2020 - 2029

Note : Some of these tributes are for police canine officers that were killed in the line of duty and some for officers that died while off duty. Also included are military canine handlers that were killed during wars.

Flashing star on both sides of officer name indicates both officer and K9 were killed in line of duty

Bob Dugger, 91, passed away at his home in Clovis, CA, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Rose Marie for 68 years Bob joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in the Air Police Squadron Canine Section until 1959. He was stationed in various locations, including Korea, North Africa, England, and Japan, and received several commendations for his service.He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie; children Cathy (Chuck), Curtis (Karla), and Christine.

Charles M. �Chuck� Scollan, 80, of Glastonbury, passed away at Hartford Hospital on November 30th after a long struggle with respiratory disease. Chuck grew up with his family in East Hartford, graduated from Holy Trinity High School in Hartford in 1962, after which he joined the Air Force and proudly served in the Air Police Canine Unit charged with securing and guarding the B-52 SAC bombers on around-the-clock readiness alert during the Cold War. Following military service, he worked a number of jobs requiring skills in the building trades, the most notable being physical plant manager for Easter Seals Outdoor Educational Center, a rural building complex with facilities and summer cabins modified for disabled children on a sprawling campus in Hebron. In later years he was employed at Colonial Village Apartments in Glastonbury as the supervisor of the repair and maintenance for building and grounds. Memorial Donations may be made to the Easter Seals, 22 Prestige Park Circle, East Hartford, CT 06108.

Retired K9 Officer Todd Salmon died on 11/28/24. Officer Salmon served the City of Cape Coral from 1990-2005, most notably in the K9 Unit. He and his K9 partner Axl helped to define the excellence of CCPD�s K9 Unit that carries on to this day. Todd and Axl were responsible for countless criminal apprehensions in the 90�s and defined the reputation of the department, a reputation that let everyone know that crime wasn�t welcome in Cape Coral and criminals would be caught. In addition to his assignment as a K9 handler, Officer Salmon was a renowned firearms trainer. Todd's journey as a protector began at the tender age of 17 in Tennessee being too young to join the military. He worked at the Madisonville Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff�s Department, and Sweetwater Police Department. From there, he moved to Mississippi and worked at the Starkville Police Department 1987-1990 in patrol and Field Training Officer. He began his service at the Cape Coral Police Department in 1990 as a Patrol Officer, K-9 Officer with partner Axl, Firearms Instructor, and SWAT Team Sniper. Todd served with unwavering dedication, rising to the challenges of his roles until he retired in 2015. During this time, Todd was also a professional competitive shooter winning 14 National and 5 World Championship titles between 1997-2005.In 2005, he began contract training for the U.S. Government law enforcement and military personnel on multiple skill sets associated with law enforcement and military needs in firearms, drug enforcement, and anti-terrorism. From 2008-2014 he worked exclusively in Afghanistan training and managing training teams for the Afghan Border Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency's Office of International Training's SW Asia Regional Training Team. From 2017-2019 Todd was the Program Manager of a Security contract for the restoration of power infrastructure in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. From 2019 until his death, he delivered skills training to multiple countries across Africa and the Middle East for the U.S. DOS Antiterrorism Training Assistance Program. He is survived by his wife, Salma Salmon, children. The family asks that donations be mailed to;Cape Coral Police K9 Foundation, INC, 1100 Cultural Park Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990 A (501(C)(3) organization, in Todd's memory, continuing his devotion to service and love of four-legged partners.

United States Army Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23, was found dead in a dumpster on 10/21/24 after reported missing.When Sgt. Sarah Roque was absent from formation at Missouri�s Fort Leonard Wood Base, authorities issued a missing-person alert. The alert stated that her family nor her chain of command could make contact with her. Later that evening, Roque�s body was found in a dumpster adjacent to the single-soldier quarters on base. Sarah was in the 5th Engineer Battalion. After enlisting in 2020, she attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. Roque served as a mine dog handler with the 5th Engineer Battalion�s K9 detachment. Roque�s awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.

The Army of Special Trial Counsel on 10/30/24 charged 21 -year-old Spc. Wooster Rancy with the murder and obstructing justice in the death of Sgt. Sarah Roque, 23. Officials said the suspect is from North Miami, Florida, and joined the Army in 2022. He serves as a combat engineer with the 509th Clearance Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, and conducted basic combat training at Fort Leonard Wood. He is being held in pretrial confinement and is awaiting a preliminary hearing.

Maurice "MO" Samual Joseph passed away peacefully on 10/9/24. A public servant of over 40 years, he proudly served as a Norfolk Police Officer and Master Canine Trainer for 26 years and as a Canine Trainer and Program Manage with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group for 14 years. Mo was a fierce patriot, mentor and leader involved with law enforcement at the local, state and national levels. As an original founding member of the non- profit Virginia Police Work Dog Association, Mo helped train and equip canine teams around the state of Virginia. After the attacks on 9/11, he and 37 colleagues from the Norfolk Police Department searched the rubble of the twin towers in New York City. Prolonged exposure to the rubble of the buildings and surrounding areas resulted in several health conditions that ultimately cut short his purposeful life. In liew of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation. T2T honors fellow Americans who, like Mo, were called to serve on 9/11 and beyond. Their programs empower veterans and first responders who are severely injured or struggling, support families of the fallen, and educate new generations so that we never forget. Donations in Mo's honor can be made at http://dogwood.t2t.org/IMOMauriceJoseph

John Scott Ebersole, Sr. aka �Scott� age 68 of Charles Town, West Virginia passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, in Alexandria, Virginia after a prolonged illness. Following high school, Scott enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served for 5 years, stationed in California and London, England. After serving his country, Scott joined the Town of Leesburg Police Department. Scott spent most of his career as a K-9 handler for LPD. Scott would go on to win awards in his field with his first working dog, Buddy, a Belgian Laekenois, and later, two German Shepherd dogs, Alex and Edo. Scott earned several citations and awards during his career, such as Police Officer of the Year, Bronze Medal of Valor, and Silver Cross Medal. He retired as a Sergeant from the police department in 2006. Scott is survived by his son, John Scott Ebersole Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Scott�s honor to the United States Police Canine Association Foundation at www.uspcak9.com/uspca-foundation

Retired Palm Bay Police Officer Byron Patrick, 51, passed away at his residence. on 9/8/24. Officer Patrick served in many capacities including patrol officer, patrol corporal and field training officer � and served as a member of of the department�s Honor Guard.�After serving as a Submariner in the Navy, Byron dedicated over 20 years to the Palm Bay Police Department, where he made a lasting impact as a Field Training Officer, Corporal, Honor Guard member, and K9 Handler. Byron proudly served alongside K9s Patriot, Jasper, and Behr during his K9 career. �Officer Patrick�s most significant assignment was being a K9 handler, serving in that role for 17 years. He and his K9 partners were responsible for apprehending several wanted individuals and removing large amounts of drugs from the community. He was formally a police officer in Michigan. Officer Patrick retired from the Palm Bay Police Department in November 2021.

Officer Will Deering lost his brief battle with leukemia on 8/17/24. Officer Deering was a K9 Officer with Denison Police Department in Texas and had been a member of the force for more than 14 years. Will began employment with the Denison Police Department on January1, 2010.During his career, he served as a K9 officer for 6 years with his K9 partner Ivar. He also served in many other roles throughout his career, including: patrol officer, Narcotics Detective, Field Training Officer, Sergeant and as Training & Development Coordinator.Will is survived by his wife Vanessa; son Michael Daughter Kaylee; son Bryce and his K9 partner Ivar.

Walter R. "Gus" Bowers died on 8/15/24 at the age of 88. He served as a canine officer with the Oak Ridge Police Department. He also served in the Navy. In 1965 he joined the Oak Ridge Police Department in Tennessee. He became a Sergeant in 1969 and then promoted to Lieutenant Detective in 1982 and retired in 1998. During his time in the police force he was proud to be one of the founders of the Honor Guard for Oak Ridge. His wife Betty Jo Cambell preceded him in death. He leaves behind a daughter Cyndi Lee Bowers. Donations may be made to local animal shelters.

Captain John P. Hamrick, passed away on Aug. 6, 2024, in Fairhope, Alabama. John dedicated the last 19 years to serving his community as a respected member of the Fairhope Police Department and 10 years prior as a Canine officer with the Gulf Shores Police Department. John is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie Hamrick, and their children, Sydney of Auburn and Nash of Fairhope.

Corporal Miranda Wright passed away from colon cancer Saturday, Aug. 3 after a two month battle. She closed out a 20-year career of service. Miranda enlisted in the United States Army in 1997. Most recently had her home at the Olney Police Department and Olney EMS. Her primary responsibility was the interdiction of narcotics for the Olney Police Department. She focused on manufacturing, distribution, delivery, and possession of narcotics in and around Olney. Wright held a Master Peace Officer License through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) with more than 3,700 hours of continuing education with TCOLE. Moreover, she was a nationally certified emergency medical technician, had an associate degree in criminal justice, and was currently enrolled in school to obtain her bachelor�s degree in criminal justice. Wright is a certified police instructor and has attended the LEMIT (Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas) Command Staff Leadership Course.Her law enforcement career was spent mostly with K-9 partners Fox at OPD, Sam at the Young County Sheriff�s Office and her last partner at OPD, K9. Bond. �The two competed in the United States Police Canine Association trials, which were held in Graham in 2022. During the service, her K-9 partner Bond was led up to say a goodbye to Wright and the Wichita Falls Sheriff�s Office Honor Guard folded and presented the American flag to Birbeck who presented it to her family. She leaves behind her daughters, Christine and Chandra. DonatIons can be made to Project K-9 Hero, 309 Bear Pen Rd., Whitwell, Tennessee 37397.

Officer Brent Simpson was on duty and in uniform when he decided to shoot himself in the head in front of his police co-workers at 12:30 pm on 7/1/24. On Monday afternoon, CMPD identified the officer as K-9 Officer Brent Simpson who was a graduate of the 148th Recruit Class and served with CMPD since 2006.Officers with the Steele Creek Division responded to calls on 7/1/24 in the 7300 block of Steele Creek Road, just south of the CLT Airport, where Simpson was found. CMPD said Officer Simpson was assigned to the K-9 unit and faithfully served alongside his K-9 partner, Levi, for six years. Other police on scene immediately tried to revive Officer Simpson and radioed in for support. Cops loaded Officer Simpson into the back seat of a police car and rushed him to the hospital with lights and sirens on. Before joining CMPD, Officer Simpson served in the U.S. Navy as an Operation Specialist with the Military Police for four years. He leaves behind his wife Gina of almost 19 years and his K9 partner Levi. Contributions in Brent's memory may be made to People of Service Together, a non-profit organization founded by Brent to serve First Responders struggling with their mental health; www.peopleofservicetogether.org

Connecticut State Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed on 5/30/24 in the line of duty when he was struck on Interstate I84 at approximately 2:36 pm and died at the scene.Trooper Pelletier was working an overtime shift. The driver who struck Trooper Pelletier left the scene. Trooper Pelletier was traveling in the left lane when he observed a driver in the right lane not wearing a seat belt. Trooper Pelletier pulled over the driver in the right lane and while talking to the operator of the vehicle a Chevrolet 1500 pick up truck driven by Alex Oyola- Sanchez, 44, went into the right lane striking Trooper Pelletier�s cruiser and then striking him. The right side wheels of the pick up were completely over the dividing line into the shoulder when he side swiped Trooper Pelletier�s cruiser and then struck Trooper Pelletier in the shoulder of the road while he was speaking with the operator of the vehicle not wearing a seat belt. The driver of the truck who struck Trooper Pelletier was later located and taken into police custody on I-84 in Farmington at exit 39A when a tire failed which is about 5 miles from the accident scene at exit 31A on I84 East in Southington. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was a nine-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police and a member of the 125th Training Troop. He graduated from K9 Academy as part of the 223^rd Patrol Dog Class in December 2021. His dog's name was Roso and was retired from service and given to his family. He was married and leaves behind his wife Dominique and two young boys, Troy and Zachary. The family is asking that donations be made in Trooper Pelletiers memory to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, at 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or to this GoFundMe page.

Alex Oyola- Sanchez is charged with second - degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, evading responsibility resulting in death. driving under the influence, and failing to drive in the proper lane, failure to renew registration, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, among several other charges in the death of Trooper Pelletier. Oyola-Sanchez told police he injected $20 worth of fentanyl and $20 worth of powdered cocaine earlier that morning and had purchased a pill, he believed to be Klonopin, from a drug dealer before the incident. Oyola-Sanchez bond was initially set at $5 million and he appeared in court on 5/31/24, where it was set at $1.5 million by Judge Maureen Keegan and his next court appearence is scheduled for 6/6/24. Oyola-Sanchez has a long criminal history in his native Puerto Rico � including third-degree murder in 2012, Bringing objects into a correctional facility for escape in 2008, 3 counts of attempted homicide in 2008, 3rd degree murder in 2007 as well as weapons and drug charges.

Kevin Eugene Morgan,63,died on 4/13/24, after suffering a medical emergency while on duty and died at Meritus Medical Center Hagerstown, MD.He was chief of the Boonsboro Police Department, after having served over 25 years with the Washington County Sheriff's Office. Overall, Morgan spent more than 41 years in law enforcement. Morgan "had a love for dogs and worked and trained Police K9�s and detection dogs.Kevin was a graduate of in 1982 of Western Maryland Police Academy.He was currently employed as the Chief of Police with Boonsboro, MD. He was previously employed with Brunswick Police Department (1982), Washington County Sheriff Department (1983-2009), Boonsboro Police Department (2009-present). Kevin had 42 years as a dedicated law enforcement officer.He is survived by his life partner Mary Pat Kulina of Mercersburg, PA; daughter Kristen Rosenberg son Andy Morgan; In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Boonsboro Police Department for future funding for K9 training and handler equipment.

