K-9 dog dies - 12/28/07
Lynnwood Police dog "Tanner" passed away recently after a good life of tracking bad guys and recovering evidence. He was 7 1/2 years-old. Tanner spent his last years, after he retired in March 2005, living with his handler, Lynnwood Police Officer Cole Langdon and his wife Kim. "Tanner had 95 captures and put a lot of bad guys in jail," said Langdon." He was a great partner - my first love in law enforcement." Tanner was forced to retire in 2005 after he sustained a serious in-the-line-of-duty leg injury. After his retirement he continued to live with Langdon and his wife. The quality of Tanner's life was very good up until recently. "He was part of our family and it's a tough loss," Langdon said.  submitted by Jim Cortina

Ottawa canine cop dies of medical problem 
Ottawa County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy Osbun and canine partner, Tyson. Tyson died Saturday.
A police dog, Tyson, which worked for the Sheriff's Department the past two years, died on Saturday from medical complications. The 3 1/2-year-old German shepherd worked with Deputy Jeremy Osbun. "Deputy Osbun and Tyson had formed a close association with one another and were considered to be every-day partners in providing law-enforcement services within Ottawa County," Undersheriff Greg Steigenga said Saturday. They were one of four canine teams in the county. Tyson's main responsibilities were tracking and apprehending suspects, and locating missing people. The dog was trained in drug detection, and "very instrumental in locating illegal drugs and other contraband items," Steigenga said.Steigenga said that "Tyson will be sorely missed by Deputy Osbun and the department as a whole." submitted by Jim Cortina & Eric Ridout

El Paso ISD K-9 Troy Passes After Seven Years of Service
K-9 Memorials K-9 Troy with the El Paso ISD Police Department for the past 7 years passed away Saturday 11/04/2006.The Department is dedicated to the safety of the community and strives to provide quality services with great integrity. With a sworn staff of 1,091 officers and 350 civilian employees, the Department has worked diligently and successfully to maintain El Paso's ranking as the 2nd Safest City in the United States. Troy will be missed by his fellow officers, the children and adults of the El Paso Independent School District that he served. Troy will be missed most by his handler Officer J. Tatam and former handler N. Nunez now with USCBP.

The 11-year career of a brave police member who made over 200 arrests and survived stabbing and gunshots has come to a sad end.  But Tyson, the dedicated SAPS patrol dog leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. The medal-winning Alsatian, literally a life-saving member of the uMfolozi Dog unit, retired this week.  Sadly, not only has Tyson’s career come to an end but also his life. He has unfortunately become debilitated due to a crumbling spine and cancer, and on 15 January he will be sent to what the SAPS Dog School refer to as ‘Rainbow Bridge.'
Proud record
He was born in 1995 and started his police training in 1996.The following year he finished his course with Inspector Johan Stapelberg and joined the uMfolozi Dog Unit.
Although Stapelberg has not always been Tyson’s handler, fate brought the two back together in 2003.
"He has made over 200 arrests in his career; he has been stabbed; shot at and hit with a cane knife, but he overcame these odds and had a terrific 11 years," said an emotional Stapelberg.
Some of the highlights of Tyson’s career are:
In 2005, when partner dogs - Wolf and Buddy - were shot and killed, Tyson went on to avenge his friends and apprehend the suspect.In the same year he apprehended yet another ‘baddie’ who had shot fellow police dog - Mickey."He has covered everything from rape to murder, hijackings and robberies in his job," Stapelberg said.
"This was his calling. May he rest in peace. He will suffer no longer and be reunited with Wolf and Buddy."
A message from Tyson
"The day has come to say good-bye to everyone in the uMfolozi area. I served the SAPS Dog Unit for 11 years and now I’m old and taking pension. I am going to miss you all".
"To my Police colleagues and my four-legged friends, I’ll meet you all at the Rainbow Bridge. "And last but not least, to my best friend and handler - Inspector Johan Stapelberg: you have been my best friend for years and we were seen as one team all over the uMfolozi area.
"Without you I would never have been the successful police dog I have been. "I will miss you forever, ’til we meet at the Rainbow Bridge."   Source: Zululand Observer

