 Memorials
to Fallen K-9s 2002 page 18 The F.A.S.T. Co. donates sets of cards to all partners I need your help to inform me of such losses. |
Dept. addresses available for those who want to send condolences to officers. See below
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K-9 COSMO May 27, 2002 (late entry)  Partner: Officer Greg Thomas Gilbert Police Dept. AZ Town of Gilbert 1025 South Gilbert Road Gilbert, Arizona 85296 (480) 503-6000
Officer
Greg Thomas and K-9 Otto |
Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2002. She was almost 11 years old. Cosmo was Gilbert’s first police dog and started with the Department in 1993. Like our current K-9s, Cosmo came to us directly from a police canine kennel in Holland. She was less then 2 years old at the time. We attended the Arizona Department of Corrections Canine Academy. In April 1996, Cosmo and I were certified for narcotics detection and patrol work. During our three years together, Cosmo was integral to several large drug busts, including a 1,500-pound seizure of marijuana on a traffic stop during an assist to US Customs. Cosmo also made eleven apprehensions of various fleeing felons during her career. On one occasion, Cosmo located two burglars hiding in the second story of a home. When confronted, the suspects started to flee. I sent Cosmo on one suspect and she clamped onto his leg. Seeing this, the other suspect jumped right off the second story. I’m not sure who had the worse leg injury, but they both limped to jail. Cosmo competed in numerous K-9 competitions during our partnership. Cosmo won 5 trophies in 6 different trials in Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas. In 1998, Cosmo won first place in tactical obedience over some 50 dogs competing in the Phoenix Canine Trials. At just under 9 years old, Cosmo developed an eye disease that caused progressive blindness. This, in addition to a leg injury during an apprehension, led to her eventual retirement in May 1999. K-9 UNIT HISTORY The Gilbert Police Department K-9 Unit was started in 1993 with a grant from the Criminal Justice Enhancement Fund (CJEF). The goal of the program at the time was to reduce Gilbert’s escalating trend of street crimes and drug use. CJEF funds were accepted to purchase a narcotic detection / patrol K-9. The first canine member of the Gilbert Police Department came to us all the way from Holland; a German Shepherd named "Cosmo!" After intense training in drug detection, obedience, building searching, and tracking, Cosmo joined the fight to keep Gilbert safe. In November 1996, Cosmo was injured during the apprehension of a suspect after a vehicle pursuit. When the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, Cosmo knocked the suspect off his feet. The suspect landed on top of Cosmo and ripped a rear tendon in the dog’s leg. Cosmo never gave up, but never fully recovered from the injury and suffered a permanent limp. In May 1999, Officer Thomas made the difficult decision to retire Cosmo after she was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease. Cosmo worked for the department for six years, making hundreds of arrests and seizing over 2,000 pounds of illegal drugs. Cosmo also competed in numerous K-9 trials throughout Arizona and won many trophies. The Department let Officer Thomas keep Cosmo and she is enjoying a relaxing retirement. Cosmo will always be remembered as Gilbert’s first K-9. Farewell Cosmo!! |
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K-9 GROLL July 23, 2002  Partner: Officer Celeste M. Robitaille Stratford Police Department CT 900 Longbrook Avenue, Stratford, Connecticut 06615. Phone: 203-385-4100 (911 for emergencies) Fax: 203-385-4134- Tel. (203) 380-6766 Vice President of Association. ( C.P.W.D.A. )  cards
mailed 25 July recd. great email of gratitude 8/1 thanks Celeste! & thanks Mary for her help also. Sent 8/15/02 cards of Groll alone
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 Just one example of Groll's work: On February 4th, Officer Robitaille assisted the Valley Street Crime Unit with the execution of a search warrant in Shelton Connecticut. On arriving at the residence, a male suspect standing outside, hit an officer in the face and fled on foot. Officer Robitaille ordered the suspect to stop or she would release her K-9 partner Groll. The suspect stopped running and surrendered. During the search Groll detected various narcotics and paraphernalia that was hidden throughout the apartment and even a bag of marijuana that was thrown off a second story balcony. STRATFORD POLICE MOURN LOSS OF POLICE OFFICER By STEVEN SCARPA Tuesday, August 13, 2002 - STRATFORD Police Officer Celeste Robitaille knew there was something terribly wrong with her police dog, Groll, recently when he failed to run over to her as she laced up her boots for work. "Groll was a very social and loving dog, but when it came to work he was all business," said Robitaille. But instead of gearing up for work that fateful day, the German shepherd canine officer looked over at Robitaille and lay back down on the ground. Robitaille immediately knew the cancer Groll was diagnosed with on July 1st, had finally overtaken him. It was July 22. Groll died the next day. He was 6 years old and had been working with Robitaille and Stratford police since 1997. Groll's death hit Robitaille hard. He was more than just a partner- Robitaille and Groll were only apart for one week since she first got him more than four years ago. "We were a good team," she said. In tribute to Groll, the officers on Robitaille's shift placed black mourning bands on their badges, customarily done when an officer dies in the line of duty.Supervisors also lowered the flags at police headquarters to half-staff. "That was an indication of how much he was loved by the guys here," Robitaille said.Groll was an integral part of the Police Department, said Capt. Mark DeLieto, Robitaille's shift commander. "You had confidence in that dog," he said. He assisted in 690 police calls, resulting in 143 arrests and the seizure of drugs and cash. The dog also provided assistance for Bridgeport, Milford and Trumbull police, as well as the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Robitaille's patient work with Groll was a critical factor in his becoming an effective canine, DeLieto said. "As successful as a dog is, it is mainly because of its handler," he said.Acting Chief Michael Imbro has said the department hopes to replace Groll by the fall. Robitaille has volunteered to be the trainer and handler for the department's next canine. But, for the time being, Groll remains a strong presence in Robitaille's life. "I still sense him. Sometimes I turn around and think he is still following behind me it has been difficult," she said.Steven Scarpa, who covers Stratford, can be reached at 330-6287. |
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K-9 KINO April 15, 1989 - July 5, 2002  Partner: Sgt. Michael Schmittinger Northern Berks Regional Police Dept. PA 5710 Leesport Ave. - Reading, PA 19605 610.926.2999
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He retired after 8 years of duty. Kino was born in Czechoslovakia on April 15, 1989. He was trained to the level Sch II and sent to this country in November, 1990. He was nationally certified as a trained patrol dog and nacrotics detector. Kino's favorite activity is helping his partment in catching criminals, sniffing out illegal drugs and protecint innocent people. Kin was born in czechoslovakia on April 15, 1989. He was trained to the level SchII and sent to this country in November 1990. In Sept. 1991, he became an official police dog. He is nationally certified as a trained patrol dog and narcotics detector. His hobbies are sleeping and playing ball. GRIEVE NOT FOR ME Grieve not for me for it has been ordained, that my journey here be short. Grieve not for me for my loyal presence will ever remain in your heart. I was sent to be a Guardian, for the Guardians of Law in Blue. A fearless, noble protector, with a bond that few con construe. With character unshakable, and senses that are well heightened, I was sent to be a defender, so that your burden here would be lightened. Grieve not for me for in heavenly blue, our reunion day will come. Grieve not for me for as partners again, We will defend a greater Kingdom. ~unknown author |
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K-9 JUNO July 7, 2002  Partner: Deputy N. R. (Ray) Shearin Vance County Sheriff Office Henderson NC 156 Church St. Suite 004 Henderson NC 27536-5574 R. Thomas Dreedlove, Sheriff phone: 1 252.738.2200 Pat. Adm. Assist. patayscue@hotmail.com
CARDS MAILED 7/16/02 - received wonderful email from RAY AND MICHELLE <juno@ncol.net> 7/26/02 I would like to take this time to tell you about a very good friend that passed on July 7, 2002. Her name was, Juno. She was my partner on the Vance County Sheriff's Dept. North Carolina. The cancer won on this day, but she fought as hard as she could. If you will please keep her in your prayers. She was my partner and most of all my friend. She will be missed very much. (from NAPWDA guest book) |
by Al Wheless, daily Dispatch Writer 252.436.2836 Henderson Daily Dispatch June has died. The 10 year old German Shepherd retired form the Vance County Sheriff's Office 2 years ago because of illness. She died Sunday at home. Ray Shearin, A K-9 officer, is still grieving. He was Juno's handler for three years. "A lot of people knew that dog," he said this week in an interview. Juno lived with Shearing, his wife, Jonnie, and their 4 year old son, Brandon. "That was his dog," Shearin said. "That was his girl. She was like a member of the family." Juno had cancer and had to leave the department in March 2000. "It had started eating away at her spine and her back," Shearing said. "It was inoperable. She couldn't work anymore. I think she did good to live two years." Shearin buried her under an old oak tree that has been in the family home place for many years. "I fixed a graveyard. It was kind of like a shady spot. She's under that. We live off the road a ways." No one else is buried there. "Just her. To be honest with you, I hope I don't have to go through that again." Shearin now works with Rex, another German Shepherd. Juno was a full fledged deputy and earned several commendations during her tour of duty, which stared in 1993. Jay Swilley was her first handler. "She didn't get no paycheck, but she was still there, just as good," Shearin said. She and Shearing graduated together from a six week training school in March 1997. Juno was certified through the National Police Work Dog Association. Shearin said she found missing children and elderly people in Vance County. Juno discovered a bank robbery suspect hiding in an attic in Warren County in 1999. The Warren County Sheriff's office gave her a commendation for that. "It was so many thing she did," Shearin said. "Juno was all purpose. she located several pounds of narcotics in Fayetteville. She has several misdemeanor and felony arrests." Deputy Juno serviced Vance County for seven years. Juno had a switch, according to Shearin. "She knew when it was time to work, and when it was time to play." she like to ride in the front seat of the patrol car, not the back, and Shearin let her do it sometimes. "Juno was the kind of dog who was easy going until it was time to bite somebody," he said. She enjoyed going to elementary schools and playing with the children. Shearin had a way he wanted to end this story. "She was my partner, but, most of all, my friend, and she will be greatly missed." |
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K-9 TAZ March 19, 2002  Partner: Officer Scott Ptacek Franklin Park Police Dept. Illinois
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 Franklin Park loses police dog BY CHUCK FIELDMAN - STAFF WRITER Taz, the 7-year-old German shepherd who worked for the Franklin Park Police Department for more than six of those years, was put to sleep March 19, about a month after it was found he had cancer. After the cancer was detected, Taz, whose illness was the subject of the March 20 main Images feature, had his spleen removed, but there was nothing else doctors could do for him. Scott Ptacek, the officer who trained Taz, worked and lived with him, said a week earlier that he would not hesitate to have the dog put to sleep once the cancer got bad enough to cause it great suffering. Flags flown at the Franklin Park Police Department and Village Hall, which have been at half-staff since the March 5 death of longtime resident/village historian Rodger Hammill, will continue that way park residents are hopeful that another dog will be added to the force. Deputy Police Chief Jack Krecker said several factors probably should be considered before a decision is made about adding another dog. “Things have changed quite a bit since we got our two dogs,” Krecker said. “At that time, there weren’t many departments in the area with dogs, and our dogs helped out in other towns as well as in Franklin Park.” Krecker said area police departments have since added their own dogs. “My opinion is that the departments should all get together and work together where the dogs are concerned,” he said. “It’s possible that there are now so many dogs out there that they’re not all getting the type of street work they need. “I just think we need to look at every aspect of this before making a decision.” Krecker said purchase of another dog would run $8,000 to $9,000. The same amount would be needed for training, and the department also would have to pay for food and medical care of another dog. “You also have a $25,000 (police) car that can only be used for one man and one dog,” he said. “And, you have a lot of calls that you can’t use that officer for because the dog is in the car. You’re not going to send that officer on a traffic call or to transport a prisoner. “Losing Taz has been an emotional thing, and that’s the hard part. The question now is do we try to get approval (from the Village Board) and go out right away and get another dog, or do we wait and take a look at the whole picture. “We have to be responsible to the taxpayers.” Mike K. |
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