Corporal Brad Smith retired from the West Covina Police Department in southern California after 30 years of service. He passed away from cancer on 4/4/24. He was a handler and trainer for West Covina for 25 years and a SWAT dog handler for 18 years. Brad served as the Canine Section Chair for the NTOA since 1999 shaping the landscape of K9 operations across the country. He specialized in field tactics and officer safety. Brad was a graduate of the California P.O.S.T. Master Instructor Development Program (Class 5) where he designed and implemented a K9 SWAT & K9 Patrol Tactical School called S.K.I.D.D.S. and CATS. He was the owner of Canine Tactical Operations and Consulting and provided expert K9 witness testimony in civil litigation. Brad was the author or co-author of two books: �K9 Tactical Operations for Patrol and SWAT� and �K9�s in the Courtroom.� He published over 130 articles for a wide variety of publications on K9 SWAT deployment and training.

Capt. Daniel Matt Bryan Clark, 35, was laid to rest with his K9, Jaxx, by his side.Capt. Clark played a big role at the Bladen County Sheriff�s Office for the past 14 years. Sadly, he took his own life at his home on 4/1/24. Clark was deployed to Iraq during his six years in the Army as a combat medic. He also served in the National Guard. Clark came to the Bladen County Sheriff�s Office back in 2010 and quickly moved up the ranks. He was promoted to Captain in 2022. During Clark�s time with the Bladen County Sheriff�s Office, he worked in many different roles, including patrol, K9 Officer, Narcotics and Criminal Investigations Division. Clark had K9 Jaxx by his side at the sheriff�s office for eight years. Jaxx retired and Clark still took care of 10-year-old Jaxx. Sadly, Jaxx was in failing health and after talking to a veterinarian and Capt. Clark�s family, it was decided to cremate Jaxx to rest alongside his handler. Memorials may be sent to the Bladen County Sheriff's Office / K9 Unit .

Francis X. OBrien, 79 passed away on 2/21/24. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1962, serving in Vietnam. In 1966, he joined the Philadelphia Police Department, first working in the 6th district, then on the el and subway as a K9 cop with his beloved police dog, Devil, and finally as a detective in the 35th district. He maintained a 4.0 GPA at Community College of Philadelphia while working as a police officer and attending night classes in Criminal Justice and Psychology. After his retirement from the PPD in 2003, Frank went on to work as a security guard at Fox Chase Cancer Center. He will be remembered as a devoted husband to his wife Kay and loving father to his three daughters Tara Schernecke (Jeff), Donna Ennis (Billy), and Erica O'Brien (Vincent Gerbino) Donations in Frank's honor can be made to the Tacony Library (by calling 215-6858755 and making a direct donation via phone); The Special Olympics of Pennsylvania (support.olympics.org), or Shriners Hospitals for Children(lovetotherescue.org)

Thomas Chagnon, who became one of Enfield's first canine officers in the early 1980s. Chagnon joined the Enfield Police Department in 1976, shortly before institution of the canine program. He was partnered with a German shepherd known as SatanChagnon retired in 1998.

Deputy Sheriff Eric Minix, 31, was killed while on duty on 1/4/24 in Alabama at the end of high speed chase on Interstate 85 at 11:55 P.M.. Alabama Officers put stop sticks out to stop the speeding vehicle. Minix stopped behind the car he was chasing. Once that happened, Minix stepped out of the car, a 2017 Dodge Charger. A Lanett, Alabama police officer, Cornelius Robinson 28, struck him after Minix got out of his car to approach the stolen vehicle that had led the chase across state lines. Robinson came on the scene and could not stop in time before hitting the Coweta deputy. Minix had been chasing a stolen 2022 Dodge Challenger out of Douglas County. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, Decedric Vonche Donson, 25, of Pensacola, Fla. driver in the chase is charged with felony first degree receiving stolen property and felon attempting to elude. At least seven law enforcement agencies were assisting in apprehending the subject, who was driving a stolen vehicle. The subject was arrested and is waiting charges. The Alabama officer was placed on administrative leave and an investigation is pending. The deputy's K-9 partner was on scene, but not injured in the incident. Minix joined the Coweta force first in 2014, then joined the Tyrone Police Department for several years before coming back to the Coweta force. He was with the Crime Suppression Unit in the sheriff's office. The deputy leaves behind his wife Trina and three daughters, Annalee, Adelynn and Harper. Donations can be made to Georgia Police K9 Foundation at GApolicek9foundation.org or Concerns of Police Survivors at Gacops.org

Decedric Vonche Donson is being held with no bond from multiple law enforcement agencies including federal probation.

Harry Vega, 82, a retired Meriden police officer who, used his own time and money, led the department's use of police dogs. During his two decades in the Meriden Police Department, Vega trained at least four police dogs for the department, and was a handler to three of them. One of his K9 partners was killed in the line of duty. He joined the city's police force on Feb. 1, 1966, and served in the department until he retired in July 1986. The Meriden Police Department K9 program is rich with history and began as a result of his efforts. Vega began training police dogs in the late 1960s and early '70s. He partnered with three dogs, Ceasar, Kemo and Wolf. "He utilized his own funds and time to start the K9 program at the Meriden Police Department. Vega received "numerous awards and citations" for his service, which included community demonstrations with Kemo. Unfortunately, on April 17, 1976, K9 Ceasar was killed in the line of duty while in the performance of his duties. Ceasar was later awarded a medal of valor from the National Police Officers Association and was inducted into the National Police Hall of Fame. Contributions can be made in his memory to the Meriden Police K9 unit.

Mosier, 27, had been employed with Sumter Sheriff�s Department as a certified Class 1 Deputy for about seven months after having served with the Marlboro County Sheriff's Office. His K9 partner was K9 Rojo. He was a three-year law enforcement veteran.

Deputy Paul Martin, 53, was killed on 12/6/23 while on duty after taking cover behind his squad car after laying a tire deflation device in the road for a person fleeing an officer. The 42-year-old son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer, Ian Cramer, was charged on 12/7/23 with manslaughter and fleeing. The incident began when Ian Cramer was driven by his mother to a hospital at around 4:30 p.m. on 12/6/23 over concerns about his mental health. When she got out of the SUV, Cramer took the wheel and crashed through a door to get out of an enclosed ambulance bay at the hospital�s emergency department. The senator's daughter tracked the SUV through a cellphone and alerted authorities. Over an hour later, a deputy in Mercer County spotted Cramer and the Chevrolet Tahoe in Hazen, a community about 70 miles northwest of Bismarck. The North Dakota Highway Patrol began a chase. Initial efforts to stop Cramer didn't work. An officer in Beulah used a tire deflation device, which flattened two of Cramer's tires, but he kept driving on the highway. Beulah Chief of Police Frank Senn and Martin deployed more deflation devices and took cover behind their cars. Cramer swerved then hit Martin's vehicle. Ian Cramer was traveling over 100 mph and already had two flat tires when he slammed head-on into Deputy Paul Martin's squad car pushing it directly into Deputy Martin and launching him for about 100 feet killing him. Cramer was then taken into custody. He was evaluated at a hospital then jailed. The patrol said that when a Mercer County deputy spotted Ian Cramer in Hazen and approached him, Cramer fled. The crash happened a short time later on North Dakota Highway 200, about 5 miles (8 kilometers) outside of Hazen. The hospital in Bismarck sustained damage to the main entrance to its emergency department's vehicle and ambulance garage. The entrance had to be temporarily out of service, with a temporary entrance set up. No one was injured at the hospital. Paul started his law enforcement career with the Army as an MP Canine Officer. He continued his career in law enforcement while in North Dakota starting with Nelson County Sheriff�s Department. Then he was with Hazen Police Department for three years followed by Beulah Police Department for two years. These past 15 years he has been with Mercer County Sheriff�s Department. During his time with Mercer County Sheriff�s Department Paul was lucky enough to be partnered with Goliath, his K9 for seven years. Deputy Martin�s retired K9 Goliath died in 2019. Deputy Martin was an 18-year veteran of the sheriff's office.Paul is survived by his wife Melinda A.K.A Mindy (Hietala) Martin; his children; Sara Beth Harr, Jason Martin and Amanda Martin. Memorials be made to Wreaths Across America, Turtle River State Park or Sakakawea State Park.

Ian Cramer made his first court appearance on 10/8/23 on manslaughter and other charges after he allegedly fled from authorities in a stolen family vehicle. Ian Cramer, of Bismarck, was charged Thursday with multiple felony counts, including manslaughter, fleeing a police officer and reckless endangerment. Cramer did not enter a plea on 10/8/23, which will happen at a later hearing. He appeared in court remotely via videoconference from county jail and District Judge Bobbi Weiler set a $500,000 cash bond, and also ordered a mental health evaluation. Plans to file additional drug-related charges against Cramer are pending for possession of methamphetamine, cocaine and baggies of paraphernalia. In 2013, Ian Cramer was charged with misdemeanor simple assault for allegedly injuring his brother�s head; he pleaded guilty. His record also includes several traffic citations during this and last year, some as recent as the day before the crash, for driving under suspension.

Sergeant Michael Moran, 46, of the Cortez Police Department was shot and killed on 11/29/23 at 11:25 am while making a traffic stop for reckless driving near the intersection of South Broadway and San Juan Drive in Colorado. Two suspects fled but were tracked down to the 7500 block on Highway 160/491 where a gun battle ensued. The gunman who killed Sergeant Moran, Jason Campbell, 44, of Ogden Utah was killed at the scene while the second suspect was apprehended 1.5 miles away. Sgt. Moran was rushed to Southwest Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Sergeant Moran served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nine years, including two tours in Iraq, before joining the Cortez Police Department in 2012. He became a K9 handler in 2016 with his K9 partner Otto. He leaves behind two daughters Katalina and Novelynn Moran .

Sergeant Christopher Provenzano who served with the Harrison Police Department for over 20 years, died on 11/8/23 at the age of 50. He served with the Harrison Police, as a canine handler. He also spent much time with his canine partner, Brixx. He retired from the department in 2017 as a sergeant. Provenzano is survived by his wife, Chelsea; his children, Andrew and Ella.

Retired veteran SAPS K9 officer Lieutenant Jack Haskins died on 10/27/23. Haskins had been involved in the Midmar Mile and Dusi Canoe Marathon, rescues, drownings around the �province and rescues in disaster zones. After serving the KwaZulu-Natal community since 1977, he retired from the SA Police Services in 2016. Haskins has had an illustrious career in the police service, bringing peace to hundreds of families by locating their relatives� bodies in sometimes very �difficult conditions. Haskins who was praised for his work in the SAPS K9 unit has been described as a hero who will be dearly missed. He touched many lives and was a mentor to many in the K9 unit. His contributions to the world of K9 operations have left an indelible mark on both his home country and the global search and rescue community. One of his most notable achievements was the creation of the South African Search and Rescue Dog Association (SASARDA). This organization was founded to train and certify search and rescue dogs and their handlers to the highest standards. Under Jack Haskins� guidance, SASARDA became a model of excellence, ensuring that search and rescue teams could effectively and efficiently respond to emergencies. He cooperated with search and rescue teams from around the world, sharing his expertise and learning from their experiences. This collaboration made him a respected figure not only in South Africa but on the global stage, where his impact was truly immeasurable. The work of Lt. Haskins and the K9 units he nurtured has been instrumental in locating missing persons during natural disasters, finding survivors trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings, and aiding in criminal investigations by tracking down evidence. Their efforts have brought solace to countless families and justice to many. Specialising in biological body fluids detection, K9 Butch was trained and handled by Haskins for 12 years and was the first of three dogs specializing in biological body fluids in the province. Butch aided many forensic teams in solving high-profile cases as he was specially trained in finding small amounts of blood or other bodily fluids at crime scenes. He also assisted in many high-profile cases which are still under investigation. He was the lead K9 in the investigation of a woman who had been murdered by her husband on the South Coast. The crime scene was four years old, but Butch managed to trace a small amount of blood that had soaked into the foot of a cupboard. Jack received the coveted SAPS Silver Cross for Bravery for saving victims trapped in the 1987 floods. His K9 Orca received the SAPS Canine and Equine Star for Bravery. His K9 partners were Rolf, Orca, Udain, Vos, Bear and Butch. He was married to his wife Vesta for 26 years who died of cancer in 2010. He leaves behind a son, Jack Jr. 38, and a daughter Samantha, 34.

Hartford police K-9 Officer Holly Donahue,55, died on 10/11/23 after a four-year battle with melanoma after be diagnosed in 2019. She was on the scuba team, and was the department's first female canine officer. "She was decorated with many accolades. Donahue joined the Army two weeks after graduating from Southington High School in 1985. While in the Army she became a jump master, jumping out of airplanes. She retired as a 2nd lieutenant from the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. Her K9 partners were Champ and Moffett. She was also trained in crisis intervention. Most recently, Donahue worked at the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Donahue was burial with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Police Unity Tour via https://policeunitytour.com/

Deputy Tucker Blakely, 29, of the Knox County Sheriff's Office died on 10/2/23 from wounds he suffered on 10/1/23 while responding to a domestic call at approximately 11:15 p.m. to a home on the 2300 block of Denver Lane in the Solway community. Deputies responded where they encountered an armed individual at the residence. Shots were fired by both the individual and at least one of the deputies. Deputy Blakely was rushed to the University Medical Center but died. The suspect, Matthew Logan Rose, 30, was pronounced dead on the scene. Blakely was an Army veteran and was an organ donor. He had just been selected to be a K9 handler and had just picked up his dog two days before he was shot. Deputy Blakely is survived by his wife, Katarina, and five-year-old son.

PC Stephen Powell, 51, his cause of death had been announced at an inquest heard at Cheshire coroner�s court on 1/24/24. PC Stephen Powell, from Great Sankey, was found dead at Oven Back Farm in Croft, on September 17, 2023.At an inquest, area coroner Victoria Davis confirmed that Stephen�s death had been ruled a suicide. The 51-year-old's body was discovered by a farm worker who raised the alarm, and was later identified by a colleague.He became the first police officer in the country to train his own dog, a German shepherd named Frank, to join him on the beat back in 2012.He was one of six dog handlers covering Warrington, Widnes and Runcorn.He was also based at Warrington Police Station. PC Powell has been a serving officer for 21 years and also did work for a German shepherd rescue charity.

