Coleman honors faithful servant, Boy the police dog
Coleman Police Officer Don Carmack speaks of Boy, his police working dog and companion for about nine years, during a memorial service for the dog Wednesday. On the table are items that Boy garnered for his faithful service. He died of natural causes.
Area law enforcement officers gathered here Wednesday to remember a hard-working police dog who was responsible for the capture of drugs, money and jail escapees during his career. Boy, a 12-year-old police working dog who died July 1 of natural causes, also helped find missing people. His last bite out of crime came just four weeks before his death when he searched a residence and found methamphetamine in two places.
His memorial service at the Coleman police station was attended by about 25 representatives from area police departments, including from Brown, Young and other counties. His handler, Don Carmack, who serves with the Coleman Police Department, said Boy was a Belgian Malinois. The breed's high energy is said to make them ideal for police work. Carmack and Boy teamed up in 1999. They first worked for the Brown County Sheriff's Department. The pair trained for and completed a 40-hour course put on each year by the USPCA for top police K-9 units in Texas. They placed second in 2002-03. "Boy took care of me many times and prevented me from getting hurt while on duty," Carmack said. Carmack, a former Bangs police chief, went to work for the Coleman Police Department in February, and Boy continued working with him. Officers who knew Boy said the dog never knew the word "quit" no matter how much pain he suffered or how old he got. Carmack was presented a plaque from area canine handlers in honor of Boy. The plaque denoted the years of service Boy performed with the Brown County Sheriff's Department. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

A Tempe K9 officer died on Monday night after being injured during a pursuit inside a construction site.
Baloo, a 5 year-old male German Shepherd, was assisting in the search for a pair of alleged burglary suspects when he fell nearly 40 feet. He was transported to a nearby animal hospital where veterinarians worked to save him but his injuries were two severe. Officer Brandon Banks says witnesses reported seeing two men inside the Farmer Street Lofts Project.  It's believed that the two were trying to steal copper from the construction site.
Banks says Baloo's handler, Ofc. John Holdinsky, was a 22 year veteran of the force and had worked with Baloo since 2004.  Baloo was a patrol-trained and narcotics-trained police dog.
No public service or memorial has been planned yet.
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The following is a press release from the Tempe Police Department:
Tempe Police Dept.
Baloo was searching a construction site for suspect when he fell 40 feet.
TEMPE -- It is with heavy hearts that the Tempe Police Department announces the loss of 'Baloo,' a 5 year-old male German Shepherd that passed away after sustaining critical injuries while searching for burglary suspects. Around 6:40pm yesterday evening (Monday, June 30th) the Tempe Police Department responded to a report of suspicious activity at the Farmer Street Lofts Project at 450 S. Farmer. Information provided to police indicated that 2 males were seen running into the fenced construction site and may be hiding inside the building. It was believed these subjects may have been trying to steal copper.
Several patrol officers along with Tempe Police Canine Handler Officer John Holdinsky and his partner Baloo responded to the call and began searching the area for these suspects. During the search of the construction project Canine Baloo fell approximately 40 feet and was rushed to an emergency animal hospital where he was treated for injuries sustained in the fall. Baloo remained in critical condition while every effort was made to save his life. His injuries, however, were so severe that veterinarians could not save him.
Baloo's dedication, drive, and his courage were of the highest caliber. He will be missed tremendously and his contributions to the Tempe Police Department and the citizens of Tempe will never be forgotten.
Officer John Holdinsky has served with the Tempe Police Department for 22 1/2 years and his partner Baloo had been part of our ranks since November of 2004. Baloo was a patrol-trained and narcotics-trained police dog. Several photographs of Officer John Holdinsky and Baloo are attached to this news release. Information regarding any public services/memorial will be made available at a later time. The suspects in this incident were not located. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

