bout with cancer ended last Friday ( I'm assuming friday march 23 2007). He is remembered as a loyal friend and hard-working officer within the department. " I personally worked with him on a couple different occasions," police Chief James Comunale said. " There was a robbery suspect we were able to corner in the woods and he found him lying in the weeds. He was a tremendous officer."   Chief Comunale said the department misses Rikko and all he offered the force. "We've been without a K-9 officer since he retired in 2004," the chief said. " We're working to get some funding together so we can bring another one in to work with us. We need one for sure."  submitted by Renee Konias