Benjamin Lee Britton, age 58, of Chadron, Nebraska passed away September 14, 2023. He enlisted in the Army in 1983. He was a Military Police Canine Corp. at Ft. Benning, Georgia from 1984 to 1991.

James �Jim� Jude Matarese of Falmouth, Virginia passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 9, 2023 surrounded by his wife and children at Henrico Doctors� Hospital. Jim was a dedicated police and K-9 handler for 34 years with the United States Park Police. He loved working with police K-9s and was committed to helping train other K-9 handlers. Shortly after becoming a K-9 handler, Jim joined Region 3 of the United States Police Canine Association and quickly became very involved in the organization. Jim served as Region 3 President, National President, and most recently National Treasurer.Jim is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Margaret B. Matarese; children Matthew Matarese, Christopher Matarese, Philip Matarese, and Amelia (Matarese) Tupta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The United States Police Canine Association or Mary�s Shelter.Checks may be mailed to:

The United States Police Canine Association
Don Slavik, Executive Director, USPCA
34605 454 Avenue
Ottertail, MN 56571

In July Officer Brad Taylor was being treated for pneumonia when his doctors scheduled a CT scan. The results showed a large mass in one of his lungs, roughly the size of a softball. They immediately biopsied the growth, with results coming back as Melanoma. Additional testing discovered the cancer has also spread into his bones. At the end of August he started immunotherapy to combat the cancer, and has been in and out of the hospital for the past few weeks. With his illness progressing, he was currently incubated under close watch in the ICU. Brad joined the U.S. National Guard where he worked in communications and served in Morocco with his unit. Officer Taylor leaves behind a wife Marisa Hyland Taylor and daughters Frankie 2 years old and Georgia 2 months old and K9 partner Trigg.

George K. Carlson Jr., of Kingston, New York died on 9/2/23 following a long battle with Alzheimers. He served in the United States Army and graduated from Ulster County Community College Law Enforcement Class of 1974. In 1974, he began his forty plus year career in law enforcement with the Kingston Police Department assigned to the SWAT Team, SCUBA and as a Firearms Instructor. In 1980 under Mayor Don Quick and Police Chief Julius Glassman. George introduced the K9 Unit to the police department. He would serve with two K9 partners, Stoner and Cody before being promoted to detective and retiring. In 2004, George would continue his law enforcement career with the Ulster County Sheriff's Office as a K9 deputy with his dog Cody. Following Cody, his next partner would be Griff, a patrol and cadaver dog and then Coda. He became a K9 instructor for the Sheriff's Office and in 2018 he retired. Finishing his law enforcement career with his dog Coda, George served as a K9 Security Officer at Ulster County Community College. He was a member and judge for the United States Police Canine Association. George is survived by his wife of forty eight years, Veronica "Vickie" Carlson.

Retired Seymour Police Detective Todd Romagna passed away after a lengthy battle with an illness. Detective Romagna started with the Seymour Police Department as a Supernumerary Officer in 1995, then a Full Time Officer in 1998 and promoted to Detective in 2013. While in patrol, Detective Romagna served as the department's K9 Officer, Community Police Officer and was on the department's ESU unit. Throughout his career he also received numerous commendations. Prior to Detective Romagna's employment with the Seymour Police Department, Detective Romagna worked for the State of Connecticut's Department of Corrections. He retired in 2017. He is survived by his wife, Bridget, daughter, Brittney, and son, Joe.Donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation ( https://t2t.org )

Brett Albert Winkelman, 71, passed away suddenly on 6/26/23. At the age of forty, he made the decision to pursue a life long dream of becoming a police officer. Through hard work and dedication, he saw the fruition of that dream, working as a Reserve Conservation Officer for DWR; Deputy Park Ranger at East Canyon State Park; Deputy Sheriff at Morgan County Sheriff's Office; and Officer at Farmington City Police Department from where he retired in 2013. While at F.P.D., Brett completed the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training PSP-2 and became certified as a dog handler with his K9 Nikita as a Narcotics Detector Dog from 1992-2002. In February of 2002, Officer Winkelman became a school Resource Officer/Community Resource Officer until May 2010. In 2008, Officer Winkelman was honored as a D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year for the State of Utah. Officer Winkelman also served his community as an EMT, Hunter Education Instructor with the Division of Wildlife Resources, and also as a CPS (Child Passenger Safety) Technician with both the State of Utah and Nationally. Brett was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Utah Peace Officers Association, and the International Canine Narcotics Detection Foundation, Inc. Brett leaves behind his wife Cathy Marie Winkelman of 41 years. and sons Richard Paul Galley ; Brian Kenneth Galley and Brett Albert Winkelman, Jr.

Gordon Patenaude, 81, died 6/17/23 after a long and courageous battle with his illness. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran and police K9 officer. He and Sabre, his air-scent trained K9 were successful in several search and rescue operations. Gordon leaves behind his wife Janet and daughter Debra Simmons along with three stepchildren; Tammy Fitzell, Michael Dekoschak and Mark Dekoschak. Donations may be made in honor of Gordon to Pioneer Valley Hospice Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Patrick Michael "Mike" Buckley, 86, of Lusby, MD and formerly of College Park/Riverdale, MD, passed away on June 15, 2023 at his residence. He joined the United States Navy in November 1953 (age 17), where he served for 4 years in the Antarctica, North Pole and other duty stations. He later joined the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department where he served for over 22 years, 5 years in the Canine Unit with his beloved dog "Duke" and the final 11 years in the Internal Affairs Division. He is survived by his children James M. Buckley, Matthew L. Buckley, Shannon Locke, Daniel M. Buckley, Kathleen T. Leach and predeceased by son, Patrick J. Buckley.

Allen �Poley� James Garner, age 76, of Wilmington, NC passed away on June 8, 2023. Allen was a Vietnam Army Veteran who served as a Military Police dog handler during the war. Allen is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dolores Garner; son, David Allen Garner and his daughter, Sheila Ann Garner. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in memory of Allen may be made to St. Jude Children�s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Dave Scherping, 51, a former Morrison County Deputy died in a motorcycle accident on 6/3/23 during the afternoon. Scherping was riding his motorcycle south on County Road 5 when he approached the intersection of County Road 4. A driver in a pickup truck heading north made a left turn in front of Scherping. He collided with the truck and was thrown from the bike. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, a 57-year-old man from Becker, was not hurt. Scherping was a Morrison County deputy and a K9 handler for several years. He leaves behind Austin Scherping, Connor Scherping, Brenden Scherping, Chase Scherping, Riley Scherping and Jacob Fasching. He was preceded in death by his infant son Christopher Scherping. He is also the father of the current K9 handler, Deputy Austin Scherping.

Patrol Officer First Class and K-9 handler Zane A. Breakiron died in an off duty single vehicle accident on 6/3/23. Officer Breakiron was approaching his seventh year of service to the community of Morgantown and was a decorated officer with MPD. Zane's journey began at Laurel Highlands High School, where he excelled athletically as a four-year varsity member for football, wrestling and track & field, and where he threw the 2x WPIAL Javalin medalist. He was named an All-American in the USA Track and Field National Championships. His passion for sports continued as he pursued his education at the University of Florida, where he qualified for the NCAA Eastern Regional Finals during his sophomore year. Memoial contributions can be made to the WV Law Enforcement Police K9 Fund.

Cameron Shanks died on June 3, 2023 from Stomach cancer. He retired from Police Scotland in 2020 after 43 years of service, much of that as a police dog handler, but also had a spell on the staff at the Scottish Police College in Tulliallan. In September last year, he was asked to help unveil the memorial to all the force�s four-legged recruits in Glasgow�s Pollok Park. Over the last four years, together with family and friends Cameron Shanks raised over $60,000 for Maggie�s which provides support and advice to those suffering from cancer, as well as their relatives at the Larbert center in the grounds of Forth Valley Royal Hospital. A range of fundraisers enabled Cammy to raise the cash, including a disco at the Beancross Restaurant and Hotel in Grangemouth, charity cycles and runs, a Three Peaks Challenge by police officers, efforts of staff at Tesco Redding where Claire works and the formation of the Cammy Shanks Burns Club. He leaves behind his wife Claire.

Senior Constable Bruce Lamb a New Zealand police dog handler died on 5/23/23 during a hunting trip with his friends. Senior Constable Bruce Lamb whose beloved police dog Gage once took a bullet from a gunman and saved his life. Bruce was hunting in the Ashburton Lakes area when he died suddenly. Bruce had been part of the Canterbury Police family for 45 years and was one of New Zealand Police�s longest-serving dog handlers. He was well known and well respected across the organization and in the communities, he served. Lamb, a father of three, including two police officers - dedicated his life to policing, Lamb became emotional when paying tribute to his dog Gage, who was posthumously awarded the UK�s highest honor for animal bravery. �Without him, I simply wouldn�t be here,� Lamb told a gathering of his colleagues where Gage�s bravery and sacrifice was recognized with the PDSA Gold Medal. At 11am on July 13, 2010 officers passing a house in the Christchurch suburb of Phillipstown noticed a strong smell of cannabis. They went to the door and arrested a man there and called for back-up. Lamb and Gage arrived and went inside where they found Christopher Graeme Smith, 35, inside a locked bedroom. Smith coughed to disguise cocking his rifle before Lamb entered. The gunman fired two shots, one narrowly missing Lamb�s head, the other smashing into his jaw. As he fell, Lamb called out to alert his colleagues. Smith cocked his gun again and as he went to shoot Lamb again, Gage�s training kicked in and he jumped into the line of fire. �I can still feel Gage going over me. Without a doubt, his actions on the day saved my life,� Lamb said at the time. Smith fired again and hit Constable Mitch Alatalo. Lamb dragged Gage, still on his lead, outside the house. It wasn�t until he was outside that he realized Gage was dead. Lamb drove himself to hospital and radioed police comms: �Delta One to Comms...I�ve got a gunshot wound to the head... can you tell my boss that my dog is dead please.�Gage was a 6-year-old German shepherd. Smith was sentenced to a total of 14 years in prison for attempted murder and other offences. He has since been declined parole 11 times. Lamb was shot at three times in his career and was also first on the scene at one of New Zealand�s first active shooter events, where a man was shot in Cathedral Square in 1989. Lamb worked with detector dogs finding drugs. He and Luther, a black Labrador, went on to find $168,000 in one haul in the lining of a car door. Lamb�s son, Michael, continued in the family tradition, graduating from the Dog Training Centre at Trentham in 2021. His other son, Christopher, is also in the force. In 2021.

Retired Middletown Police officer Bill Hollister, 80, who served as a K9 handler for 31 years died at home on 5/22/23. He began his police career in 1968 and was assigned to the K9 unit the following year, partnering with Duke. He remained a K9 handler for the next 31 years, working with Duke, Thor, Logan, Spencer, Custody and Roc. He retired in 2000 but remained the department�s head canine trainer until 2016. Hollister was also one of the original members of the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) in 1971 and was a national judge and trainer who trained hundreds of police dogs in the tri-state area. Hollister was chief judge at many regional and national competitions and also served as the central vice president of the USPCA as well as the ethics committee chairman. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.His wife Marsha, of almost 46 years, was also heavily involved in the Police K9 world. He leaves behind daughters Amy, Billie, Mary, Wendy and Jodi. He was preceded in death by his son Tim Hollister; Daughters Gaylan Miller & Terri Hall. He was presented with Military Honors. Contributions may be made to the U.S.P.C.A. ( United Stapes Police Canine Association ) Region 5.

Larry DeResh, 81, died May 14. Known as �Rock� to his family and friends. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a military police officer, earning a prestigious award for marksmanship. After serving in the Army, he worked as an officer in the Bedford Police Department and the Yorktown Police Department, where he was the first K9 handler in Westchester County with his K9 partner Fritz. Rock went on to be a U.S. marshal until his retirement. He is survived by his children, Larry DeResh, Rick DeResh, Dori Pochintesta and Danielle Forma (Baird). Memorial donations may be made to the National Police Dog Foundation (nationalpolicedogfoundation.org).

Richard "Ricky" T. O'Connell, 71, passed away with family by his side on 5/4/23 at UMASS Memorial Medical Center, O'Connell served his country during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Air Force Police K9 Unit.

Officer Steve Beland, 54, a Lowell police officer, died unexpectedly on Friday, May 12 in Tyngsborough. He served the Lowell Police Department in different capacities since 1993. Beland worked as a K-9 officer with his canine partner Vopo, as a member of the department�s original Gang Unit. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence in 1986 where he "excelled" in track and field. Beland earned his bachelor's degree from Merrimack College and would go on to earn his master�s degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College. Beland leaves behind his wife Jennifer and his daughter Lily age 13 years old. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation in his name to a charity or benefit that is meaningful to you.

Lt. Stewart as a Reserve Deputy with the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, a K-9 Officer for the Shawnee Police Department, before he was back at PCSO, where he was currently serving as a lieutenant. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Megan Stewart and has a surviving daughter Morgan Stewart.

Robert "Bobby" Kenyon Jr., 47, passed away on 4/20/23 unexpectedly at Yale New Haven Hospital after a brief battle with a highly aggressive bacterial blood infection with his family by his bedside. Officer Kenyon served with URI Police for just over five years. He was employed there up until his passing. Prior to that, he spent sixteen years with the Hopkinton Police Department where he retired as a sergeant. His passion as a K-9 handler was shown in both Departments alongside his companions Axel and Phender. Officer Kenyon and was his K9 partner, Phender, was a black Labrador Retriever and was certified in Narcotics by NESPAC and NAPWDA and worked with the University of Rhode Island Police Department. Kenyon graduated from Chariho High School in 1994 , after graduating he served in the U.S. Coast Guard and completed four years of active duty. He leaves behind his wife Carrie and two children, Jordynn Cahoon and Robert W. Kenyon III. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Stand Up for Animals, 33 Larry Hirsch Ln, Westerly, RI 02891, Rhode Island Special Olympics, 370 George Washington Hwy, Smithfield, RI 02917 or the charity of the donor�s choice.