The Press Release came in from Sheriff Bobby Whittington of the Tillman County Sheriff’s Department early Monday morning and then the calls began. “Brek” the Grandfield K-9 officer drug canine had been shot and killed. Several parents called because their children had heard about it and were distressed. In the two years this month that “Officer Brek” had been on duty he had been up close and personal with just about every school child in Grandfield, from the Headstart youngsters to the high school students. Weekly visits to classes made “Brek” a popular icon to the students and he was a big attraction during the D.A.R.E. week activities and readily identifiable during the “Meth Walk”. He was frisky, like any other pet, when it came to catching a red ball from Chief “Chip” Jones, but his extensive training of voice and silent commands came to the forefront and he was all business, when it came to finding drugs, no matter how well they were hidden. Was he a deterrent in the War on Drugs? Randy Clark, Grandfield City Manager, said, “Yes, definitely”. Henry Koranda, D.A.R.E. Officer echoed with a resounding, “Absolutely.” There will be other K-9 officers, I am sure, but “Brek” was our first and our hearts go out to Chief “Chip” in the loss of a friend.
MORE:
Canine officer's killer sought
The Tillman County Sheriff's Department is investigating the fatal shooting of the Grandfield Police Department's canine officer. Officials say Brek, a 2-year veteran of the police department, was shot by an unknown person or persons between midnight and 7 a.m. Monday. Sheriff Bobby Whittington says the German shepherd wasn't on duty at the time of the shooting. Brek's handler, Police Chief William Jones, says Brek stayed at his house and rode with him whenever he went to work. Jones said Brek was used extensively when search warrants were being executed, at traffic stops and at Grandfield schools. Whittington says Brek was only 1 of 4 canine units in the county. Anyone with information on the crime is being asked to call the Tillman County Sheriff's Department at (580) 335-3013. Brek was submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA
MORE:
Lulu,
We just came from heart wrenching memorial for Brek. For such a small community it was wonderful to see the support for Chief Chip and for Brek. There were almost 2 dozen law enforcement officers from Tillman county, including the Sheriff and his family, reserve officers, a couple retired Oklahoma Highway Patrol officers and EMT's. I noticed our Animal Control Officer had her flag at half staff today.  Our Methodist pastor, David Gardner (who is also our mayor) did a most awesome memorial, thanking Brek for his service to the community. Chief Chip Jones is so well loved in Grandfield we wanted him to know how much he is supported. He had a lady from Wichita Falls Texas who said for him to pick out a dog and she will pay for it. One of our ranchers said he will have a contractor come in a build a new kennel for a new dog. As I say almost every week in my newspaper column....."I love living in the Big Pasture area....it just don't get any better than this".
Louise, you (and your hubby) are to be commended for all the wonderful work you do and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Sincerely,
jb
Judie Bright  (580) 479-5757  bpnews@pldi.net
www.bigpasturenews.com
A century ago...a century to grow

Huntington Remembers K9 Officer
Wednesday night, Huntington police officers and members of the community gathered together to mourn the loss of one of their own. They met to honor the memory of a partner, friend and six year veteran of the force: a police dog named Booker. "He was a member of the department; he was a brother in brown. He had the full rights and privileges of an officer and he was part of our family," explains Deputy Ron Boxell with the Huntington County Sheriff's Department.
Deputy Chris Newton was Booker's partner. "When your and your dog are in the car eight hours a day, you take that dog home with you, you're really together 24 hours a day, there's a huge bond there, a trust. That's something my dog and I had is a trust," says Newton. Newton worked closely with Booker closely from the very beginning of the K-9 program. As a big dog lover, Newton pushed to bring a K-9 program to Huntington County several years ago.
During Booker's time on the force he helped find lost kids and criminal suspects. He also helped make nearly 200 drug arrests, helping to keep thousands of dollars of drugs off the street. "He was an excellent tracking dog. He was an excellent drug dog and when he needed to turn up the heat and the muscle of the department he was there," says Boxell. Deputy Newton and his wife Jenny also got to see a softer side of Booker. He was a playful companion to their two young daughters and a much loved family pet.
"When he came home, he turned off the work dog attitude. When he came home, he was a pet, he was just like any other dog," says wife Jenny Newton. But in a lot of ways, Booker was not just another dog. For his family and fellow officers, his loss is big one. "I couldn't ask for a better partner and it would be real difficult for me to replace him with another dog right now," says Newton.
"He's going to be missed by everyone and I don't think Chris will ever have another dog like him, I don't think you can have another dog like that," says Jenny. Booker was 12 years old. He died of natural causes. Officer Newton says there are no immediate to plans to replace him. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

