memorial2001

Memorials to Fallen K-9s

2004 page 41
The F.A.S.T. Co. donates sets of memorial 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

In Loving Memory of
K-9 ANDY
December 29, 2004

Partner: Sgt. Scott Hodson
Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Dept.
2640 Duncan Rd.
Lafayette, IN 47904
PH: (765) 423 9388

Sgt. Scott Hodson was a K-9 handler from 1992 until 2004. He was the first handler in Tippecanoe County and has watched the K-9 team grow to what it is today — 4 narcotics dogs and 1 bomb dog.

Sgt. Hodson’s latest K-9 partner was a German Shepherd named Andy. During Scott and K-9 Andy's years together on the road they were successful in making numerous drug finds as well as tracking felonious subjects. Scott and K-9 Andy competed in numerous competitions and walked away from most of them as winners. K-9 Andy is retiring and we wanted to acknowledge his exceptional service. Scott is still active in K-9 as the team leader and lead decoy.
Scott and K-9 Andy became well known in Tippecanoe County as well as every adjoining county for their relentless pursuit of the criminal element.

submitted by Dusty Simon & helped by Jim Cortina, Dir. CPWDA

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my K9 partner, Andy. Over this past Christmas weekend I had boarded Andy while I was out of town. I picked him up early Monday afternoon 12/27. He seemed like himself, sitting up in the back seat and barking at everything. He seemed okay at that time. At about mid evening Monday he suddenly looked kind of lost. I was standing in our kitchen and he was in the living room with a straight line of vision to me. He stood up and started looking around the room and kind of looked a little panicked. He spotted me and ran over to me. Throughout Tuesday 12/28 he seemed to be okay except he seemed a little less energetic then usual. Yesterday 12/29, I saw him at about 10 AM lying down in our hallway. He was panting noticeably and I had no idea why. I kept an eye on him and he seemed okay. He went outside for his breaks as normal. He'd do his business and come right back in. At about mid afternoon I found him lying in the hallway again and his breathing was very labored. I called him to me and he made it up and toward me but couldn't maintain his balance and fell down. I rubbed his muzzle and then put my finger in his mouth. His gums were ice cold. I found no obstruction that I could see in his airway so I have no clue what was going on. I loaded him up in the car and headed to the vet. He walked to my car but I had to lift him in. When I put him on the seat he collapsed and couldn't seem to move. At this time he was still breathing but with difficulty. At one point he stood up and turned around in the seat and then laid down again. His head flopped down on the arm rest of the back door and he moaned a little. His breathing was still very labored. I got to Creekside and they brought out a stretcher. We took him into the trauma room and he was pretty much dead weight. Dr. Jackson could not find a heart beat with a stethoscope. His tongue was out and it was clear that he was already gone. I have no idea what happened to him and no autopsy will be performed. He will be cremated and I will keep him. Anyway, yesterday was a difficult day. He was a great partner and while I am grateful for the 6 years we were together, I will miss him dearly.

In Loving Memory of
K-9 WODAN
December 31, 2004

Partner: Cpl. Mike Lamonto
Harrisburg Police Dept.
123 Walnut St
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
(717)255-3131
www.wodan
Wodan's website above

Wodan is a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois. He has been my partner for over 2 1/2 years. In the early hours of 2/10/01, K9 Wodan was shot 4 times by a criminal attempting to avoid arrest. Wodan's bravery saved my life and the lives of all the officers in the area as he kept the perpetrator busy even after being shot several times. This gave a fellow officer and I time to return fire as the perpetrator was firing at me. The perpetrator was hit and subsequently taken into custody. Wodan sustained gunshot wounds to his right front leg, left front leg, and back. The injuries were life threatening and Wodan was rushed to the Willow Mill Emergency Veterinary Clinic where the heroic work of Dr. James Lee saved his life. The injury to Wodan's left leg was most grave and there was great concern that it might have to be amputated to save Wodan's life.
The Harrisburg Police Department, Chief Charles Kellar, and the City of Harrisburg, Mayor Stephen Reed, have been the driving force behind Wodan's recovery. Chief Kellar has repeatedly told me the City will cover all the medical expenses and he and the Mayor organized Wodan's transfer via the Pennsylvania State Police to the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia to ensure he received the best care and has the best chance possible for a full recovery.
The skilled and compassionate care of Dr. Jeff Christiansen and all the staff and students at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, has given Wodan the best chance of keeping his left leg. As of this writing Wodan is living at home with my family and I and he is receiving continuing care coordinated through Dr. Christiansen at the Veterinary Hospital and Wodan's regular doctor, Dr. Deborah Keim at the Capitol Area Animal Medical Center. The bills for Wodan's treatment and continuing care are astronomical, and continue to grow.

The city initiated a voluntary donation program to assist in defraying the mounting medical bills for Wodan's care. The response to which still leaves me in awe! At this time we have received enough funds to pay for Wodan's care to this point and look to have sufficient funds to pay for his continuing care. I cannot thank the people of this community, the state, and entire country enough for giving my partner the best chance possible for a complete recovery.

Wodan is a true hero and he did save my life that morning. I will continue to do all I can for him. It is my hope and prayer that he may someday return to work with me, but if that is not possible, I will retire him to my home and continue to provide the best care for him that I am able. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Wodan's speedy recovery.
Officer Michael Lamonto

On 6/23/01 K-9 Wodan was awarded the Medal of Valor by the North American Police Work Dog Association.

notified by Curt Heckler and Tony Calaman

It is with profound sadness that I must tell you that Wodan has passed away. He was experiencing great pain in his hips and shoulders. I determined that it was in Wodan's best interest to have him put to sleep on 12/31/2004. Chief Charles Kellar of the Harrisburg Police accompanied us to Willow Mill Emergency Clinic and Wodan surrendered to his pain after a dignified goodbye.

I can only simply say I will miss my friend. He will remain with me in my thoughts and hopefully actions for the remainder of my life and I pray to someday have him at my side again. I also thank all of you who have shared your compassion and admiration of Wodan.

Cpl. Mike Lamonto

After Wodan's recovery, he became the good-will
ambassador for all K9s.
He was great with 'kids.'

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