Pope County Deputy Josh Owen, was on duty during his 44th birthday when he was shot and killed. Deputy Owen was taken to Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood in critical condition after being shot. Owen had been with the department for nearly 12 years. His K9 Karma was not injured. The other Pope County deputy wounded by gunfire was identified as Deputy Brody Merrill, Owen�s partner. The incident happened after the officers responded to a domestic call at around 7:30 p.m. on the 400 block of Stromen Street in Cyrus. There was an exchange of gunfire between officers and a man at the home during an attempted arrest. The man opened fire on the officers and Deputy Owen was struck and killed. Deputy Owen was honored in 2022 with a distinguished service award after helping to rescue a neighbor from a burning home on 11/25/22. Deputy Owen also served in the U.S. Military. He leaves behind his wife Shannon and a 10-year old son named Rylan.

Benjamin Jerome McPeek, 71, of Franklin Indiana died 4/8/23. He was honorably discharged from the US Army and proudly served during the Vietnam War. He was a certified law enforcement officer for the State of Ohio, serving at the Erie County Sheriff Office. His tenure at the sheriff office included such roles as: certified underwater scuba diver with Erie County Sheriff Office underwater recovery team and as a certified police canine trainer, & handler, until his medical retirement. Benjie owned and operated Firelands Kennels in Amherst, Ohio, where he imported police canines from Germany and Czechoslovakia for law enforcement purposes. His expertise with training dogs over the years qualified him as a court recognized expert. Some of his dogs were used nationally and also internationally at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in Korea for bomb detection and crowd control. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betsy McPeek.Benjie is survived by his his children: Ryan M. McPeek (Anastasia) and Sarah K. Elms. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Benjie's memory may be made to the K-9 Unit of Erie County Sheriff Office, 2800 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870.

Officer Misael �Mase� Aguayo, Tulare Police Department committed suicide on 4/4/23. At 3:54 p.m. department officials tried to contact Aguayo, who was on duty. Several attempts to reach him by radio and phone went unanswered. When officers went to find Aguayo, they discovered he'd died by suicide. Aguayo started his law enforcement career as a Tulare Police Department explorer, and in September 2004, he was hired as a community service officer. He attended the police academy and became a sworn police officer in 2006. Mase served as a gang detective, school resource officer and was on SWAT. He was also a police dog officer with his partner �Cowboy.� He was recently assigned to the HALO team (Homeless Assistance Liaison Officer). Misael Aguayo is survived by his sons Michael Misael Aguayo and Matthew Anthony Aguayo, His partner Brittney Gilbert and her children KaiLee Gilbert and RyLee Gilbert.

Jeffery Lynn Clayton, 65, of Homosassa Springs, FL died peacefully in his sleep at home on March 30, 2023. Jeff graduated in 1975 from Lyman High School, Longwood, FL, where he was a standout athlete in football, baseball and wrestling. He played football for Bethany College (WV) and Troy State College (AL). For several years he was a salesman for such companies as Hilti fasteners, Sea Ray boats and Golden Rule insurance. When he moved with Pitney Bowes to Chicago, his Jeep Scrambler was stolen the very first night he stayed in the city. His dream was to become a law enforcement officer and in 1989 he joined the City of Lakeland, (Florida) Police Department. During his police days, he served the K-9 unit with his beloved partner Snickers, Community Policing bicycle unit, Patrol unit, was a Field Training Officer, and Detective. During the police academy, he was awarded the Top Gun for his shooting ability and competed in the Police Olympics where he earned several medals with his shotgun. He retired in 2015. He is survived by his wife of 19 years Tammy Christian Clayton, five children (with Susan Conrad Black m. 1985-2000) Randi (Bobby Callaway), Benjamin (Avery), Samuel, Jessi (Tyler Harden) and Jacob.

Richard "Rick" James VanStone, 67, of Albany died 2/23/23, at the Willson Hospice House.He received full military honors. He retired from the U.S. Army, worked with the Albany Police Department and Customs and Border Protection. Mr. VanStone loved working with K-9's everywhere he worked. He was a member of St. Teresa's Catholic Church and the American Legion Post 30. Survivors include his wife Catherine VanStone; a son Richard VanStone; and a daughter Christina Bivens.

Michael Lee Henry, 78, of Hummelstown, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023 in his home. Mr. Henry was a canine police officer and retired as a Sergeant for the City of Harrisburg. After retirement, he was a bus driver and instructor for Capital Area Transit. Mr. Henry was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Surviving is his wife, Rita M. (Kmecak) Henry; daughter, Jennifer Gates. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to HKC Canine Foundation, P.O Box 4804 Harrisburg, PA 17111.

Lewis A. "Skip" Norton, Jr., age 78, Inverness, FL passed away March 10, 2023 under the care of his family and the HPH Hospice Care Center in Lecanto. He was employed by the Citrus County School System as a custodian for well over 20 years. He served our country during the Vietnam Era in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association. Skip served in Vietnam as a Military Police Dog Handler, along with his canine partner, Rommel. He is survived by his son, Brett Norton. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet Norton, on Christmas Day in 2022. Graveside military honors were held at Florida National Cemetery on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Captain Bruce A. Mann, 53, suddenly passed away on 2/26/23. Mann began his career in 1990 after graduating from the Erie County Law Enforcement Training Academy. In 2004, he completed the canine law enforcement training with his new partner Chase. He remained as the Amherst Police Department�s K9 Officer until 2010 when he was promoted to detective. He was a member of the Honor Guard and oversaw the Crime Scene Evidence Team. Over the years, Mann climbed the ranks making Lieutenant and then Captain in 2021. He served his community for over 32 years.

Officer Brian Miller, a 17-year veteran of the Burlington County Sheriff's Office, died on 2/23/23 from cancer. He graduated from the Burlington County Police Academy Class 91 in 2006. He had served as a handler to K-9 Donatello. During his tenure as an officer he received over 24 Acommendations for assorted accomplishments and accolades. He worked as an explosive detection dog handler, a traffic unit officer, mentor in the EquestianYouth Mentoring Program as well as assisting his fellow Brothers in Blue as a Field Training Officer. Brian was just posthumously honored with the promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Brian leaves behind his two sons, Noah and Brandon. Memorial donations may be made to the Brian's Boys Fund https://gofund.me/4836591b

John "Jack" Appolonia,84, established a police canine unit in New York City in 1983, providing a vital new tool in the Big Apple's war on crime during a time of increasing fear and lawlessness, died February 21, 2023 after a long illness. In addition to Joann, Jack is survived by sons John, Richard. He joined the Navy after high school and the Philadelphia Police Department in 1960, leaving in 1983 to come to New York.An acknowledged expert in canine training, Jack was a consultant to a number of law enforcement agencies, including the Port Authority Police Department. He trained canine teams from dozens of departments in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania and federal agencies. He believed that by providing a cop with an alternative to deadly force, he spared that officer the trauma, the regret, the second-guessing a cop experiences when forced to use his or her weapon. "No cop loses a night's sleep when the dog bites somebody," Jack said. Thousands of cops trained by Jack, or trained by the people Jack trained, thank Jack that they did not have to shoot.In 1980, after several New York police officers were shot, a New York journalist recently arrived from Philadelphia went back to his home town to report on the successful canine program there. Police Officer John Appolonia, chief canine trainer in Philadelphia, was quoted extensively. As a result of that story, the New York Transit Police, the subway cops, then a separate department from the NYPD, established a pilot program. Jack worked with Transit Police to select an elite team of 12 officers. They had to be physically fit, experienced and with unblemished records. The pilot canine team underwent 14 weeks of training in Philadelphia, including daily five-mile runs. "No point having 80 pounds of muscle at one end of the leash and a 200 pound lard-ass at the other end," Jack said. "And they have to keep their cool. If a cop uses excessive force, you can fire the cop. If a cop with a dog uses excessive force, they shut down the canine unit."When the canine team returned to New York, it set the world on fire. A suspect who normally would run when a police officer said stop, did not try to run when a cop with a dog said stop.Jack trained the dog and handler to love each other. The dogs lived with the handler and family. The dogs were not vicious and the public did not feel threatened, even petting the dogs. "You don't train the dog to attack. You keep the dog healthy and give it love," Jack said. "And the dog will kill or die to protect you." "When you order the dog to chase someone, the dog sees it as a game and does it to please you."The pilot program was so successful that in 1983 New York officials persuaded Jack to retire after 23 years with the Philadelphia Police and set up a canine program in New York. Working from a facility at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Jack and and the team he had trained in turn trained hundreds of canine teams from the Transit Police, the NYPD, the Port Authority, the National Park Service and suburban departments. Thousands of cops who had an alternative to using their gun, thousands of cops who did not have to worry about someone overpowering them, or who was waiting in the dark to harm them. After three years, Jack's training cadre was in place and working well and he was able to step down, continuing his consultant work for years. As recently as 2020, he served on a New Jersey State commission on violence. Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Sonora Police Chief, Duane O. Ellis, 73, led the Sonora Police Department from 1999 to 2005 died at his home on 2/17/23. Sonora.Chief Ellis started with the department in 1974 as a reserve officer and was hired a few months after as a full-time officer. He was the department�s first K9 handler with his dog, �Sarge.� He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1984. He later competed for the position of Police Chief, and was eventually appointed.

Officer James Muhlbauer of the Kansas City Police Department was killed in a car accident along with his K9 Champ on 2/15/23 while on duty after a vehicle crashed into the K9 handler�s patrol unit. The accident happened at approximately 10:15 p.m. near the area of Benton Blvd. and Truman Road. A vehicle driven by Jerron Allen Lightfoot,18, of Tonganoxie smashed into the police cruiser, then subsequently struck a pedestrian, Jess Eckes, 52, who was pinned under the police vehicle who was killed walking nearby. Police K9 Champ died inside the back of the cruiser and the pedestrian died at the scene, while the officer was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the striking automobile suffered minor injuries. Jerron Lightfoot was taken into custody for questioning. Court records found that 5 seconds before the impact Lightfoot had been speeding at 84.9 mph, 2 seconds before he was clocked at 89.7 mph before he slammed on his brakes and hit the patrol vehicle at 62.3 mph. Lightfoot's brakes were working when he ran through a red light southbound on Benton Boulevard and crashed into Muhlbauer's vehicle as it drove east on Truman Road. K9 Champ, a three year old Dutch shepherd had been in service for about one year. Muhlbauer was a 20-year police veteran and had been a K9 handler for the past three years. Muhlbauer was married and leaves behind his wife of 12 years, Cassie, two sons Ayden and Christian and a daughter Mckenzie. Memorial contributions can be made to The Officer James Muhlbauer Family Memorial Fund set up by KCFOP Lodge 99: htts://unionly.io/o/kcfop/honoring-k9-officer-james-muhlbauer

Jerron Allen Lightfoot, 18, of Tonganoxie, was charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter. After Judge Caine read the charges against Lightfoot, two counts of first-degree involuntary manslaughter, he responded that he planned to hire his own attorney. At the end of the initial appearance, Caine set Lightfoot's bond at $30,000/10%. Lightfoot has posted a $3,000 bond. Judge Caine set house arrest as a condition of his bond and Jackson County requires house arrest to take place within county limits for monitoring purposes. Lightfoot will not be allowed to return to his home in Tonganoxie to stay during his house arrest. He also can't drive or have contact with Muhlbauer's family or any witnesses if and when he's released on bond. Lightfoot is set to appear back in court on Feb. 27 for a bond review hearing. Lightfoot told officers he tried to stop but his car�s brakes did not work, prosecutors said. Lightfoot said he felt �a lot of vibration� when he applied the brakes. A check of Lightfoot�s vehicle showed the vehicle�s brakes were working. Missouri law defines involuntary manslaughter, a class C felony, as "recklessly" causing the death of a person. It is punishable by three to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. His court appearance on 4/11/23, He waived his right to a preliminary hearing. His next court appearance is 4/21/23. Eckes' children filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Lightfoot. A Jackson County Circuit Court judge approved a settlement awarding the family $100,000. On 2/23/24 Lightfoot pleaded gulity that killed Officer Muhlbaurer, pedestrian Jesse Eckes and police dog Champ. Jerron Lightfoot pleaded guilty to two counts of felony first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the deaths of Muhlbauer and Eckes. On 4/24/24 Jerron Lightfoot, was given a 10-year prison sentence for the deaths of Kansas City Police Officer James Muhlbauer, K-9 Champ, and victim Jesse Eckes.

