FOX 10 News | myfoxphoenix.com
GLENDALE, Ariz. –

A Glendale Police officer and his K-9 were shot last night during a shootout with a suspect. The officer will be ok, but the dog was killed.

Glendale police say the officer is deeply saddened by the loss of his K-9 partner. The bond between a police dog and his police officer handler is so strong, both look to each other for protection.

We spoke with a veteran k-9 handler about the special relationship.

They’re more than canines with badges to their handlers. Even to the police departments they work for, these police service dogs are part of their family.

They work together, live together, train together and in Thursday’s incident, a Glendale police officer and his K-9 were shot together trying to capture a suspect.

“I was absolutely heartbroken,” says Louis Robinson, owner of Robinson Dog Training.

Officer Wes Zygmont is recovering from his injuries, but his K-9 Ronin died.

“It’s always horrible to hear about dogs dying in the line of duty to help save their officers. They’re family.”

Louis Robinson knows all about the close bond handlers and their service dogs develop. Lucy has been a member of his family for 6 years.

Before becoming a dog trainer in Chandler, Robinson was a military police K-9 handler.

“My dog Orrie was in the military. He was really special to me. We deployed overseas, we spent every waking hour, even every sleeping hour. I trusted him, he trusted me.”

He traveled the world, helping train military and civilian police K-9s.

“Those K-9s end up becoming a very valuable member of the team and everyone gets to know them,” says Robinson.

As some have pointed out, police dogs don’t work for money or benefits. They work purely for love.

“A lot of K-9 officers are actually able to take their dogs with them when they retire, when their dogs retire.”

But when Robinson left the military, he was forced to leave Orrie behind.

“It was a great dog, I’ll remember that dog for the rest of my life.”

Statement by Glendale Police: “Officer Zygmont is in good spirits, and we are hopeful for a full recovery from his injuries.

He is deeply saddened by the loss of his K9 partner Ronin. Our Glendale PD family will remain by his side through these first difficult days and throughout his recovery.

We are humbled and appreciative of all the support we have received from the community and our law enforcement family.”

 

 

Source: http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/22659709/2013/06/22/the-bond-between-police-dogs-and-their-handlers

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KMTR) – Police dogs from around the state will be participating in the 18th annual police dog competition Saturday, June 15.

The Springfield Police K-9 Unit is hosting the 18th annual police dog competition at Springfield High School’s Silke Field at 800 Tenth Street on Saturday from 12:00 to 2:30 PM.

Police dogs from around the state will be participating; dog teams scheduled to compete in this year’s event are from Corvallis, Deschutes County, Bend, Roseburg, Washington County, Eugene and Springfield. A demonstration will be put on by a detection dog from the Corvallis Police Department.

The competition involves timed events, including both the dog and handler. Events include an agility course, area search, handler protection, fastest dog and suspect apprehension.

The public is invited to attend free of charge. T-shirts, hats and other Springfield K9 merchandise will be available for purchase. Addi’s Diner will be selling food. All proceeds will go toward the purchase of Springfield K-9 equipment and training.

For additional information, contact Sergeant Rich Charboneau at 541 726-3728.

 

Source: http://www.kmtr.com/news/local/story/Springfield-police-dog-competition-this-weekend/C3IFbb5ng0eIb0pdQiY8Vw.cspx

1

Brian Wullweber and

K9 Brix

12:39:27

2

Josh Ridings and

K9 Partner

15:21:00

3

Shawn Brown and

K9 Bret

16:03:12

4

Clayton Marshall and

K9 Ron

16:28:00

5

Daniel Kerrigan and

K9 Bailey

18:43:00

6

James Glaze and

K9 Cir

18:53:00

7

Jason Denham and

K9 Sjors

19:16:28

8

Tyson Sutton and

K9 Rosco

19:26:25

9

George Love and

K9 Gerard

20:05:15

10

Scott Collins and

K9 Partner

20:21:18

11

Clayton Weikel and

K9 Rohdy

21:01:00

12

Jason Prince and

K9 Duce

21:19:34

13

Eric Newman and

K9 Bear

21:50:00

14

Dennis Shadden and

K9 Ronnie

22:27:03

15

Gary Laws and

K9 Baron

23:25:00

16

Alex Chapa and

K9 Rocco

23:59:00

17

Kenneth Taylor and

K9 Xsara

26:05:09

18

John Walker and

K9 Gorbi

27:09:35

19

David Everton and

K9 Ranger

27:12:35

20

Chance Davis and

K9 Iris

31:14:28

 

Wife of deployed Marine desperate to find husband’s stolen dog

PHENIX CITY, AL (WTVM) –

A deployed Marine’s dog is missing in Phenix City and his wife is now looking for him.

The 7-month-old German shepherd has been gone for exactly one week. Millions of pets are being stolen nationwide, and our area is no exception.