 I have been a K9 handler for over 9 years and currently have 2 K9 partners. My original partner is a 9 year old German Shepherd named Blackjack. He is a dual purpose narcotics patrol K9 and has served with me for 7 years. He was diagnosed with a degenerative spinal disease.
submitted by: Tracy Klett
The Gila River Indian Community is also increasing its industrial economic base. The community has developed three industrial parks that are home to a variety of light and heavy industries, and offering businesses with easy access to the Phoenix metropolitan area. One of the Parks, Lone Butte Industrial Corporation, is nationally acclaimed as one of the nation’s most successful Native American industrial parks.
But the community’s recent and most evident economic development is its three casino properties, Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and Vee Quiva. Upon signing a compact with the state of Arizona in 1993, the gaming facilities have helped the tribe slowly gain economic strength, providing nearly 2,000 jobs, 60% of which are secured by community members.Even with such growth, the community recognizes the value of partnerships as we continue to look for innovative ways to diversify our economic development and community activities. For example, managed by Troon Golf, the Whirlwind Golf Club offers a distinct southwest golf experience. The overall design of the championship golf courses, clubhouse, and teaching center illustrates the rich cultural heritage of the Community and highlights the local landscape that includes saguaros, palo verde, mesquite, and cottonwood trees.
 Police Department
Department Description:
The Gila River Indian Community Police Department provides Law Enforcement services to the Community and it’s members in the areas of criminal investigations, preventative patrol and directed patrol functions.  It is committed to the protection of personal property and preservation of life and the overall improvement of the Community’s quality of life.
Contact Information:
    * Name: Commander Rey Nejo
    * Phone Number: (520) 562-7123
    * Address: P.O. Box 568
    * Sacaton, AZ 85247
    * Fax Number:  (520) 562-7051
    * E-Mail: reynolds.nejo@gric.nsn.us

Fulton Mourns Police Dog
The police department gathered on Thursday to remember the life of canine officer Bubba. The dog was an 18-year veteran of the Fulton Police Department. "He was our drug dog number one, he found a lot of drugs through out his career for not only our department, but for other deptartments throughout mid-Missouri," explained Police Chief Steve Myers. Veterinarians put Bubba to sleep last week because of painful arthritis and old age. While the entire department is having a tough time with Bubba's loss, no one has it worse than his handler.
"I was with him 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and I didn't exactly follow the rules. He stayed with me, indoors slept on the floor beside my bed. From the time I had him he wasn't in a cage, he was right there with me, and we were best friends," said Lieutenant Lyla Robbins. Bubba not only had an impact on the police department but the entire Fulton community. "We used him in the classroom. He's a friend to all the kids, literally. There have been thousands, literally, that touched this dog and he touched a lot of them," stated Deputy Police Chief Roger Rice.
While Bubba was a friend to everyone in the classroom by day, when he got home at night he was definitely a "momma's boy," said Robbins. Bubba will be remembered for his work on the police force, but more significantly, his service to the community. Fulton police say they are going to look for another drug dog to replace Bubba.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Monroe police dog dies of meningitis
Monroe police are remembering Biz, a German shepherd police dog who died of meningitis, officials said. The dog was laid to rest Monday, Monroe police spokeswoman Debbie Willis said. Canine Officer Bismarck Von Charnock – nicknamed "Biz" – joined Monroe police in 1999 and worked for many years with courage, confidence and stellar tracking abilities, Willis said. The dog was one of four used by Monroe police.
Bismarck is a purebred male German Shepherd dog from German lines. He enjoys catching bad guys, finding evidence, and playing fetch.  Bismarck competed in the 2000 BCPCA Police Service dog trials earning a third place in Tracking.  He is Officer Osendorf's first canine and has proved to be a superb dog.  Officer Osendorf has been with the Monroe Police Department since 1994 and is a field training officer and EVOC instructor.  He is also a member of the Monroe Police Special Emergency Response Team and a forensic artist.
submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. & Ryan Irving

 Midwest City police lay canine officer to rest
DIED - 4/25/08 ( HIP AND SPINAL PROBLEMS, EUTHANIZED )
 Bonzo died Friday.   Bonzo, a Midwest City police dog, was known around the squad room as "the old man” with a lot of heart for his job. Bonzo was buried Monday afternoon in Precious Pets Cemetery in Spencer, alongside several of his canine comrades in law enforcement. The funeral service was well attended by Midwest City police members, along with canine officers and their handlers from Guthrie, Del City, Ponca City and Logan and Oklahoma counties. Bonzo died Friday surrounded by fellow officers, said Jerry Kennedy, supervisor of the police department's K-9 unit.
The 12-year-old Belgium Malinois had hip and spinal problems, and at the advice of a veterinarian, a decision was made to end his suffering, Kennedy said. "He was a good officer, but he got where he couldn't work anymore,” Kennedy said. "That for him was probably worse than the pain.” Bonzo was born and trained in Holland and brought to the United States by a trainer in Muskogee, Kennedy said. His expertise was drug detection, but he had extensive tracking and patrol experience too, he said. Bonzo recently assisted Choctaw police in tracking a home invasion suspect through a mobile home park. He helped find the suspect in an abandoned car, Kennedy said. "He's helped us find a lot of drugs through the years, but he was more than a tool for law enforcement,” Kennedy said. "He was a partner to our officers.” In 1999, Midwest City purchased Bonzo from the Muskogee trainer. Cpl. Randy Neal was his handler for about eight years and Bonzo worked a short stint with officer Lacky Harkins, Kennedy said. Six months before his death, Bonzo was partnered with officer Jake Doles. "Everyone always knew when I was on the radio, because they'd hear him barking in the background,” Dole said. "He was an old man, but he loved the job.” The night before his death, Bonzo went out on one last patrol with Doles. Bonzo was one of two police dogs with the Midwest City Police Department. There are plans to recruit another dog, Kennedy said. submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