Officer Julian Becerra with the Fountain Police Department for 4.5 years died after he succumbed to his injuries after falling 40 feet from a bridge in Colorado Springs in pursuit of a stolen vehicle suspect. The incident occurred on 2/2/23 and was airlifted to Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs where he succumbed to his injuries at 7:14 p.m. on 2/11/23. He was assisting the Colorado Department of Corrections Parole Unit. Three suspects were involved in the carjacking incident that led to Officer Becerra falling 40 feet from a bridge. At approximately 4 p.m. on Feb. 2, Fountain Police Department was asked to assist in locating a known carjacking suspect from the Pueblo area who had active felony warrants. The vehicle was believed to be northbound on I-25 from Pueblo. The vehicle tracking led officers into Colorado Springs near the Citadel Mall, where several law enforcement agencies in the region began assisting with locating the stolen vehicle At approximately 5:30 pm., the stolen vehicle was seen by officers near Lowe's on North Academy and Platte Avenue. Officers were unable to safely maintain visual contact due to the suspect driving recklessly and posing a danger to the public. It is believed the suspects were attempting to steal another vehicle at Lowe's. At 7:15 p.m., the vehicle was located again, southbound on I-25 heading toward Fountain. The stolen vehicle was eventually tracked to the area of Highway 85 and Alegre Circle, where FPD located the vehicle and three suspects. Officers attempted several tactical vehicle interventions to stop the vehicle but were unsuccessful. The vehicle was followed south on Highway 85 through Fountain where the suspects entered the interstate traveling south in the northbound lanes. Due to the dangerous driving, officers stopped following the vehicle due to excessive speeds and the extreme risk to the public. Law enforcement attempted to prevent northbound traffic on I-25 at mile marker 126 when they learned the vehicle made a U-turn and was traveling north in the northbound lanes. Later, officers saw the vehicle pull into the Lowe�s Travel Plaza, located in the 5500 block of Travel Plaza Drive, where police saw the suspects attempt to commit another armed carjacking of a community member in the Lowe�s parking lot. Based on numerous violent felonies continuing to be committed and the extreme risk to the public, law enforcement attempted to apprehend the suspects to prevent the loss of life or serious bodily injury to the public. At approximately 7:45 p.m., officers continued to pursue the suspect vehicle northbound on I-25. The suspect vehicle exited I-25 at South Academy, mile marker 135, where a tire deflation device was used to disable the vehicle. The vehicle was partially disabled but continued to elude officers eastbound on South Academy. Officers then performed a Tactical Vehicle Intervention on the suspects vehicle on South Academy just east of Hartford Street, when the driver of the stolen vehicle identified as 31-year-old Devon Bobian, jumped out of the vehicle and began to run from officers on foot .While officers were trying to capture Bobian,Officer Becerra, fell over the bridge and landed 40 feet below and was then air lifted to a hospital. Bobian attempted to jump off the bridge to run away from the police, at which time the officers grabbed him to prevent his escape and fall. As Bobian was hanging over the bridge he repeatedly stated, �let me go, I want to die,� according to EPSO. The officers were able to pull him up to safety and place him into custody without incident. A total of three suspects were taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. Bobian, along with two other suspects, who were occupants of the stolen vehicle, were arrested and identified as 28-year-old Danisha Pacheco and 37-year-old Anthony Vallejos. All suspects were from Pueblo. Bobian and Vallejos were arrested on active felony warrants, along with additional felony charges related to this incident. Pacheco was arrested on numerous felony charges and more charges will be filed against the woman in the future. All three suspects were taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center. Julian Becerra is survived by his wife Katie and a 8 year old daughter Bella and a 1 year old son. Officer Becerra is an Air Force veteran.

Devon Bobian,31, Danisha Pacheco,28, and Anthony Vallejos,37, were taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center on 2/2/23. Opening statements began on 5/2/24 for the trial of Devon Bobian, the suspect facing a Second-Degree Murder charge in the death of Officer Julian Becerra.

Lt. Charles Randall Smith "Smitty" of Greenbrier Sheriff's Department died on 2/1/23 at his residence. Randy enlisted in the Army National Guard doing his basic in Fort Leonard Wood Missouri. He did a tour in Afganistan while serving. Retiring after 23 years of service with the rank of Master Sergeant. He received numerous awards and citations including a Bronze Star .He started his career in Hinton, then Summers County Sheriff's Department before going to Greenbrier Sheriff's Department for the next 18 years. He was currently a Lieutenant with his trusted K9 partner, Thelma. Randy was also a member of the crime scene unit and SWAT unit. He is survived by his wife Ashley and children Isabelle, Peyton, and Cale Smith and two step - children. Randy's parents request donations be made in Randy's name to the VA for further research for PTSD, Cincinnati VAMC PTSD Research Study at www.research.va.gov

Sergeant Travis Miller passed away on the morning of 1/19/23 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. After he enlisted in the Marine Corps., he served as a Military Police Working Dog Handler, achieving the rank of sergeant. Sergeant Miller trained and certified three military working dogs during his active duty service, deploying with the United States Secret Service to New York City, NY and Camp David, Maryland. Sergeant Miller was stationed in Okinawa, JP and Cherry Point, NC where he served as the canine trainer for his unit. After his time with the Marine Corps, Miller joined the Polk County Sheriff's Office in 2005, where he's said to have held many roles, including as a K-9 handler. Once at the Lakeland Police Department, he continued his work as a K-9 handler, adding to his extensive experience training and handling four-legged public servants. In 2017, he and K-9 Hunter were honored with the Diogi K9 Hero of the Year award by SPCA Florida. "Miller and Hunter were recognized for an alert that occurred during a traffic stop that resulted in the confiscation of drugs and arrest. In total Miller had a combined 22 years of law enforcement experience.Sergeant Miller is survived by his wife Rebecca Miller Children Troy & Isabella Miller.

Constable Lindokuhle Gift Goba, 40, of the Durban K9 Unit was shot and killed while pursuing the suspect who also was shot and killed in his own vehicle traveling with a passenger when he saw four men with one armed. Goba questioned the man about the firearm, and the man opened fire on him. He returned fire but was killed. The male robbed the cop of his service pistol on Quarry Road in Mayville also on 1/14/23. The passenger in the vehicle was injured, while the four men fled the scene. A witness reported that prior to the shooting, there was an altercation as four men wanted to enter the premises with a firearm, which was not allowed. South African Police Service (SAPS), in KwaZulu-Natal, members of the K9 Unit, the Directorate for Priority Crie Investigation (DPCI) Anti-Gang Unit, and the DPCI National Priority Violent Crime pursued the suspects. Investigations reportedly led the police to a hospital which the two suspects were privately rushed to with gunshot wounds from the shootout with the slain police officer. Police identified a house in Inanda where the alleged cop killer was cornered. After the police had introduced and identified themselves as men of law, the suspect responded with a hail of bullets, and a shootout ensued. During the shootout, the suspect was fatally wounded. One suspect succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Further investigations revealed the other suspect had discharged himself and escaped from the hospital ward.

Deputy Oscar Yovani Bolanos-Anavisca Jr., 23, was killed in the 2:46 a.m. accident on Gillespie Street on 12/16/22. Office.Nicholas Terlizzi, 24, of Coronation Drive, is charged with felony death by vehicle and hit-and-run resulting in death; and misdemeanor driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger, driving on a restricted license, driving without insurance and driving without registration. He was also cited with a red light infraction.Terlizzi is being held in the Cumberland County jail without bail. Terlizzi's occupation is listed as a tow-truck driver. Deputies were investigating a robbery at Circle K at 2990 Gillespie St. when Bolanos-Anavisca Jr. was struck as he walked back to his patrol vehicle after a tracking K9 chased the scent of the robber. His K9 was not injured.The driver left the scene, but was located a short distance away, officials said. Terlizzi's vehicle, identified as a BMW, was displaying a revoked license plate. Bolanos-Anavisca Jr. was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, where he died of his injuries. Deputy Anavisca leaves behind his fianc�e Elena Schmidt.

Rachel McCrow, 29, was killed in the line of duty on December 12, 2022 along with another officer Constable Matthew Arnold in a violent siege while on duty. The pair were attacked by Nathaniel Train, his brother Gareth, and Gareth�s wife, Stacey when they attended a welfare check at the deadly trio's property in rural Queensland, Australia. A loyal dog was left heartbroken after his owner was killed in the line of duty. The assailants were also killed in the violent stand-off. Officer Rachel McCrow K9, a Blue heeler, was taken to McCrow's funeral in the back of a police car and was clad in blue and white, the traditional police colors, in memory of his beloved owner. At the memorial service, which attracted around 8000 people, Archibald was given pride of place and sat in the front row, McCrow's four-legged friend was with her right to the end as he walked behind her coffin as she was carried out of her memorial service.

Richard Kenneth Brown, 70 of Portsmouth, Rhode Island passed peacefully in the comfort of his own home surrounded by his family on December 4, 2022. Richard is survived by his wife Linda of 50 years; daughters Jennifer (Mark) Neale and Tammy (John) Krones; son Ronald Brown. Richard served as a Sergeant in the Air Force for four years, 1971-1975. He served in South Korea and then was stationed in South Dakota. His specialty was training dogs for the K9 division of the military police. Richard earned a Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Roger Williams College in 1987 while working at Mine Safety Appliances Company, where he worked for 12 years after his military service. He then worked for Acushnet Company (Titleist), for 26 years, retiring in July of 2014. While at Acushnet Company he managed several multi-million dollar capital projects in New Bedford, MA and Thailand. Richard joined the Knghts of Columbus in 2008. He was a member of the Father Christopher Rooney Council 3618 in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. As a member of the Council, Richard served as Grand Knight and Treasurer.

Scott Henderson was serving as a Captain with SPD as its Chief Investigator and Training Administrator. Henderson began his career in 1998 and was previously employed with the Department of Corrections and Bixby Police Department. While serving Bixby, he was president of Lodge 189 for ten years and a K9 officer for 16 total years with four different dogs. Henderson also served as Crisis Negotiator on the Southwest Area Tactical Team which covers Jenks, Bixby, Sapulpa, and Sand Springs. Henderson was a member of the International Association of Hostage Negotiators, ASIS International, Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, and Midwest Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association. He was also an NRA Firearms, Taser, and CLEET LEDT Instructor. Henderson received his bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in criminal justice and an associate�s degrees from Tulsa Community College and Redlands Community College. Henderson had recently completed the OSBI Crime Investigators Course offered by NSU.

Officer Daniel Gumm died on 11/2/22. Gumm was an eighteen year veteran with Wichita Police Department. He joined the Army before joining the Wichita Police Department in 2004. In his last 12 years with the department, he worked as a K-9 handler, trainer and judge. Gumm had metastatic esophageal cancer that had spread to his liver that was diagnosed during the summer. He leaves behind a wife, three children, and WPD K-9 Bane. His K-9 partner, Rooster, died in the line of duty attempting an arrest on March 18, 2017. Gumm will now �be reunited with his former partner, K-9 Rooster.�

Raymond Patrick Carpenter was born on May 12, 1944. After high school, Raymond joined the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX in 1965 and later Air Police School. He was transferred to England Air Force Base Strategic Air Command in Bossier, LA for Air Police training. He was sent back to Lackland AFB in San Antonio for Sentry Dog Training. In July of 1966, Raymond, along with five other handlers and their dogs, were sent to South Vietnam to assist in the war. He was promoted to Airman Second. Their job was to patrol the outer fences of the base at night. Thunder was his favorite of the three dogs he trained. Thunder saved Raymond's life twice and it was a story that he would recall vividly. In May 1967, he returned stateside and was stationed at Fairchild AFB in Spokane, WA where he was promoted to Sergeant. He received an honorable discharge from the USAF reserve in January 1971. Raymond is also a lifetime member of the Vietnam Dog Handler Association. He began working as a Reserve Police Officer with the Winnfield City Police Department in 1991. He was moved to part-time in October of 1993. He enjoyed being a competition shooter (revolver) for the police department and was a proficient shooter from 1995-1997. He attended night classes at North Delta Regional Training Academy in Monroe, LA, graduating in May 1998. Raymond moved to a full time position in November 1998. He worked full-time at both, The Enterprise and The City Police Department for 15 years. He retired with the Winnfield City Police Department on March 31, 2022 with 29 years of service. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Betty Joe Beck Carpenter; sons, James Ronald Carpenter, Duane Patrick Carpenter and daughter, Betty Joe Carpenter Morvan.

Edward Ernsberger, 65, A lifelong resident of Shelby, Ohio died on 10/21/22 after a brief illness. His wife Jane, for the past 40 years, was by his side.He attended the Richland County Sheriff's Office Police Academy and upon graduation was sworn in as a deputy sheriff in Richland County. It was while working undercover on March 27, 1981, he came to the Willard Police Department and met dispatcher and reserve officer Jane Fitzwater who he married on March 27, 1982. Assigned to the Shiloh area as a resident deputy, Ed would become a K9 Specialist and would be partnered with Bear, a 145-pound rottweiler. On April 13, 1984, Ed and Bear were dispatched to a call of a suspicious person in the Shiloh area. They met up with an escaped prisoner from the Ohio State Reformatory. During a life and death struggle, Ed was shot three times by the escapee. Bear was shot three times in her chest, taking bullets that would have struck Ed in the face. The courage shown by both Ed and Bear that night resulted in Ed being awarded the medal of Valor from the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association. Bear is on the Ohio Police K9 Memorial. The traumatic events from that night caused Ed to suffer from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and he was forced to give up the career he loved. Bear survived her wounds and returned to duty with Ed. The courage they both showed that night is now used as training for officers across the state. Ed worked at several jobs over the years including car sales, auto parts and manufacturing. He was employed by Aramark and worked at the Richland Correctional Institution until his death. Ed was cremated. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the K9 Bear Memorial Fund. The donations will be given to area de K9 programs, which are not funded by an entity but rely on donations to survive. Donations can be left at any Civista Bank in K9 Bear's name or left at the Barkdull Funeral Home at the time of services.

Sheriff Barry Lynn DeLau , 79, died peacefully at Woodland Hospice House on 10/14/22 with his family at his side. DeLau retired in 2005, was well known for his German Shepherd police dog companions, Major and Shadow. DeLau brought to Isabella County a K9 program that became a valuable addition to police throughout the county. He worked as an officer for seventeen years before running for Sheriff of Isabella County. He served in the Army National Guard. He and his wife Mary Jo Fortino DeLau raised their children Lisa and Barry II. Memorials can be made to Woodland Hospice House or the Michigan Sheriffs Association.

Officer Christian Tyler Smith, 32, of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety died on 10/8/22 following a seven month battle with leukemia. Smith was a six-year veteran of the department, serving as an officer, firefighter, drug investigator, field training officer and police dog handler. Smith was a U.S. Marine before joining Kalamazoo Public Safety. He is survived by his wife, Samatha Smith( Sanford children, Brooks Michael and Camden Tyler. Those wishing to donate to the family can do so at any Lake Michigan Credit Union branch, where an account has been created under Samantha Smith�s name.