The Phenix City resident we spoke to Monday said she’s noticed more than thirty ads on lost and stolen dogs, especially German shepherds. Brittanie McCracken says she still remembers the terrible fear she felt when she saw her stolen dog’s collar on her front yard.

“I was devastated….I…I was so upset and you know it’s been a really emotional tough week and my husband’s really upset that his baby is gone you know?” said Brittanie. “…Cammie’s collar was laying in the yard and it kind of shocked me because her collar was on her pretty tight, you could put your two fingers in there and that was it…. somebody would’ve had to forcefully pulled it off of her. Why they wouldn’t want her AKC information and her shot information that is on her tags is beyond me.”

Brittanie says she doesn’t understand why the thief left behind Cammie’s valuable information like her AKC materials, but Brittanie says her effort to find Cammie won’t stop until she’s back home.

We did reach out to the police and Animal Control, but we haven’t heard back from them. Brittanie says people from all places are reaching out to her to help her. Cammie’s Facebook ad has already reached more than 3,000 shares.

If you find any information on Cammie’s whereabouts, please give Brittanie McCracken a call at 727-359-2974.

​http://www.wsfa.com/story/22554244/wife-of-deployed-marine-desperate-to-find-husbands-stolen-dog

Ala. governor signs law protecting K-9s, police horses The bill will criminalize harassing or interfering with the duties of the animal or the handler

By Sebastian Kitchen

Montgomery Advertiser

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Surrounded by some of Alabama’s top canine cops and rescue dogs, Gov. Robert Bentley signed a bill on Wednesday aimed at protecting those animals used in law enforcement.

His bill, which goes into effect in August, will criminalize harassing or interfering with the duties of the animal or the handler, and assaulting, injuring, killing or attempting to kill the dogs and other animals such as horses used in law enforcement.

“These dogs are very important, not only in police work, but in rescue,” Bentley said. “They’re well-trained, and we need to make sure they’re protected. In Alabama, we didn’t truly have a law to protect them like they do in other states.”

 

VIDEO LINK: http://bcove.me/1gxzpx48

 

 

Source: http://www.policeone.com/K-9/articles/6263389-Ala-governor-signs-law-protecting-K-9s-police-horses/

K-9 praised ‘hero’ for snatching ax away from drunk thug

K-9 Rossi leapt 8 feet into the air and grabbed the ax in his mouth before spitting it out and detaining the suspect

European Union News

BOUGHTON, London — When a man was seen wielding an axe in a quiet Nottinghamshire street, anxious residents naturally called police.

PC Matt Rogers and his dog Rossi arrived at Bentinck Close, Boughton, moments later and residents watched in their pajamas as the Belgian Shepherd/Malinois cross sprang into action and disarmed the suspect.

Rossi leapt 8ft into the air and grabbed the axe in his mouth before spitting it out and detaining Adrian Dowdall so PC Rogers could make an arrest.

The 36-year-old, of Bentinck Close, Boughton, was jailed after pleading guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in public. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court last Friday to 160 days in jail.

Judge Michael Stokes praised seven-year-old Rossi’s bravery during the incident.

The 32kg pooch and handler PC Rogers had been on patrol in Ollerton in the early hours of 24 November 2012 when they got the call.

PC Rogers said: “When we arrived there were no signs of a disturbance. I was going to get out and have a quick look on my own, but because it was such a nice night I decided to get Rossi out to stretch his legs.

“It wasn’t long before we saw our target.

“Rossi is trained to detain offenders, not disarm them. I think he thought it was a toy. It happened in an instant. He went straight for it, spat it out and detained the man.

“It was only afterwards that I realised the gravity of the situation. It was quite a big axe.

“Rossi just loves the job so much that he sees no limits.

“Once we’d made the arrest that I noticed we’d had an audience with a number of residents having come out of their homes in their pyjamas to watch.

“This case just shows how effective and important police dogs can be.”

PC Rogers has had Rossi since he was 14-months-old and he’s now looking forward to spoiling him rotten when he retires in September.

He said: “He’s a big dog and has got a few health issues these days, but this job just shows he’s still got it in him.

“Once he retires I’ll be keeping him to make sure he’s looked after and given all the care he needs.”

 

Source: http://www.policeone.com/K-9/articles/6263917-K-9-praised-hero-for-snatching-ax-away-from-drunk-thug/

The K-9’s police work and life were cut short by a sever disease, but he was seen off properly.

 

PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Minutes before he was euthanized Friday, a German Shepherd who had served two years with the Plymouth Police was saluted by members of his department.

Kaiser, who was recently diagnosed with severe kidney disease, was honored for his dedicated service at the animal hospital and again at a pet cemetery Friday, according to the Enterprise.

“To my boys in blue. Never in my career have I ever been so proud. You outdid yourselves today. I could not have asked for a better send off,” Kaiser’s handler, Officer James Lebretton, posted on his Facebook page.

Lebretton said that although Kaiser’s duty on the police force was cut short, “he made a huge impact that will never be forgotten.

“I feel privileged to have had a front row seat to witness his bravery and heroic actions while serving the people of Plymouth and my brothers and sisters in blue.”

 

Source: http://www.policeone.com/K-9/articles/6260357-Photo-Dying-K-9-gets-dept-salute-on-final-vet-trip/

A photo caught Ky. Officer Jason Ellis’ K-9, Figo, saying a final goodbye

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — A photo taken at an officer’s funeral service shows his dedicated K-9 partner saying a last goodbye by putting his paw up on the casket.

 

Officer Jason Ellis, 33, was killed driving home from his shift in uniform when he pulled over to pick up debris on the roadside and was ambushed May 25. He was found on an exit ramp with a bullet wound and little evidence leading to a suspect.

The department’s only K-9 officer was mourned by his family, friends and department Thursday.  A photographer snapped a photo of his K-9 partner, Figo, looking mournful as he brushed the casket with his paw.

“Figo was almost giving him that final hug goodbye. I think that picture brought more tears than anything,” Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbin told the Daily News.

“Ellis knew that Figo was a great partner. When you are a canine cop you have one of the best partners in the world. He had the dog for several years and his boys basically grew up with Figo around.”

Figo was retired after his partner’s death and is now living with Ellis’ family, according toToday.

Retired military bomb dog joins MD police force

After two tours overseas, Zeva wasn’t ready for early retirement, especially when her skills are still needed.

 

Kris Van Cleave

WJLA

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. – Prince George’s County’s newest police recruit is hardly a rookie. Zeva is a seasoned veteran. She’s a 5-year-old black lab and a bomb dog from the military.

Zeva did two six-month tours in Afghanistan with the Marine Corps. But with the war effort winding down the military has more dogs than it needs. So even though Zeva has several good years ahead of her, she was headed for early retirement.

“She’s been bred and trained to work, she loves to work,” said Cpl. Geoffrey Brown, Prince George’s County Police K-9 Handler. “For her, just sitting at home on the couch, I don’t think she’d be happy.”

ABC7 was invited to attend Zeva’s first day of field training with her handler. As part of the exercise, officers hid several simulated explosive devices in cars parked in a County parking lot, as well as in an open field. Zeva was then sent to search the parking lot. She found all the hidden devices.

The County police has claimed two former military bomb dogs, Zeva and Slick – also an Afghanistan war vet.

If the county was starting from scratch to buy a dog and train the dog, it’s about $30,000. But dogs like Zeva cost $5 and will be trained in a few weeks.

With the Boston bombings still on people’s minds, Zeva and Slick give the County police five bomb dogs ready to serve, allowing the K-9 unit to cover more ground more quickly and be better able to handle big events like Redskins games.

“They are invaluable, invaluable,” said Cpl. Scott Allen, Prince George’s County Police K-9 Handler. “With the changing world you never know what threats you are going to come up against day to day.”

Threats these dogs have already faced on a battlefield far away, with skills they’ll use to keep the County they now call home safe.

 

 

Reprinted with permission from ABC 7 WJLA

Source: http://www.policeone.com/K-9/articles/6252741-Retired-military-bomb-dog-joins-Md-police-force/

An Otsego man May 6 allegedly fought with police and a K9 officer after threatening to kill multiple acquaintances at a Nowthen home.

Ivan Ivanovich Revenko

Ivan Ivanovich Revenko, 35, was arraigned May 9 in Anoka County District Court on five felony charges, including two counts of second-degree assault and one count each of fourth-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm to a public safety dog and obstructing legal process.

 

Bail was set at $200,000.

According to the criminal complaint, multiple police agencies responded to a Nowthen home the evening of May 6 because an adult man was threatening to kill multiple people with a large knife. Authorities found Revenko smoking outside and he matched the description given to dispatch.

Revenko allegedly pulled a large knife from under his coat and walked toward to officers. At one point he did throw the knife a short distance away, but still went after the officers and gave one Anoka County Sheriff’s Office deputy a bloody nose, according to the complaint. Officers shot Revenko with a Taser multiple times, but it appeared to have no effect on him because he was wearing a leather jacket, said Lt. Paul Lenzmeier of the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

Anoka County Sheriff’s Office K9 officer Major

 

Deputy Cullen Czech released the sheriff’s department’s K9 officer Major, but Revenko choked the dog and broke his tooth, according to the complaint.

Officers were eventually able to subdue Revenko and arrest him.

A woman inside the Nowthen home allegedly told police that her family knows Revenko from a distant family relationship and that he had wanted to marry her years ago.

Revenko allegedly showed up at the home May 6 and made threats to kill her, her husband and her father.

He allegedly had a long knife and grabbed her at one point while threatening them; her father running around parked cars to avoid Revenko.

 

 

http://abcnewspapers.com/2013/05/09/man-charged-for-fighting-with-police-k9-after-making-death-threats/