Police dog dies of 'heat exhaustion' in garage -  By Mary Clarkin The Hutchinson News  6/16/06
 A hot garage contributed to the death Monday of South Hutchinson Police Department's narcotics-sniffing yellow Labrador retriever, Tailey, officials said.  A hot garage contributed to the death Monday of South Hutchinson Police Department's narcotics-sniffing yellow Labrador retriever, Tailey, officials said. The 7-year-old dog died in a garage kennel at the home of her handler, Police Officer Dustin Cooke. The dead K-9 was brought Monday to Purple Wildcat Animal Clinic in South Hutchinson, and veterinarian Dr. Dan Naiman said the death "was due probably to the heat stress." City authorities did not request an autopsy, he said."We attribute it to heat exhaustion," said Lt. Detective Tim Skomal, second in command at South Hutchinson Police Department's. He noted that Tailey became especially nervous during stormy weather - managing to escape from kennels - so Cooke put the dog in a kennel in his garage.  A spokesman for the National Weather Service in Wichita said the weather turned stormy Sunday night. On Monday, temperatures reached a high of 82 degrees in Hutchinson.  Cooke lives in the Pretty Prairie area, about 25 miles south of Hutchinson. Efforts to contact him Thursday were unsuccessful, but Skomal said Cooke was "hit hard" by Tailey's death. Police headquarters was informed of the dog's death at about 4:30 p.m. Monday, Skomal said.  Skomal said Cooke "took precautions" to get air to Tailey, by placing a fan and water in the garage. Besides the heat, Skomal said, stress exacerbated by the dog's reaction to the weather also led to its death. South Hutchinson Police Chief Scott Jones will conduct an internal review of the matter. Skomal said Cooke wants another drug dog, but that decision involves approval by the South Hutchinson City Council. Acquiring a trained narcotics dog can cost from $5,000 to $15,000, Skomal said, with another $1,000 to $2,000 to train the officer. The Reno County Sheriff Department owns a Malawa named Daisy that is trained to sniff for narcotics and conduct article and people searches, Undersheriff Dennis Stofer said. Hutchinson Correctional Facility also has trained dogs.  In this photo, South Hutchinson Police Department's drug-sniffing dog, 'Tailey,' demonstrates her abilities during a press conference in September 2003. Tailey was born in El Dorado and trained by Rick Elliott, the master trainer and head K-9 handler for Hutchinson Correctional Facility, who died May 24. The Hill City Police Department bought Tailey, and Officer Cole Presley became her handler in 2002. The Kansas Army National Guard deployed Presley in spring 2003, and the Hill City Police Department loaned Tailey to the Reno County Sheriff's Department.  Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson had hoped to buy Tailey.  Statistics show that between Tailey's arrival in the department in August 2003 and the end of 2003, she participated in 40 searches, including 27 vehicle searches and 13 building and schools searches. She worked in drug seizures that netted marijuana, meth amphetamines, cocaine vials and crack cocaine pipes.  But Hill City wanted Tailey back when Presley returned in 2004. He later became Undersheriff for Graham County, and Hill City wound up selling Tailey to South Hutchinson.  "What was she doing in a garage?" Hill City Police Chief Russ Ingle asked upon learning of Tailey's death.  Storms "really bothered her quite a bit," Ingle said. Presley estimated Tailey was roughly at "midcareer" for a police dog. He noted she was eager to work, but in a small town he couldn't spend all his time doing drug work."She was an excellent dog," Presley said.
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Robert Marin KWCH 12 Eyewitness News Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Severe storms leave a path of damage across several Kansas counties early Tuesday morning. The hardest hit areas were in Stafford and southwest Reno Counties.  The town of Turon in southwest Reno County was without power since early Tuesday after high winds whipped power lines and snapped utility poles. The winds also knocked down numerous tree limbs and destroyed a grain bin at an elevator in Turon. Wind gusts measured at 80 miles an hour were reported near St. John in Stafford County. There were also reports of numerous tree limbs and even damage to a home southwest of St. John. The storms weakened by the time they hit the Wichita area. Count on Storm Team 12 for complete coverage anytime severe weather strikes. 
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Floppy-eared cop laid to rest  Tuesday, July 18, 2006 
By Jen Scherer- Daily News staff writer
A floppy-eared brother in blue passed away after 12 years of service Saturday. Tucker the bloodhound, who was handled by Beloit Police Officer Tracey Summers, died at his kennel in Beloit of natural causes.  “We were all surprised,” Deputy Chief Norm Jacobs said. “There was no report of illness or problems with the dog.”  Jacobs said Summers reported Tucker's hearing was getting poor, but Tucker was still on active duty at the time of his passing. He hadn't worked much in the last several months simply because there weren't a lot of circumstances that called for his use. Tucker most often was called on to follow a warm suspect trail.  “(He would) go to a scene of a crime that had just occurred and there was a suspect who we believed may have fled on foot,” Jacobs said. “That's one of the best times when we used a bloodhound. They have a fabulous ability to track individual persons.”  Jacobs said they didn't track Tucker's success rate the way they do with the new dogs on the department. However, two of Tucker's more memorable tracks occurred Aug. 24, 2004 and May 12, 2006.  In the August 2004 incident, Tucker and Summers helped find an elderly person suffering from dementia who had wandered into a Rock County cornfield. In the May 2006 incident, Tucker and Summers helped Janesville police establish a possible bank robbery escape route.  “Tucker was good at what he did and he was very enthusiastic,” Jacobs said. “Often times the dog would have more left in him than the handler did on a track.”  Tucker and Summers were also favorites at demonstrations throughout the community; Tucker was very friendly with children.  “He was a great slobberer,” Jacobs said.  Summers, who will remain on day shift, did not take Tucker on patrol with him. Instead, Tucker was kept kenneled at Summers's home until he was needed. “(Summers) is sad about the passing of the dog, but he also recognizes that he's had a great partnership with the animal and appreciates everything he's done for the community and (Tucker's) companionship over the years,” Jacobs said. There is no special funeral or ceremony planned for Tucker, but he will be greatly missed by the department.  “He was a floppy-eared brother,” Jacobs said. “(He was) always welcome at the department.”  Tucker and fellow bloodhound, Scarlett O'Hara, were 9 weeks old when they came to Beloit in May, 1994 from Kansas. They were activated at seven months of age after both handlers received 40 hours of training. Tucker was predeceased by Scarlett O'Hara. The police department currently has one tracking dog in service. Max, a Belgian Malinois, is handled by Officer Bryan Hasse.  A second Belgian Malinois, Nick, will go into service in August. Nick will be handled by Officer Brian Daugherty.  Max, the department's golden retriever, retired when Dan Molland was promoted to sergeant in 2004.  In a release, the police department offered thanks to Greater Beloit Community Trust, Stateline Community Foundation, Crime Stoppers, Wal-Mart, Prairie Animal Hospital, and the many Beloit Area service organizations which have supported and continue to support the canine program.  submitted by Jim Cortina

K9 TAZ - DIED - 5/19/06 ( HEAT EXHAUSTION )
Lumberton mourns loss of canine officer - 5/24/06 - MS

Lumberton police officers will hold a memorial service Thursday for the department's 6-year-old drug dog, Taz,
who died Friday. Chief Mike Childress says the dog's handler stopped by the police department to fill out
some papers, and left Taz in the patrol car with the air conditioner running. 
But sometime during the 15 to 20 minutes the officer was inside the station, the car's air conditioner failed.
Efforts to revive Taz were unsuccessful. 

RememberingTaz... 6/2/06
 Lumberton bids farewell to four-legged friend, officer - By DANA GOWER

A week after law enforcement officers across the country gathered to honor officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty, members of the Lumberton Police Department were joined by area agencies in remembering one of their own.  Taz, a Belgian Malinois who joined the police department on Nov. 21, 2001 as the departments only canine officer, was buried during a memorial service behind City Hall Thursday.  Police Chief Mike Childress said Taz was waiting in a patrol car while his handler stopped at the police department when the car's air conditioning failed. When the handler returned, estimated at about 15-20 minutes later, Taz couldn't be revived, Childress said.  Rita Pickering, who was serving as Lumberton’s police chief when Taz joined the department, said she had solicited donations “from business to business and door to door” to raise funds for a drug dog.  “The board at the time would not vote for us to get a drug dog,” she said of the need to collect private donations. “Local businesses and citizens donated the money. Everyone was really great.” The name Taz came from Tasmanian Devil, Pickering said, adding that he was actually a very gentle dog. “He was a very well mannered and loving dog. He was really fabulous,” she said. “He was awesome. He made some very big cases.”  In his eulogy, Childress noted that, “Taz was not just a dog, but he was a police officer due the respect given to any law enforcement officer. He was also a family friend to all who were responsible for him.” During Taz’ time with the police department, Childress said, “he was responsible for numerous drug arrests and drug cases...His death and passing will have an effect on all who knew him.” In the time he served with the police department from 2001 to May 19, 2006, Taz was assigned to three partners: Officers Timothy Daughdrill and Emille Mistretta, and his current handler, Sgt. Chad Young. During the funeral service, which included a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps, Young was presented with the flag that had been draped over Taz’ casket.    submitted by J. Cortina

 It was with sadness last week that the Wickenburg Police Department (WPD) said good-bye to Taylor the drug dog, a trusted and loved member of the force. Taylor died of cancer on Saturday (Jan. 7) at the Wickenburg Veterinary Clinic. He was 10-years-old. Taylor was a member of the WPD for the past eight years and was going to officially retire in early 2006. He was a nationally recognized certified narcotic canine and had an impact on the police department as well as many in the community. His handler, WPD Narcotics Detective Chris Sallee was with Taylor when he died. Sallee expressed sadness for the loss of his closest companion. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with such an intelligent, loyal and amazing dog who is not only my partner but my best friend,” Sallee wrote in a memo to WPD Chief Tony Melendez. “Taylor has warmed my heart and he gave more than 100 percent every day to me and to this department.” Sallee said that Taylor located several million dollars worth of illegal drugs as well as several hundred thousand dollars in U.S. currency while on the job. “It will be a lot quieter in my patrol car now without Taylor, but his spirit will always be with me,” Sallee said. “I know that Taylor not only enjoyed coming to work, but he loved his job. He loved going to all the schools. I will never forget him or the memories we have shared in the past eight years.” The police department is planning a memorial dedication for Taylor in the near future. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Phoenix police Detective Mark Green parked in the back of a south Phoenix police station and ran in to do a few errands. Inside the car the entire time was Green's K-9 partner, Top. "He had gotten tied up to do a few things that a supervisor had given him when he went in." said Phoenix police Comdr.. Robert Handy. "He ended up being a little longer than he thought."  Top, a 5-year-old black Labrador with an outstanding record on the Phoenix police force as a narcotics dog, was in a kennel in the back of a pick-up for about 2 hours. The engine was on, but the air conditioner was not, and the windows were up. The temperature outside during that time was hovering around 80 degrees. "Detective Green came out to the vehicle and noticed that top was suffering from some heat related symptoms and immediately started some first aid, took the dog to an animal clinic."  Veterinarians and detectives decided it was best to put top to sleep. Green, who lives with Top and has been on the force for more than 25 years, lost a partner and a member of the family. "It was a very difficult time for him as well as the other K-9 officers," Handy said. "The dogs are a part of their family and such a tragedy hits them pretty hard." There was another dog in the truck with Top that survived. But that dog was in the back under a camper shell with the windows open. Green could face disciplinary action for the death of his dog. But at this point the investigation is still going on and nothing has been decided.   submitted by Jim Cortina

MY NAME IS JASON HAY. I WORK FOR HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE HERE IN FLORIDA. I STARTED WORKING THOR IN 2001 AND EARLIER THIS YEAR HE HAD TO BE PUT TO REST DUE TO CANCER. WE DISCOVERED THIS IN THE END OF DECEMBER OF 2005 . HE WENT DOWN HILL FAST OVER A 3 MONTH PERIOD. IT WAS EXTREMELY HARD FOR ME AND MY WIFE ESPECIALLY. HE WAS ABOUT 5 1/2 YR. OLD AND WE APPREHENDED A LOT OF BAD GUYS OVER THE PAST 4 1/2 YR. AND WAS A OUTSTANDING EXPLOSIVE K9 AS WELL. IS THERE A PHYSICAL ADDRESS I CAN SEND YOU A PIC OF THOR BECAUSE I THINK MY WIFE WOULD REALLY LIKE THE MEMORIAL CARDS YOU OFFER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT ANYTIME AT THIS EMAIL OR MY CELL IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. THANKS AGAIN, JASON HAY -   submitted by Jason Hay

Drug dog Timmie helped police find thousands of pounds of marijuana, seize $1.2 million from crooks
Sgt. Buddy Williams with Timmie, his canine partner who helped track down millions in cash and drugs during a seven year career with the Sulphur Springs Police Department.  One of Sulphur Springs Police Department's most successful and decorated officers died Saturday. Timmie, the canine partner of Lt. Cleve "Buddy" Williams, had to be put down following a bought with pneumonia. Williams said Timmie, 10, developed pneumonia and became ill overnight Friday and was rushed to the veterinarian. The veterinarian told Williams he could try to prolong Timmie's life, but the dog would likely suffer from sickness. submitted by "Buddy"

K-9 Topper, who was euthanized in the fall of 2006 due to cancer. I was Topper's owner/handler and we worked together for over 8 years.  His DOD was Sunday -Oct. 29, 2006. He was born June 25, 1998.  He was euthanized after discovering he had cancer.  He was still working at the time of his death.  We actually discovered his medical problems while working a missing persons case, when he began to limp really badly.  Through it all he continued working, but I eventually stopped him because of the pain he was in. I appreciate you thinking about us and posting a memorial.  Feel free to crop the pic. as much as you want.  Please give me a call or email me should you have any questions.  Thank you.
(UPDATE: K-9 TOBY

Newton Police Department gets new K9 officer
The Newton Police Department has announced the continuation of a partnership with Officer Rob Burdess with his new bloodhound, Toby. Toby is a 12-week-old bloodhound belonging to Burdess. Toby is replacing K9 Topper, who was euthanized in the fall of 2006 due to cancer. Topper was instrumental in solving numerous cases for the Newton Police Department and agencies throughout the State of Iowa and was found to be a valuable resource. Toby was purchased as a result of a number of public donations from Newton and Jasper 
County residents. The use of Toby by the police department is a public/private partnership, with the department providing Burdess’ time off to attend annual training and pay overtime during K9 call outs. Burdess owns Toby and provides for his care, food , veterinary bills and continued training. Burdess conducts all of the training himself, but the team will attend annual training for certification, legal updates and the newest training methods. Toby began training 3 weeks ago and is expected to be ready for full duty in early 2008. Upon completion of training Toby will be used to locate missing persons, fleeing suspects, escapees from
correctional facilities and criminal evidence.  Toby will be only one of two police bloodhounds in the State of Iowa.