Officer Seara Burton, 28, a four year veteran and the first female K9 officer for the Richmond Police Department was shot in the head on 8/10/22 and passed away on 9/18/22 at 9:59 p.m., thirty nine days after being shot. She and her K9 partner Brev were called about 6:30 p.m. to assist with a traffic stop Burton responded to assist other officers with a traffic stop near North 12th Street and C Street in Richmond. Burton stopped a man riding a moped and used her K-9 partner, Brev, to conduct, an open-air sniff. Brev alerted to the possible presence of narcotics. While officers were talking with the suspect the driver of the moped, Phillip Matthew Lee, opened fire with several shots striking Officer Burton in the head. Other officers returned fire and chased Lee until he was shot and apprehended. After the shooting officers recovered the gun used in the shooting, a black Ruger Max 9 mm with a 10-round magazine in it. Court documents show the following drugs and paraphernalia were found in Lee's scooter. Two small plastic bags containing a substance that tested presumptively positive for methamphetamine. One small plastic bag containing a substance that field tested presumptively positive for cocaine, One small plastic bag containing a substance that tested presumptively positive for heroin. Burton was taken to a local hospital before being air lifted to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton,Ohio. Lee was transported to a Richmond hospital after being shot. Officer Burton's K9 partner Brev was not injured during the incident and is currently being cared for by one of the investigators that was a former K9 handler. Officer Burton and her fianc�e, Sierra Neal, were scheduled to be married on 8/19/22, just nine days after Officer Burton was shot Officer Burton was taken off life support on 9/1/22.Officer Burton was transferred to hospice facility in Richmond at Reid Health Facility on 9/3/22 where she passed away sounded by family members. K9 Brev was retired from the Police Department and is now living with Seara's mother and stepmother. A bridge was named in Richmond, Virginia in memory of Seara on 8/14/24.

Prosecutors have filed three attempted murder charges against Phillip Matthew Lee, 47, the man accused of shooting Burton. Lee of Richmond has been held in jail on a $1.5 million bond. Lee�s criminal history shows it dates back nearly three decades, starting with a six-year sentence in Wayne County for burglary in 1994.Lee has served other sentences on felony convictions for other burglaries and drug possession charges, meaning he is a convicted felon and should not have had a weapon.He also served time in Randolph County for burglary in 2004.In 2019, Lee was arrested for fondling a child under 14, but that case never went to a jury trial. Prior to his trial, Lee will have a pretrial conference on February 3, 2023 for the murder of Officer Burton. His trial is set to start on 2/10/25.

Phillip M. Lee, 48, was found dead in an Indiana prison on 6/6/24 who was being held at the Pendleton Correctional Facility awaiting his 2025 murder trial for the slaying of Richmond Police Officer Seara Burton, 28. Lee was found alone and unresponsive in his cell about 12:45 a.m.

James S. Smith, 59, passed away peacefully on 9/13/22, at his home, following a four-year battle with cancer. Jim was a Liberty Township police officer for 25 years, retiring in 2017, and previously was an officer in Struthers for five years. He started the first K-9 unit at the Liberty Police Department. His K-9 co-officer was Valor, who saved his life twice on duty. He became the department's first police K9 handler in 1993. Officer Smith was instrumental in creating the K9 program, the first the department ever had. and getting policy made throughout the state of Ohio that K9 officers are able to purchase their dogs after 5 years. Jim attended the Youngstown State University Police Academy. Jim was a member of Fraternal Order of Police and Knights of Columbus.. He played semi-professional football for the Youngstown Cobras. He owned and cared for 26 husky sled dogs and traveled to race them. He was preceded in death by K-9 police dog, Valor. Memorial contributions may be made to New Lease on Life (animal rescue), 2773 E Midlothian Blvd., Struthers, OH 44471.

Officer Steve Curley with the Upper Moreland Police Department served for over 30 years. Officer Curley worked tirelessly as a K9 officer. He was a frequent recipient of awards and accolades for his top notch DUI enforcement. To the Officers at UMPD, he leaves a legacy of hard work, dedication, bravery. Curley was the recipient of seven Top Gun Awards, which are honors presented to police officers who make over 50 or more DUI arrests in a single year. Curley served as a K9 handler for decades, up until the time his dog passed away back in 2010, two years before Curley retired from the force. A plaque was installed at the Upper Moreland Police Department in honor of K9 Zeus, Curley's K9 Wwho served the department for nine years from September 2001 to October 2010 at the time of his passing.

Wake County K9 deputy, Ned Byrd, was killed after being shot in the line of duty on 8/11/22. �Byrd, 48, of Raleigh, was shot near Battle Bridge and Auburn Knightdale roads in Raleigh just after 11 p.m. Deputy Byrd was outside of his vehicle at the time of the shooting and his K-9 Sasha remained inside the patrol vehicle. It is believed came down Battle Bridge Road when he came to a stop and exited the vehicle to check on some kind of �suspicious activity� at approximately 11:05 p.m. K9 Sasha was still inside the vehicle which tells us that what he got out on didn�t appear to be any sort of threat or require any sort of need for his partner,� Byrd arrived at the location at 11:05 p.m. two hours elapsed before he was found by another deputy at 1:06 a.m. on 8/12 /22, There was no indication over their radio communications that deputy Byrd had been shot numerous times. Byrd was shot three times in the head and once in the chest that penetrated the vest he was wearing. Byrd spent 13 years in service to Wake County, first as a detention officer before becoming a deputy. Deputy Byrd was a United States Air Force Veteran. Law enforcement is looking for the suspect and this is an active investigation. North Carolina Sheriffs� Association announced the reward of $100,000 on 8/15/22 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the killing of Wake County Sheriff�s Deputy Ned Byrd.

Arturo Mario Sotelo, 29, and his brother Alder Alfonso Marin-Sotelo was taken into custody on 8/18/22 and made his first court appearance on 8/19/22 and charged with felony murder. Both face the death penelty. Marin-Sotelo escaped from the jail at about 1 a.m. on 4/30/23 and left in a red or burgundy Ford Mustang. The jail guards didn't notice the inmate missing until about 26 hours after Marin-Sotelo escaped. Officials believe he manipulated the locking mechanism on the rear exit door and escaped. Alder Marin-Sotelo escaped from Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, Virginia and captured by Mexican authorities on 5/4/23 in Guerrero, Mexico. After he escaped, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service offered a combined $70,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Marin-Sotelo.

Sergeant Matthew Fishman, 38, was shot and killed while serving involuntary commitment papers on the 2500 block of Arrington Bridge Road in Dudley. The shooting happened on 8/1/22. Sergeant Fishman was transported to ECU Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds the next day and he died on 8/2/22. The subject fired at Sergeant Fishman and two other deputies as they arrived at the home at about 10:30 am. The 23 year old man barricaded himself inside the house until a SWAT team entered at 8:00 pm and found him dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a 10 hour stand off. The two other deputies Deputy Alexander Torres and Corporal Andrew Cox were transported to ECU Medical Center and Wayne UNC Hospital and survived. Sergeant Fishman had served with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for 12 years and had previously served with the Mount Olive Police Department before going to Goldsboro Police Department. Fishman is survived by his wife, Sarah, and their two children Nolan, 14, and Kara, 10. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale Trust Account (on the memo line please put �Fishman Family�) Mail to: Baddour Parker, Hine, & Hale, PO BOX 916, Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Gregory Frank Seth "Frank Seth" died on 7/18/22. Greg passed away peacefully at the age of 75 in Vero Beach, Florida with his son Shane by his side. Greg had undergone cancer treatment years ago that left him with long term health complications. Greg succumbed to those complications due to his courageous battle with cancer years before. Greg is survived by his wife, Jeannette Carlson, his five children; Jarrod L. Seth, Kimberly D. Anderson (Shane Anderson), Shane S. Seth (Jill Seth), Tiffany D. Seth, and Don Houston Kennedy. Greg was born on September 1st, 1946 in Mountain Grove, Missouri to Isaac Franklin Seth "Frank Seth" and Virginia Lorraine Smith. Greg grew up in Springfield Missouri and attended Hillcrest High School graduating in 1964. Greg played football and was on the swim team. He entered the US Navy and served during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1969. Greg was hired by the Seattle Police Department on April 10th, 1970. Greg was one of the first canine handlers for the Seattle Police Department. Greg handled two police dogs during his tenure as a canine handler, Captain Nemo and Justice.Greg's first K9 partner, Captain Nemo died in the line of duty. Captain Nemo was the first SPD K9 to die in the line of duty. Greg was respected among his peers and blazed the path and set a high bar for canine handlers that followed him. Greg served the citizens of Seattle for 25 years, retiring on May 10th, 1995 as a Police Detective.Greg retired and enjoyed 27 years of retirement life. Late in life Greg enjoyed spending time with his wife, Jeannette and his German Shepherd, Thor. In Lieu of Flowers please consider a donation to the Retired Seattle Police K9 Fund. Donations in honor of Greg Seth can be made via Pay Pal to email address president@retired-policedogs.com.

Ridgeland Police Department Sergeant Raymond �Ray� Daniels, 43, died unexpectedly at his home on 7/10/22. Sergeant Daniels served his community with honor, dedication, and selflessness for more than 20 years...He spent most of his time with the Ridgeland Police Department working as an interdiction officer alongside his partner, K9 Canon. He attended Mississippi Delta Community College�s Law Enforcement Academy, graduating in 2002 as a certified police officer. As a public servant, Ray shared his life protecting and serving the communities he lived in and loved for 20 years. During his 16-year career with Ridgeland Police Department, he served the city as a patrolman, training officer, supervisor and swat operator - with his longest tenure as an interdiction officer and partner to K9 Canon. Shortly after Canon�s death in 2016, he began his time as a training officer and was eventually called back to patrol in 2020 as a supervisor. As a K9 handler, he set the bar for community policing and purposeful engagement. As an instructor, he stabilized the training program - developing and leading the next generation of police officers for Ridgeland. As a supervisor, he led from the front - with empathy and integrity. Ray�s impact and service to the city and its police department will forever be enshrined in those he served and those he served with, especially the men and women who will continue to carry his legacy. Prior to his career with Ridgeland Police Department, he served the City of Cleveland and the surrounding area through the Cleveland Police Department, the Bolivar County Emergency Operations Center and the Volunteer Fire Department Battalion 1. He was also a founding member of the Delta K9 Search and Rescue Unit. Continuing his service to the community and others around him, Ray was a proud member of Pearl Lodge #23. He rose in rank to Master Mason by the age of 39. He was active in his membership, which was originally established through the Cleveland Lodge #470. He is survived by his wife, Kristy, his daughter Lauren (15) and his son Jacob (10).

Police dog handler Graham Reeves Bracey , 91, will be remembered for his professionalism, strong personality, AND love for his family. Graham was born on 12 December 1930 and died peacefully on 7 July 2022. July. Graham�s ashes were carried by son Paul Bracey, who was followed by family members through an honour guard made up of officers and dogs from the Auckland and Northland dog squads. The sound of barking dogs echoed around the Town Basin as they waited, not so patiently, in vans parked outside the venue. The canine cacophony seemed fitting for a man who was Auckland�s first dog handler, with his partner Duke. Graham joined Police in 1955 and he was given Duke to train in 1958. A year later they became operational. He retired in 1989 and was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for public service. He not only educated his fellow police colleagues about the benefits of dogs, but the judiciary as well. By the time police arrived on the scene the criminal was long gone. Graham and Duke were dispatched and tracked through farmland and found the man hiding in a shed. However, when the case came to court the Magistrate questioned how the dog could find the man and could Police be sure the defendant was the man involved in the incident. Graham explained the dog�s training and ability to follow a scent, and confirmed it was the correct man standing in court. Duke was the only operational dog in Auckland for four years, so they were kept busy �He loved the dog section. He helped train the handlers and their dogs. �Graham pioneered the dog section and tolerated the hardships back in those days and the kind of complexities that were involved in transport and communications.

Officer Walter Broussard, 62, of the University of California Davis Police Department died 7/4/22 from complications of a heart attack that he suffered on June10, 2022 while on duty. Broussard served as a UCDPD officer for over 24 years, and prior to joining the UCD Department, he served as a Yolo County sheriff�s deputy for 7 years. Throughout his time at the UCDPD, he took on roles such as K9 officer, defensive tactics instructor, hostage negotiation and field training officer He is survived by his wife Mary Grace and his children.

K9 Officer Jacob Chaffins of the Prestonsburg Police Department was shot on 6/30/22 and died from his wound on 7/1/22. One of the officer's that was pinned under a car by gunfire so long he got carbon monoxide poisoning while a K9 was shot to death inside the vehicle in a hail of bullets. Storz fired on officers with a 308 caliber rifle and AR-15 assault rifles. Chaffins was hit by a shot in the head fired from more than 200 yards while he pulled Reynolds into a back of an SUV. Officer Chaffins had been on the job for two years. Also killed in the shootout Deputy Sheriff William Petry, 60, and Captain Ralph Frasure, 60, of the Prestonsburg Police Department who were killed on the scene in Allen, Kentucky by Lance Storz, 49, who was wanted for domestic violence offenses and officers arrived at the home to serve a warrent. The woman told deputies Lance Storz was inside the home and she was only able to leave because he was asleep. Storz's wife ran to the officers when they arrived. Deputies retrieved the woman�s daughter who was at another home and took them both to a safe place. The woman accused Storz of taking her phone and holding her hostage inside the home for days. She said Storz locked her in her bedroom, threw her across the room and beat her and sexually assaulted her. He brandished a gun and demanded that she beg for her life and that of her daughter. The woman told deputies the only time she was able to use a phone was when Storz was sleeping. That is when she said she was able to contact a relative for help. That relative then called the sheriff�s department. She also warned deputies by telling them that Storz had guns inside the home. An examination at the hospital did show signs physical assault of the woman. Four deputies went to the home to serve the Emergency Protection Order and arrest Storz for fourth degree physical assault. Deputies got their first glimpse of Storz in a window behind blinds when they first approached the home. Storz opened the door �like he had been waiting for police� and started firing. Storz was wearing a bullet proof vest and backpack when he started firing at police. Frasure who was killed had 39 years of service with the Prestonsburg Police Department. Petry who was also killed had 31 years of total service. Frasure started in 1991 with the Prestonsburg Police Department where he remained until 2005. From 2005 to 2020, he served with KSP and then transferred to the Floyd County Sheriff�s Department. Numerous jurisdictions responded to assist following the initial shooting. Storz fired hundreds of rounds from prepositioned firearms throughout the home. Three other law enforcement officers and the director of emergency management were wounded, they were Constable Gary Wolf who lost one of his eyes after a bullet broke a window and the shattered glass hit him in the eye. Wolf is home but is expected to have a few more surgeries. Floyd County Deputy Darrin Lawson Deputy Lawson who was shot in the leg has a long road to recovery and Floyd County Emergency Management Director Joe Reynolds was shot in the left eye. Surgery has removed part of his eye, but will lose that eye entirely. The subject was taken into custody after remaining barricaded in the home for six hours. Deputies were eventually able to negotiate with Storz, with assistance from his family. Lance Storz shot at officers multiple times with a rifle around his residence on Main Street in the small town of Allen, Kentucky, in Floyd County just south of Prestonsburg. Kentucky State Police were called to the scene at 6:30 p.m., joining local officers already on the scene. Officer Chaffins was a U.S. Army veteran, Prestonburg City Police Officer, Member of Prestonburg Fire Department, Sergeant in the National Guard, EMT and a U.S. Marshall. Officer Chaffins K9 Nelson, was given to the Chaffins family. Officer Chaffins, is survived by his wife Savannah and daughter Paisley.

Lance Storz was charged with multiple counts of murder of a police officer, attempted murder of a police officer, and assaulting a service animal. Lance Storz is being held on a $10 million bond after he shot six officers on 6/30/22, killing three and injuring three others. Storz was arraigned on 7/1/22 by a judge in Pike County. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder of a police officer. One of the charges was originally attempted murder of a police officer, but a judge said at the hearing that was upgraded to murder. Storz, who is in jail in Pike County, is next due in court for a preliminary hearing July 11 at 1:30 p.m. Storz was scheduled to appear in court for a hearing on 7/11/22 at 1:30 but instead the judge announced that the hearing was no longer necessary since the grand jury had already issued a 20 count indictment. Storz was indicted on 20 charges on 7/11/22. Three counts of murder of a police officer and six counts of attempted murder of an officer, seven counts of wanton endangerment against a police officer, three counts of assault and one count of assaulting a service animal. Storz used multiple firearms in the attack on law enforcement. Storz was also accused of raping his own wife. He kept his wife and child under his control and didn't let them escape when she told him that she had found an apartment. Storz will be arraigned on the indictment at 10:30 on 7/12/22. On 8/8/22 Storz pleaded not guilty. Storz is eligible for the death penalty. His next court appearance is 8/1/22. Without the death penalty, Storz still faces life in prison without parole if he is convicted.

He has a criminal case in Volusia County as well, where he had shot down a migrating bird with a shotgun. There was also a complaint against him for the emergency order of child protection. There are records of him going bankrupt in 2015 and 2008 and there was a recent liability of more than $400k. He was also keeping a rifle stored up illegally and was using various types of weapons in the attack.

Lance Storz committed suicide on 2/28/22 at the Pike County Detention Center. A Pike County grand jury released new details after investigating the death. They added their decision made based on surveillance video they reviewed from the Pike County Detention Center. The video showed Storz was housed in a pod of four individual jail cells, and he had one cellmate with him. On February 28, surveillance video recorded the deputy jailer making his rounds at 2:13 a.m. and looking into each jail cell. The next minute, Storz left the cell and went into a communal restroom. During this time, the jury said Storz appeared to have hidden items under his clothing, and it was believed to be bedsheets. They said his bedding was also arranged to make it look like Storz was still there. During the next several hours, cellmates entered the restroom three different times. However, they said they did not see Storz because he was in a shower stall. Officials said Storz was found dead in the shower stall at 6:36 a.m. Between the testimony, the evidence and the surveillance video, the jury concluded that Storz died of suicide by hanging, and they said he acted alone.

One of the two Bibb County Sheriff�s Office deputies who was shot in the head on 6/29/22 from a police motor vehicle pursuit and died on 6/30/22 . Brad Johnson,32, was an organ donor. Johnson was a K9 officer and his K9 partner was K9 Bodie. The incident began on the evening of June 29 after Deputy Johnson, 32, and BCSO Deputy Chris Poole, 30, spotted a suspected stolen vehicle. The deputies pursued the vehicle until the driver � later identified as 26-year-old convicted felon Austin Patrick Hall opened fire on them along Highway 25 in the Brierfield area. Brad Johnson and Chris Poole were transported to University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital for treatment. A 16-agency manhunt ensued with local, state, and federal law enforcement officers working together to track down the gunman. The U.S. Marshals Service announced that Hall had been captured in the morning on 6/29/22 The man accused of shooting Johnson and Deputy Chris Poole, was is not facing life-threatening injuries. Deputy Poole survived the attack and was released from the hospital to continue his recovery at home on 6/28/22, On the morning 6/30/22 Sheriff Johnson�s brain activity was minimal and doctors would take the fallen hero off life support later in the afternoon. Deputy Johnson, a K9 handler who served the BCSO for more than seven years. In addition to his service as a law enforcement officer, Deputy Johnson was also a former volunteer firefighter. Deputy Johnson �grew up in the fire department� after becoming a volunteer firefighter explorer at the age of 14. He eventually became a lieutenant with the fire department. He was surrounded by his family when he was pronounced dead at 3:18 p.m. He leaves behind his fianc� and his two children.

Austin Patric Hall (Previous Records) In October 2019, Hall escaped from the Camden Work Release Center. He had started a nearly 10-year sentence the previous year after being found guilty of second-degree theft of property. While he was being held in the Calhoun County Jail in 2020 after his recapture, court records show, authorities say Hall attack an officer and tried to choke him. He was charged with second-degree assault. Hall in April was booked into the Chilton County Jail in connection with a 2019 third-degree burglary. He was released April 20, 2022, after posting $22,500 bond. Hall has a lengthy criminal history. Hall has an extensive criminal history that dates back to 2012 with 46 charges since he was 17. He was indicted in May on 10 charges of second-degree receiving stolen property, reckless endangerment, second-degree assault, illegally carrying a firearm, drug possession, resisting arrest, attempting to elude, and third-degree burglary in Calhoun County, but was out on bond when he opened fire on the deputies.

Hall was apprehended in the Bulldog Bend area of Bibb County at about 8:50 a.m. on June 30, The U.S. Marshal Service was offering a $15,000 reward for information that leads to Hall�s arrest. Austin Patrick Hall, 26, will be arraigned on 7/1/22 on charges of capital murder and attempted murder. Hall is being held without bond in Shelby County Jail. On August 3, 2023 Hall pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and will undergo evaluations to determine if he is mentally capable of undergoing a trial. Hall is facing the death penalty or life in prison.

Deputy Jeff Hermanson passed unexpectedly on 6/22/22 while on duty when he began to feel ill following an arrest of a stolen car suspect. Hermanson proceeded to get examined at the hospital and suffered from a heart issue that led to his sudden passing. Hermanson joined the department part-time in 2001 before moving to a full-time position in 2007, later becoming the department's K9 handler for K9 Rudy and K9 Mac. He leaves behind his wife and Hermanson joined the department part-time in 2001 before moving to a full-time position in 2007, later becoming the department's K9 handler for K9 Rudy and K9 Mac. He leaves behind a wife and two teenage sons.

Joe Van Lith, age 80, of Deer River, MN, passed away on 6/18/22, surrounded by his family, at Essentia Health St. Joseph�s Hospital in Brainerd, MN after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Joe honorably served his country in the U.S Air Force as a Military Police/K-9 handler during the Vietnam War era and Cuban Missile Crisis. Joe is survived by his wife Marty of 56 years; daughters Jill Van Lith, Holly Van Lith and Amber Peratalo (Darin).

Officer Dennis Nix, passed away on 5/22/22. He was one of the first certified bomb technicians in the state, and he was the first K-9 handler in Washington County. His work with the area's first K-9, "Stray," helped set the pace for those who would come after. Dennis joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1966. He work at the Bartlesville Police Department, where he served for twenty years. He then went to the Washington County Sheriff's Office, where he served another twenty years, some of which, he was the Undersheriff. Following his retirement from the Sheriff's office, Dennis worked at the RSO Campus for ten years all while owning and operating his own security company, Tri-Cross Security L.L.C. Dennis married Peggy Sue Thompson and enjoyed over thirty-nine years together. Dennis received several awards throughout his law enforcement career, two of those being Bartlesville Policeman of the year in 1970 and Deputy of the year in 1995. He was also a bomb tech for the city from 1982 to this day, even responding as a bomb tech to the Murrah Building Bombing in Oklahoma City. He was also on the 11th Judicial Drug Task Force. Dennis is survived by his wife, Peggy Sue, sons Jason Nix and Shane Nix , daughter Michelle Sterner He was preceded in death by his son Christian Nix. Donations in Dennis's name be made to the Bartlesville First Baptist Church Family Life Recreation Center.

CMSgt Robert �Bob� Harrison Riley Jr. (Retired), 87, passed away May 21, 2022, at Western Kentucky Veterans Center after a long battle with Alzheimer�s. Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Riley; two daughters, Donna (Quincy) Stephenson and Carol Vernon, and his son, Robert H. Riley III. Bob leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion and service to his country. He served in the Air Force for 27 years, over 25 of which were in the Security Police, retiring as Chief Master Sergeant. During his time in the service, Bob served at sixteen different permanent duty stations, plus numerous temporary duty stations. Of his service in the Security Police, most of it was in the K-9 division, beginning as a dog handler in 1956 and advancing to NCOIC, Kennel Master, Dog Training Instructor, and recognized as the top Technical Instructor of the Department of Air Police Training in 1967. During his tour in Vietnam in 1965-�66 as NCOIC of the Sentry Dog Section, he organized the perimeter security at Tan Son Nhat Air Base with the first security dogs assigned to Vietnam. While there, he earned four bronze stars and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.After a temporary duty assignment at Fort Gordon, GA to assist at the U.S. Army Military Police School, Bob received a permanent duty assignment to Fort Campbell, KY in 1969 to train the Army Military Police in the development of dog teams on recon and combat patrols, ambush, water-borne patrol, helicopter transportation, and VC village search. While being assigned as Kennel Master at Davis-Monthan AFB in Tucson, AZ, he assisted the Sheriff department in organizing and training patrol dogs for use in law enforcement.During his tour of duty in Thailand, Bob redirected the dog training program at Utapaou to reflect their need for law enforcement operations and security operations. He was then transferred to Korat AB to take over as Air Base Defense NCOIC and assist the Thai Military Dog Program at Chantak. Six months later, he was transferred to Udorn to supervise the Royal Thai Military Dog Training Program until the end of his tour. Capping his career in the Security Police was being Chief of Security Police at Andrews AFB, MD, where Air Force One is hangared, being responsible for the safety and security of the President and other government officials, both domestic and foreign.This was highlighted during his tenure when Menchem Begin of Israel and Anwar Sadat of Egypt were flown in for the Camp David Peace Accord talks with President Jimmy Carter. After retiring from the military, Bob worked for the Kentucky State Penal System at the Penitentiary until his retirement from there.

On March, 16, 2022, Richard Larkin Butterfield passed peacefully in the comfort of his home in Palm Coast, Fla. after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He graduated from Averill Park High School in Averill Park, and earned his bachelor's degree from The University of the State of New York. Rick proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1963 to 1970. He was commissioned a second lieutenant upon graduation from Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga. in March 1965 and sent to Vietnam as a Pathfinder team leader, 11th Pathfinders 1st Cavalry Division. He saw combat in the battles at LZ X-Ray, LZ Columbus and LZ Albany - la Drang Valley, where he and his team directed helicopter resupply and medical evacuation and rescue missions. It was here that he was wounded and did not leave his team until all other wounded soldiers were removed from the battlefield. Rick served his second tour in Vietnam in 1968 as captain and company commander of E company 2nd Battalion 506th Infantry 101st Airborne. His company conducted many combat operations. After recovering from injuries at Camp Zama in Japan, he returned to Vietnam and served as team commander with the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) Green Berets assigned to MACV-SOG. Missions from this unit were classified. He earned 28 personal awards and decorations including the Purple Heart. He was inducted into the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 1995. Honorably discharged from active duty, he then served with the New York Army National Guard from 1970 - 1995 as a company commander, Battalion Commander 2nd of the 105th Infantry and as the commander of the 1st Brigade 42nd Infantry Division. He was breveted to the rank of brigadier general upon his retirement in 1995. As a civilian, Rick spent 35 years with the New York State Police serving from 1970 to 2006. During his time on the force, he received certification at the Canine Handlers Basic School with his K-9 partner Frey who was trained in explosives detection. Rick moved into undercover work as an investigator with CNET and the BCI. His undercover initiatives were essential to many investigations, arrests and convictions in many areas of criminal activity. He also spent time as a firearms instructor, rifle sharpshooter, member of the Underwater Recovery Team and was the Police Benevolent Association delegate for Troop G. After retiring from the N.Y.S. Police, Rick joined the Warren County Sheriff's Office as marine patrol on Lake George and then was cross designated to go back undercover to work on a task force with N.Y.S. Police CNET where he again received commendation for his undercover work. As a young police officer, he was involved in the search for serial killer Robert Garrow. This experience led him to be associate producer of the Adirondack Films production of Garrow. His dog Harper was by his side until the end. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Bullis Robinson Butterfield of Palm Coast, Fla.; his daughter, Lori Larkin Lasch (Mark) of Albany; his son, Hayden Tod Butterfield (Kelly) of Rensselaer. He was predeceased by his son, Eric Gardner Butterfield. Funeral services with full military honors will be held on June 9, in the Saratoga National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Rick in a special way may send memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project or a local charity of their choice.

