memorial2001


Memorials to Fallen K-9s 2001 page 3 F.A.S.T. Co. donates cards to all partners of all working dogs/horses sent by priority mail

Please feel free to send condolences to officers below, I try to put addresses on sites. .

In Loving Memory of
K-9 DEKE
February 21, 2001

...
Partner: Office Russell Douglass
Laurel Police Dept.
Laurel, MS

Russell Douglass
P.O. Box 269
Waynesboro, MS. 39367

The accident occurred on February 21, 2001. I was in route home at 05:30 AM. The fog was very dense. A log truck "with no logs" had pulled onto the road and had no trailer lights working. I did not see the truck until seconds before impact. The pole of the truck came though the front window of my personal car and though the plastic kennel that Deke was in and though the back glass then lodging in the trunk. When I came to, the log truck had moved and continued leaving the scene of the accident. I immediately began looking for my partner. The rear passenger door of my car was open and the kennel was shredded. My partner was gone. I called out, but it was no use. He would not respond. I attempted to get out of the car, but I was trapped in the front seat. Two young men on their way to work stopped to help and stayed with me until the fire rescue arrived. The guys from my shift began to arrive and started a search for Deke. Later at the hospital in the E.R., I was informed by another K-9 handler that Deke was found across the road at the nearest house to the accident scene. I was then told that Deke was dead. I was crushed. I was saved and my partner had been killed. I believe that Deke was trying to get help for me because, he seemed to be heading to a house close to the accident. It is hard and thank you for sympathy. I returned to light duty a month later a had only minor injuries. I have a new partner Rex. Thank you again, Russell.

......

In Loving Memory of
K-9 KAHLUA
March 9, 2001

Partner:
Officer David Rey
Glassboro Police Dept. NJ
- 1 S. Main St.
Glassboro, NJ 08028

THE PASSAGE OF A FRIEND
Kahlua, my partner, protector and friend passed away on Friday March 9, 2001 at 5:15 PM. The staff at the University Of Pennsylvania attempted to save Kahlua’s life after a blood clot was found in his lung. He fought valiantly to the end, but was unable to overcome this obstacle. I was with Kahlua until the end. I am thankful that I could hold him in my arms as he passed. He was truly a canine with 9 lives. It was the community who reached out to help Kahlua in his time of need. Those individuals gave us two years of extended service. I don't know if these individuals will ever know how much their love and support meant to me. I will never forget. I can only hope to give back to the community what they gave to me. I would especially like to thank the members of The Glassboro Canine Unit and my loving wife for all of their support and strength.
Eternally grateful, Ptl. David Rey K-934

Dr. Tracey Gillespie (left), Kahlua and Officer David Rey of the Glassboro, NJ, K-9 Unit prepare for Kahlua’s release from the Veterinary Hospital March 21, 2000 after surgery to remove a melon size obstruction in his intestines. Kahlua, who has diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease, gained fame when a TV news program reported that an 11 year old Mantua, N.J., girl, Erika Collins, heard about Kahlua’s case and raised money at her school to help pay for his medical costs. A grateful Rey had only words of praise for the Penn team. “It was such a great experience,” he said. Photo by Daniel R. Burke

Thank you Dave, for all the e-mail. So pleased that I could help you. Your input of love for Kahlua, information, details & photos are the results of this memorial. God Bless you.

Dave helped with putting this memorial together
and keeps in touch. He will not be getting another K-9 right away, but will continue to keep our community & streets safe.

A picture is worth a 1000 words.

GLOUCESTER COUNTY TIMES
Through a call over the police scanner Saturday to all Gloucester County police, it was announced that Kahlua, the famous K-9 rotweiler from the Glassboro Police Department had died in the University of Pennsylvania Animal Hospital. It was still unclear Saturday night what caused Kahlua's passing, but the canine was diagnosed with diabetes last year, which required twice daily shots of insulin injections, five days a week. Kahlua may also have been suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. He was operated on March 24, 2000, where doctors removed a foreign body from his stomach and intestines that was said to have equaled the size of a basketball. Kahlua handler, partner and friend, Ptl. Dave Rey was unavailable for comment. They're friendship and partnership began in 1993, when the two began working together and have apprehended over 49 suspects and have answered well over 200 police calls. In 1996, the two were called in to assist the state police which ended up successfully tracking and apprehending two suspects. One of the suspects was later charged with vehicular homicide.

In Loving Memory of
K-9 HAMMER
March 25, 2001- September 1986

Partner: Detective Rick Sweeney
Hamilton County Sheriff's Dept.
Cincinnati, OHIO

THE CREATION OF MAN’S BEST FRIEND
God summoned a beast from the field, and he said,
“Behold man is created in My image. Therefore, adore him. You shall protect him in the wilderness, shepherd his flocks, watch over his children, accompany him wherever he may go – even into civilization. You shall be his companion, his ally, and his slave. To do these things, I endow you with the instincts uncommon to other beasts: Faithfulness, Devotion and Understanding, surpassing those of man himself. Lest it impair your courage, you shall never foresee your death. Lest it impair your loyalty, you shall be blind to the faults of man. Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words. Speak to your master only through your mind and your honest eyes. Walk by his side; sleep in his doorway; ward off his enemies; carry his burden; share his affliction; love and comfort him. And in return for this, man will fulfill your needs and wants – which shall be only food, shelter and affection.
So be a friend of man. Guide him through the perils along the way to this land I have promised him. This shall be your destiny and your immortality.”
The dog heard and was content.

Thanks, Rick, for all your input and photos
for this memorial to your beloved Hammer.
Glad the cards arrived to help you
and those close to you & Hammer.

HAMMER
"Police dog was 'always something special"
By David Eck - Enquirer Contributor
During his career with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, he uncovered 200 pounds of cocaine, 1,500 pounds of marijuana and $8 million to $10 million in cash and assets. Not too shabby, for a dog. In his heyday working for the sheriff's department, Regional Narcotics Unit and other agencies on various drug cases, Hammer the Labrador retriever investigated cars, packages, boats and airplanes. “There isn't probably a scenario you could come up with that we hadn't done,” said Hammer's handler and partner since 1991, sheriff's detective Rick Sweeney. Hammer died Sunday. He had been retired for the last two years, but remained a family pet for the Sweeney's. The sheriff's office has five drug detecting and/or SAR (search and rescue) dogs on active duty. Hammer made his debut law enforcement splash in 1992 by locating $817,000 in marijuana tainted money, Detective Sweeney said. “I guess I feel like I lost not only my dog, but my best friend and my partner,” Detective Sweeney said.
“I learned more from him than he learned from me. He pushed me to a higher level. He was always something special.”

More about Hammer
On Sunday morning, March 25, 2001, Hammer was compassionately put to sleep by the skillful and caring hands of Dr. Roberto Legorretta, Woodbridge Veterinary Clinic, 7275 Dixie Highway, Fairfield, Ohio. Hammer recently suffered from throat polyps and was enduring a great deal of pain. Hammer entered on duty with the Sheriff's Office on August 3, 1991, and was assigned to his partner, Detective Rick Sweeney, who is currently assigned to the Computer Crimes Task Force. Hammer and Rick quickly demonstrated their effectiveness, efficiency and skills in the work of drug detection. Throughout Hammer's career this team was responsible for locating in excess of 200 pounds of Cocaine, 1500 pounds of marijuana, and over 10 million dollars in asset seizures and forfeitures. Hammer and Rick also made countless appearances at D.A.R.E. programs and other public events. Hammer was always a joy to the kids. As with all police canines, Hammer was also the Sweeney family pet. He grew up with Rick's daughters, Nicole and Kristine, and he even became the best friend of the Sweeney cats, Buster and Simon. Hammer was loved by all that met him and worked with him. He will be missed.

In Loving Memory of
K-9 BLITZ
Born in Canada - October 11, 1987
March 26, 2001

Partner: Detective Bob Valencia
Overland Park Police Dept. KS
12400 Foster St.
Overland Park, KS 66213

Robbie, you are a wonderful
friend to Blitz and Bob. Thank you
for your continuous support for
this memorial and cards to honor Blitz.

Received email thanking me for cards
to honor Blitz. And..good news to help Bob heal
the hurt...he is going to be a new daddy.
Congrats to Bob and wife. As they say,
one door closes and another opens.
(Not just a cliche.....)

I am a member of the Overland Park Police Department in Overland Park, Kansas and currently am a member of the K-9 section and have K-9 Bruno. My trainer, Bob Valencia recently had to put to down his police K-9 BLITZ who was 14 years old. Blitz was the first dog on the department and Bob's trusted friend for many years. The lieutenant of the Corps read Blitz eulogy and the fact that Blitz had a love for fast food. Another lieutenant read,
"The Rainbow Bridge."
The fast food story was also told. Bob spent his last five dollars on Arby's roast beef, and when Bob was out of the car and Blitz decided to help himself. Just on of the many memories of Blitz. The chief presented a plaque to Bob. It hurt him deeply when he made the trip to the vet that one last time and held Blitz in his arms. As he watched his eyes close I'm sure he felt as if his heart was breaking. Our police department buried Blitz in front of the station. We have been assured, that when our dogs time comes to pass on, the department will honor them properly. Thank You, Robbie

THE TIME HAS COME
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then, will you do what must be done,
For this, the last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
What is to come, can hold no fears,
You would not want me to suffer so,
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer can see.
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has decided this thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any more tears.
(unknown author)

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