Savannah-Chatham K-9 Bruno Laid to Rest
One of Savannah-Chatham Metro Police Department's fleet-footed K-9 crime-fighters was laid to rest Monday night. Bruno, the first of five Belgian Malinois to start the department's K-9 Unit in 2001, was diagnosed with an untreatable form of cancer in February. The diagnosis forced an early retirement for the K-9, ending nearly seven years of loyal and dedicated service to the agency and our community . With more than 265 arrests and assists, 78 evidence searches, 96 tracking missions, 525 narcotic searches and 216 building searches, Bruno retired as an honorary K-9 Sergeant on Feb. 27.
Bruno's handler, Sgt. Greg Ernst, made a tough - but humane - decision to have his partner and pet of more than seven years euthanized. He wanted to prevent his partner from suffering. Ernst and the rest of the department's K-9 family assembled Monday for a private burial at the horse stables on Dean Forest Road . Bruno was born on June 20, 1999 and received his certification after graduating from Beck's Canine Training school in 2001. Since joining the department , Bruno has served as a force multiplier in the department's crime-fighting mission. Whether scaling six feet fences, wading through marshes or hiding in attics, few criminals have managed to elude Bruno's tenacious spirit and compelling bite.
During his tenure, the local Humane Society heralded Bruno as "Top Dog" after he managed to capture a suspect who tried to drown him in a Wilmington Island waterway. The department also has recognized him for his tenacity, discipline and textbook K-9 apprehension and life-saving skills. In 2006, he was credited with saving the life of Ernst after an armed suspect tried to shoot the officer at the corner of Atlantic and Gwinnett streets. In 2003, Bruno tracked and located a missing 5-year-old who was on the verge of climbing into a refrigerator. A headstone befitting an outstanding K-9 crime fighter has been ordered for Bruno's grave site. It will be installed at a date to be announced.Submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA.

Lawrenceville police say goodbye to canine
Retired German shepherd helped catch about 160 criminal suspects
Police dogs always seem to fidget at funerals. Four pallbearers in crisp uniforms carried the tiny flag-draped coffin of Beny, a retired dog from the Lawrenceville Police Department, to a place of honor Thursday at Oak Rest Pet Gardens. The coffin passed between a line of police dogs and their handlers. Some of the German Shepherds looked up at the men standing beside them as Beny passed by, apparently confused. A couple dogs whined a bit. One officer started scrunching a furry ear to calm his dog. Another grabbed a snout.

Officer Jimmy Inlow; Officer Steve Hall; Officer Doug Schad and Officer Shane Pierce
stand over the small casket containing the remains of 'Beny.'
Seats at the funeral were offered to those in attendance, twice. Silently, everyone indicated their intent to stand through the service. Beny helped catch about 160 criminal suspects, said Cpl. John Surowiec said through sniffles to a small group of well-wishers. Surowiec told them how "Mr. B" had worked for the police in Gwinnett County and the city of Lawrenceville for more than five years, and was an ace tracker. He helped catch a gang member wanted on murder charges by the FBI, said Officer Emory Griffith, Beny's first trainer.
He once chased a Tec-9 machine gun pistol -toting car-jacker into a tree, then climbed the tree like a cat to bring him down, Griffith said. At about 65 pounds Beny was a bit undersized for a police dog, but he was tough, Griffith said. An officer handed Surowiec's son Luke the tiny folded flag, pressing it close to his heart before saluting. Just as the four pallbearers lifted the coffin again to its grave, a police dog taken to a carrying crate a football field away began barking.   submitted by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA