 Memorials
to Fallen K-9s 2003 page 40 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
Meet K-9 SNARL (photo by TSGT R. Brunet) somewhere in Iraq, Nov. 2003
photo by TSGT Brunet
| In Loving Memory of MERCURY LODD Born: March 13, 1988 Died: October 24, 2003 He served 13 years  Officer Sean Wilson Savannah Police Department 201 Habersham St. Savannah Ga. 31401 912-652-3516 The picture of Mercury and I was taken about 2 weeks before he died. It was during a parade to honor Pulaski. Mercury was the riderless horse. Sean ****************** Chaplain's Message by Rev. Wm. Gardner A Lesson for Living from Mercury Several folks gathered at the Mounted Patrol Barn las Thursday to honor not only an equestrian friend, Mercury. Also to honor the friendship itself, between a horse and a human, each a member of an entirely different species, but each created by a loving God. Each of us knows that the human bonds that develop in life are some of the strongest. The bond of parent and child, husband and wife, and of parts in the department gives security and meaning to life. Yet, there is a special bond between people and animals that feels as close as the bond between human beings. That relationship becomes so close that each can anticipate what the other's wants and needs are. When that relationship comes to an abrupt end as it did with Mercury, it is very difficult. Even though we know that the days of life on this earth are numbered, we grieve, nonethless, because loss hurts. We can only be thankful that Mercury did not suffer or have to be put down. In the service we offered thanks for Mercury, whose name from mythology calls to mind the speed and grace of a messenger. God created, in this magnificent animal, a sense of layalty and independence, yet he allowed hiimself to be bridled by training and gave the department 13 years of faithful service. According to Providence, Mercury has served well. I call that horse sense, and we would do well to apply it to our own lives. We will live the most effective lives of service when we let our Creator take hold of the reins, and even though we possess and independent nature, submit to His leadership. Mounted patrol horse, Mercury, die November 26, 2003. This one died literally on duty. He had a heart attack while on patrol at the fair grounds. The Mounted Unit consists of five Police Officers and six horses. Policing on horseback provides the flexibility to patrol areas that vehicles cannot easily reach, such as squares, parks and other pedestrian areas. It also provides a "perch" from which riders can easily observe crowd activities or look over walls and fences. The horses are immensely popular with residents and tourists, and provide a means for maximizing citizen contacts in the downtown area. The Savannah Police Department has a rich history with its Mounted Patrol, dating back to 1796. Today, the Mounted Patrol is not only popular with the public and especially children, but they are also an immensely useful as a tactical instrument in the face of an unruly crowd. submitted by: Paulette Nelson |
The Top & The Bottom I am the top half of a mounted patrol team, working from horseback, a fulfillment of dreams. My horse, my steed, just as in the days of old, together we ride, together we're bold. Every muscle I feel as we both work as one, for it's you underneath me that makes this job fun. Although there are days when you do give me attitude, from you I will gather, all of my fortitude. We enforce the laws and meet people, all the day through, and when we're greeted by others, the one they speak to is you! You help a cop's image, in a positive way, an Officer on horseback, we'll help save the day. For our Maker, he gave you the strength from above, together we'll ride, together, in love. Our ride for now is over, it's the close of the day, you nicker so softly, as I bring you your hay. ************ I am the bottom half of this God fearing crew, The love from my partner, will help see us through. I was born to run wild, leave the danger that's near, But the strength on my back, says I've nothing to fear. I feel your hands and your legs, they help as you guide, It's your strength that sustains me, when I could run and hide. Your spurs sometimes tickle, you use them to nudge, Sometimes I sure need them, because I won't budge. The children, they see us, they squeal with delight, An Officer on horseback, what a beautiful sight! When I am on duty, I'm not allowed to eat, But just look at that grass, it's just under my feet. No one can describe it, this partnership and team, We'll work as one forever, I'll feel you in my dreams. The ride for now is over, the tack is recounted, I'll rest till that time, we again will work mounted. By ---Phil West MOUNTED OFFICER Dakota... also died in 2002 Handler: Cpl. waiting for picture and information..... |
| In Loving Memory of K-9 Buckly July 1991 - November 29, 2003  Partner: Officer Kelly Roberts Topeka Police Department  |
Buckly's
official start date with the Topeka Police Department was January 1,
1994 and officially retired November 25, 2003 total days active
duty, 3615. He passed away November 29, 2003 at 10:55
am. Kelly told me that Buckly was born in June 1991. Buckly
was a chocolate lab and a narcotics detection K-9. Buckly was
partner to Officer Kelly Roberts also of the Topeka Police Department,
Topeka, Kansas. Buckly lost his battle with cancer only 4 days
after he retired. Buckly was diagnosed with cancer shortly after
Chief was.
LuLu, I am sitting here at my computer crying over my friends loss of his partner. I had no idea his time for making a decision was so near. Officer Kelly Roberts and I went to jr. high and high school together and he is one of the most wonderful people you would want to meet. He always thinks of others first and holds a dear place in my heart. His partners name was Buckly. Buckly was a chocolate lab that the Topeka Police Department adopted from the Humane Shelter in August 1993. Buckly was born in June 1991. Kelly started training Buckly on Jan. 1, 1994 and went on the street with him on March 4, 1994. Buckly was a narcotic detection K-9 for the Topeka Police Department. In March 2002 K-9 Buckly was diagnosed with a Mast Cell tumor and underwent chemo treatments and was declared in remission on June 12,2002. Sadly Bucklys cancer returned with a vengence and Kelly had to put him to sleep yesterday, 11-29-03 to allow him to die with the dignity that we all wish we could die with. Below is the e-mail that Kelly sent me. "Well
I had to do what I
really didn't want to do today. I had to say good-bye to a dear
friend. Buckly was really hurting and his legs were swelling and the blood was being cut
off. Julie I couldn't stand to see him loose his dignity and not be
able to be the Buckly we all knew and loved. I know
he is better off now, Whole and living a great life, chasing all the
dogs he wants and eating anything he wants, There will never be another
dog as deep in my and my families hearts as Buckly. Thanks for
all your support and prayers. Buckly will have a place of
honor at Mount Hope with the other K9's. Not sure when we will put him
down but it will be sometime next week. I'll let you know
when. Take car and stay safe. Kelly" His
e-mail brought tears to my eyes and
as I read it once again it brings back the pain of losing Chief.
Buckly and Chief started at the same time. I have to laugh
because I always imagine one of Angel Chiefs jobs is to guard the gate
at Rainbow bridge and Buckly and him hated each other. I told
Kelly that I imagine when Buckly passed over the bridge Chief had a few
words to say to him or at least a few barks and growls. Whenever
the K-9 Unit would get their picture taken as a group you would always
see Kelly and K-9 Buckly and Me and K-9 Chief at opposite ends of the
line. They were always looking into the photo at each other and
would not look forward. I will be e-mailing you a photo of Kelly
and Buckly and if you could make him some cards I know he would
treasure them. I will also e-mail you a message to post on your
website after I get up today or tomorrow so Buckly can hold a special
place at your site. You are truly an angel sent from God, dear.
submitted by: Julie, Angel Chief and K-9 Joker |
In Loving Memory of K-9 BRITT November 30, 2003 Partner: Officer Steve Brincat NYPD K-9 718-492.8305 |
bad news "Britt" was put to sleep over
the weekend, he had a tumor and was in a lot of pain so they put him
down on Sunday - it was very sad, he was about to retire. Brincat was
upset, but Brincat was the one chosen to get Romeo, they started
training together on Monday. submitted by Dusty Simon |
| In Loving
Memory of K-9 HEIDI CCSAR July 3, 2003 (worked WTC 9/11/01)  Partner/handler: Marian Beland Connecticut Canine Search & Rescue  |
CCSAR is deeply saddened to report that Heidi, a
Rottweiler handled by Marian Beland, had to be put down in July. Heidi
was one of our most highly trained dogs, as well as one of our most
loved dogs. She was a pound-puppy, and Marian believed that she had
originally belonged to a young man who died in a motorcycle accident -
hence Heidi's love for men! But, in truth, she loved everyone; the
Women's Clubs here in Connecticut can tell dozens of stories about
Heidi's performances at demonstrations and how she "worked the room,"
making friends of all the people there. Heidi and
Marian, with several other members of CCSAR and their dogs, responded
to the 9/11 disaster in New York City. She worked almost every
search for which CCSAR has been called out during the years that Marian
and she were members of CCSAR. Heidi truly loved the whole
pattern of searching for people, and her delight in finding "subjects"
during trainings was a joy to see. Marian and Heidi traveled all
over the country attending classes in cadaver and disaster training and
performed superbly in each class. But probably what CCSAR members
will remember most clearly about Heidi and Marian was the extraordinary
relationship between dog and handler: Heidi knew what Marian wanted her
to do almost before Marian gave her the commands, and she did
everything joyously and enthusiastically. |