First police dog for Palos Hills hit by car, dies. 
Palos Hills police canine Officer Jim Boie can't stop agonizing over the death of his longtime friend and former partner, Brutus, the 9½-year-old German shepherd who was hit by a car while crossing West 87th Street in Hickory Hills. Brutus, who was the department's first police dog, got out of Boie's fenced in yard in the early evening of Nov. 22. He was struck by a hit-and-run driver. "It shouldn't have happened," a shaken Boie said. "I don't know why he left, and I guess I never will. And while he was one heck of a police dog, he was my constant companion for the last seven years." Brutus' career in law enforcement spanned seven years, during which he assisted such agencies as the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group.  Palos Hills Police Chief Paul Madigan said Brutus and Seffe, the department's 8-year-old female German shepherd, were instrumental in bringing hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug forfeiture money to Palos Hills' coffers. "The Feds used our dogs probably more than we did," Madigan said. "Brutus was a good dog, and it's a shame what happened to him." Hampered by arthritic hips and failing eyesight, Brutus was retired in May. He had been spending his retirement with Boie and his family — the only family he ever knew.  "Brutus had gotten out once before and he went over to visit a female German shepherd, but I got him right away," Boie said. "This 

I have received many cards and phone calls in regard to Brutus. Brutus was very well known around this area, and set the standard for Police Dogs here. I would always kid with people that everyone knows Brutus, but no one knows me. This statement however is very true. Everyone loved Brutus. His death has caused many sad feeling and tears in this area. I am currently looking for a picture for you, and will send one as soon as I can. Thank you for your concern. 
Officer James G Boie   #112

..

THE  INCIDENT:
On December 26th 2000 at about 8:30 P.M. a patrol officer observed a vehicle with no license plate and no seat belts in use riding around in a high drug area of the city. The officer initiated a traffic stop but the vehicle refused to stop and a pursuit began and lasted for about a mile, ending on a dead end street with both occupants leaving the vehicle and running from the officer into a wooded area. Ofc. Davison and Ando responded to assist and began to track the driver. A good perimeter was established but normally our canine teams have no cover officer on tracking incidents because of the lack of manpower. To have a good perimeter we have to give up the cover officer, as was the case for this incident. Ando tracked hard and located a pair of jeans the driver was wearing. As the team continued to track the suspect could be heard moving through the brush about fifty yards ahead of the team. Numerous verbal warnings about the use of the canine were given to the suspect with no response. The ground cover got thicker and thicker as the team continued to track the suspect and Ofc. Davison decided to go into an area search or directed search off leash. Ofc. Davison gave numerous verbal warnings about the deployment of canine off leash and then began to send Ando out to search a very densely wooded area. Ando went out and recalled twice and was sent out a third time but did not return. Ofc. Davison recalled Ando several times with no response. Nothing could be heard at all. No barking no yelling, nothing. Ofc. Davison began to search for his canine, sensing something was wrong and alerted perimeter officers of the situation. The other three canine teams with the LaGrange Police department were called out and together they began to search the wooded area for about six hours concentrating the search on the area within the perimeter. At about five o'clock in the morning Ofc. Davison began searching outside the perimeter area and located his canine partner Ando in a creek bed, deceased from what appeared to be drowning. Ando was still wearing his collar and black nylon tracking harness with the words “POLICE” on each side. Further investigation at the crime scene reveled the suspects footprints, a camo ear warmer, and a black leather jacket that was soaking wet and had creek sand in the pockets. This location was a little over one hundred yards from the area Ofc. Davison released Ando last. LaGrange detectives began an investigation and arrested twenty-year-old Randal Chambers on December 28th 2000. Chambers had multiple dog bites and scratches on his legs and arms, but refused to talk about the incident. The investigation revealed that Chambers, who has a history of drug arrests, and obstructing Police and that he had exchanged crack cocaine for the use of the vehicle. Chambers was charged with numerous traffic charges, obstruction, and killing a police canine, which is a five year felony and a $10,000.00 fine under Georgia criminal code. Officer Davison will remain dedicated to the canine unit and will be selecting a new canine partner in February; he will name him Gator.



Cannot thank you enough Jim, for your phone calls & your
personal version of the incident. Your input is what helps 
me to continue sending card donations to these heroes. 
 According to the autopsy report Ando died from drowning.
 A suspect is in custody with several significant bite marks. 
Thanks for your concern.

Max was born in Kiev, Russia (60 miles from the CHERNOBYL NUCLEAR PLANT).......which is now the Ukraine.  He was imported to the United States and worked as a Police Service Dog for 5 1/2 years.  Max made numerous apprehensions and drug finds.  Max was known for his "very independent" personality.  He was nicknamed "butt head".  Max retired 3 years ago due to stress related problems.  He was very sociable with children and a cherished member of our family!  Max was well loved by members of the Police Department and by citizens we contacted as part of our daily routine.  Max was born 01-24-91,  died of pneumonia related to Pancreatic Cancer on 12-29-00. 

Max, my first Police Service Dog. God Bless You........Max!
Max died on December 29, 2000 of Pnumonia. Max was suffering from what appeared to be Pancreatic Cancer. I would like to thank Amy Kevis and Chip Shepherd for being with us when I had to put Max to sleep. His final moments were peaceful. Max we miss you!


 MAX is missed terribly each day by Terry.
Please note: photos on the right are Max in action
& Terry with present K-9 - Cinta. 
Thank you for your e-mail.
Dedicated to Max 
OUTSIDE HEAVEN'S GATE 
"I'll Wait -
I explained to St. Peter 
I'd rather stay here, 
Outside the Pearly Gate.
I won't be a nuisance 
I never was, I won't even bark. 
I'll be very patient and wait. 
I'll be here - 
Chewing my celestial bone, 
no matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you too much 
if I went in alone .
It wouldn't be Heaven to me.
Author Unknown

It is with great sadness that I had to say good-bye to "BASCO", on Dec. 26, 2000. As some of you know, he was fighting a medical condition; that he, with all the prayers and medicine could not win. Some of you will remember some of his funny antics and his love for chasing anything that moved, to include a basketball during a real game at a local court. (Boy, that stopped the game!) But we all loved him and I guess God needed another good dog in heaven. So with much emotion, I bed you good-bye, buddy, until I see you again in heaven. 
"In God & Dogs,we trust,"
Mike


Mike now has a GSD, K-9 Lyndi, below, 
who is keeping him busy. They are working well together.

cards mailed  7/25/01 & recd.