Officer Stephen Plum Jr., died of a cardiac arrest while at home on 5/16/22. He was an eight-year veteran of the Warrington Police force. He earned an associate degree in criminal justice and was pursuing his bachelor's degree from Pennsylvania State University. Plum worked with K-9 Murphy." He was in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2003-2007 and served in Iraq. He married Kathleen Doyle, and they had a son Andrew. After a divorce, he married Nancy DeLucas, and they had sons Aiden, Wyatt and Emmet and daughter Francesa. He leaves behind his wife Nancy and five children, four sons, Andrew, Aiden, Wyatt, Emmett and a daughter Francesca. A portion of Route 611 from Upper Barness Road to Oakfield Road has been named the Officer Stephen C. Plum Jr. Memorial Highway.

Deputy Director David Richardson died at home surrounded by his family after a battle with pancreatic cancer over the last year. Richardson was a police officer in Bensalem Township for the past 24 years. He started as a patrol officer and was a member of the K9 unit for 13 years with his two K9 partners, Czar and Prince. He was promoted to sergeant and was the supervisor for the K9 unit, Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigations Division before being promoted to the position of lieutenant. As a lieutenant, he was the commander of the Criminal Investigations Division and the K9 unit. On Jan. 21, 2022, he obtained a career long goal of becoming the Deputy Director of Public Safety. Richardson received a Bachelor's Degree from Lock Haven University, a Master's Degree from Oklahoma University and graduated from Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command. He leaves behind his wife Johanna of 23 years, and two daughters Bailey and Ella Richardson. Memorials in Dave's memory can be made to Johanna Richardson c/o Tomlinson Funeral Home. P.C.. 2207 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020 for a future memorial fund for Dave's wife and children. www.tomlinsonfh.com

Officer Roy �Drew� Barr, 28, of the Cayce Police Department in South Carolina was shot and killed while he responded to a domestic disturbance call in the early morning. The CPD was called to the 100 block of Romswell Road at approximately 2:48 a.m., and officers made contact with a man in the front yard of the residence. As they were making contact with the individual � the male individual who was in the front yard of the home � there were shots that came from inside the house. One of those shots struck and killed officer Drew Barr. A seven-hour-long standoff with the shooting suspect ensued as the CPD, the Columbia Police Department Negotiations Team, and personnel from at least seven other agencies worked to defuse the situation, but the shooter Austin Henderson ,36, ultimately killed himself. Barr, who was also an EMT and firefighter, moved to Cayce in 2016 before graduating from the Criminal Justice Academy in 2017. In October 2020, he was promoted to the K9 unit and was paired up with K9 Molly, a five-year-old Labrador. In 2017, both Barr and Sgt. Evan Antley were shot �during an incident that involved a car chase and gunfire.

Five years earlier in 2017 when Barr had recently graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy he was shot for the first time along with Sgt. Evan Antley involved a stolen car driven by Eugene Jonathon James, 24, saw speeding on Knox Abbott Drive around 12:30 a.m. The officers attempted to make a traffic stop, the car kept going and a chase ensued, eventually crossing the Blossom Street bridge into Columbia. The pursuit continued through an area near the University of South Carolina�s campus before James turned onto a dead end at Gist Street, not far from Founders Park. James jumped out of the stolen car and ran down a footpath near the woods on the Riverwalk before jumping into the brush and waiting in the ditch for the officers to approach. He then �assumed a crouched position, which appeared to the officers to be lying in wait for them. After threatening to use his Taser to get James to comply, one of the officers heard gunshots and felt pain. The officer had been shot in the chest and leg, and the second officer was shot in the leg. Although both suffered non-fatal gunshot wounds from the stolen pistol that James shot with, both officers were able to return fire. The wounded officers called for help, and the officers who then responded found James in the wood line with a .40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun. The serial number on the gun had been burned in an attempt to obliterate it; however, authorities were able to restore the serial number and determine that the gun was stolen during the theft of a car in Orangeburg several days earlier, The car James was driving also had been reported stolen during a carjacking in Orangeburg before the shooting. Both Barr, who at the time of the 2017 shooting, and Antley were awarded medals for their bravery. James, who was charged by federal and state law enforcement, ultimately pleaded guilty to multiple crimes, including two counts of attempted murder, failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a stolen pistol, possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a violent felony, possession of a stolen vehicle and speeding. In 2021, James was sentenced to 20 years in prison. In 2018, James pleaded guilty in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At that time, James was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, a sentence he will serve after completing his 20-year prison stint on state charges.

Natick Police K9 Officer Michael Mabardy was an 11-year veteran and previously worked for the Nantucket, MA police department. He received several accommodations, including the Life Saving Award. Mike also served as a Field Training Officer as well as a member of the S.W.A.T. team. Michael was a member of the Natick and Massachusetts Police Officer Association. Mabardy suffered a medical emergency while playing hockey at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough. As part of his role, Mabary investigated incidents with Axel, his K9 partner. Devoted father of Avalynn, Emily, Madison and Mackenzie, and beloved partner of Elizabeth Morrison. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Michael may be made to his Children�s Education Fund, C/O Michael G. Mabardy, PO Box 6254 Natick, MA 01760.

Former K9 Officer George D. O'Brien, age 86, of Hanover, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2022 at UPMC Hanover.He was the loving and devoted husband of Marta P. Fay O'Brien who passed away in 2002, together they shared 43 years of marriage.He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. He worked as a police officer with Metropolitan Police Department's Canine Unit and later as a Secret Service Agent where he served on Embassy Row and retired under Vice President Walter F. Mondale's detail in 1978. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Catholic War Veterans, and the International Police Association. George was also a parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Hanover. George is survived by his daughter Anna Sanders George was preceded in death by his son Martin O'Brien who passed away in 2015; In lieu of flowers, contributions in George's memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

Sergeant Busisiwe Mjwara, 42, died on 4/17/22 as a result of the KwaZulu-Natal floods as well as her police dog Leah who also drowned who tried to save her during a flood search and rescue operation. At about 11.30 am Mjwara was conducting a search in the Msunduzi River for three victims that had drowned earlier in the week, when she got into difficulty and drowned. Sergeant Mjwara was airlifted to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The officer was hard at work recovering those swept away by the torrential rains that have battered the province since 4/11/22.The death toll has risen to 443 with 63 people still missing.

Sergeant Nathaniel Singleton died after an off-duty crash on 4/11/22. Singleton has been apart of the the Dixie County Sheriff's Office for 10 years. Sgt. Singleton was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from his vehicle into the nearby woods.

Officer Ryan Allen, 35, died on 4/7/22 after being stung by a yellow jacket on 10/14/21. Officer Allen had just returned from a workout at the gym around 2:30 p.m. when he went upstairs to speak with his wife, Whitney, to tell her that he had been stung by a yellow jacket. Within minutes of this conversation, Allen an officer with the Hatboro Police Department, then went into unconscious, having suffered anaphylactic shock and cardiac arrest due to an allergic reaction from the bee sting. He suffered severe brain damage and was in a coma for a month. He remained sedated in critical condition at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Philadelphia. His wife Whitney said her husband believed the yellow jacket had somehow slipped into his shirt as he had the windows open as he walked home from the gym on his day off from work. Officer Allen mentioned to his wife �I really don�t feel very well� when he went upstairs to tell her he had been stung. From there, Officer Allen walked down the stairs and made his way to the porch, where he collapsed. Whitney Allen called 911 and then began chest compressions on the instructions of the emergency dispatch operator. EMS staff continued with CPR upon arrival at home and then took Officer Allen to Doylestown Hospital. Whitney Allen said she later transferred her husband by helicopter to Penn Presbyterian in town, as that hospital is a Level 1 trauma center with more treatment options. On 3/8/21 it was announced he suffered a heart attack and serious brain injury following the bee sting and was not expected to survive. Several months after the police officer�s cardiac arrest swelling in his brain had subsided, but a recent MRI has revealed shrinking of the brain and that crucial portions of his brain were no longer present. Ryan was discharged from being treated at Moss Rehabilitation on hospice care on 3/17/22 and had a procession back to spend his remaining days surrounded by loved ones and friends in a peaceful setting close to home. Officer Allen served on the force for nine years since 2013. He helped start Hatboro Police Departments first police K9 program and served as a member of the Montgomery County Drug Task Force. Officer Allen leaves behind his wife Whitney and 2 young children and his four-legged K9 partner, Louie.

Sergeant Chris Vaughn of Cedar Bluff Police Department died while on duty on 4/1/22 after suffering a medical issue while on duty on Highway 35. Sgt. Vaughn�s law enforcement career began in 2009, when he joined the Leesburg Police Department before moving to the Cedar Bluff PD in 2015 and achieving the rank of Sgt. He also served as a K-9 Officer. He is survived by his wife Ariel Henderson Vaughn, sons Brayden Michael Vaughn and Brady Thomas Vaughnn. Donations in honor/memory of Sgt. Vaughn can be made to the Chris Vaughn Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Alabama Teachers Credit Union in Centre.

Former Sergeant Charlie Bowman, 92, of the Topeka Police Department died on 4/1/22. Sgt. Bowman was a member of the Topeka Police Department for 33 years between 1954 and 1987. He and his partner Rebel were also the first members of the department�s K9 unit in 1960.While in high school he joined the Kansas National Guard 174th Military Police Battalion and was activated during the Korean conflict serving from 1950 to 1953.

Oregon State Trooper, Sgt. Marcus J. McDowell, 48, committed suicide in his patrol car while on duty on 3/29/22. Sgt. McDowell, was discovered in the driveway of his home in Joseph with a single gunshot wound to the head. His body was discovered at 3:40 p.m. McDowell had �made notice� of his suicide. McDowell was set to go to trial over divorce proceedings with his wife of 24 years in May, court records show. McDowell had worked in the Patrol and Fish & Wildlife divisions over the years and as a police dog handler around John Day and La Grande, and currently served as the supervisor for state troopers in Union and Wallowa counties. Sgt. McDowell had 17 years on the state police force.Marcus is survived by his daughter, Alysa McDowell and son Auston McDowell. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children�s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to https://www.frsn.org/west-coast-post-trauma-retreat.html helping first responders with PTSD.

James Michael Frost had completed the four year ROTC program and reported for active duty as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army, Military Police Corps. This was the beginning of what turned into a life-long career in the Criminal Justice field. Jim attended Officer Basic for the MPs at Fort Gordon, GA. His first duty assignment was on Okinawa, which was then under the control and command of the United States as part of the treaty ending World War II. Jim's assignment was with a security company within the 196th Ordnance Battalion and the 137th Ordnance Company, responsible for special weapons storage on the island. Following this initial tour, Jim received his orders for assignment to Vietnam, arriving there in June, 1971. He was assigned to the 97th Military Police Battalion and assigned to a company that influenced his life - the 981st Military Police Company - Sentry Dogs. It was a unit that provided nighttime security for ammo dumps and helicopter pads and bases in the Central Highland area of Vietnam. Working with the dogs and the young men in that company was an experience Jim never forgot. He always said "all the dogs" were his, he just loaned them out to the soldiers who came into the unit. Upon completion of his military obligation, Jim returned to his hometown of Rapid City and served on the police department. He later moved to Watertown, SD where he served on the police department and later the County jail. In 1989, after serving as Chief Corrections officer at the Codington County jail, he was appointed as Chief Court Services Officer for the Third Judicial Circuit for 6 years. In 1995 they had opportunity to relocate to Phoenix, AZ. Jim accepted a position with the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department where he went through several assignments. He completed his career in the Fugitive Apprehension Unit where he developed a program that helped locate those who had absconded from probation and was successful with many cold case warrants. It was after attending a Veterans Day parade in Phoenix that he saw something was missing...there was no entry to honor the dogs that played such a huge part in our history. With passion and dedication he put together a Salute to the War Dog entry in the Veterans Day Parade. He recruited the help of dog clubs, law enforcement agencies and Luke AFB to help honor the dogs that saved so many lives throughout so many wars. He also organized a War Dog booth at various canine-related events around the Valley. He raised funds for the National Military Working Dogs Monument to be erected at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. Jim was recognized by the Vietnam Dog Handlers Association and other organizations for his work.

Cpl. Benjamin Cooper, 46, a former K9 Officer, was shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call at a shopping center on 3/8/22 at approximately 1:32 pm. Two other officers, Jake Reed,27, and Rick Hirshey, were also shot in the confrontation. Reed did not survive his injuries and died three days later on 3/11/22 and donated his organs before dying. The incident started when officers were called to a disturbance with an armed man identified as Anthony R. Felix, 40, near the intersection of Fourth Street and Range Line Road. Reed and Cooper attempted to arrest Felix, but he shot both of them and stole a police cruiser. Other officers chased the patrol vehicle, which led to a car wreck. The man then fled on foot to Ninth Street and Connecticut Avenue, roughly a mile from the original shooting, where he encountered more police officers. Anthony Felix then took cover behind a van and opened fire on a third officer who was still inside his cruiser, severely wounding him. Felix continued shooting at the responding officers until being fatally wounded by return fire. Hirshey had attempted to box-in Felix as a way to stop him. Reed had been with the department for five years, joining in 2017 and is survived by his wife. Hirshey is in serious but stable condition. Cpl. Benjamin Cooper had over 19 years in law enforcement, he honorably served as a patrolman, investigator, firearms instructor, SWAT officer, field training officer, canine officer, and internal affairs officer. Cpl. Cooper served in the U.S. Army from 1995 to 2001. He served in the Joplin Police Department from 2004 to 2008, when he left to serve as a deputy sheriff in Colorado. He returned to the Joplin Police Department in 2013 and was promoted to corporal in 2016. Cpl. Cooper is survived by his wife Roxy and two daughters, Tiffany and Ashley. Contributions to Cpl. Benjamin Cooper may be made to a family fund in Roxy Cooper's name in care of the mortuary.

Arthur O. Davis, 80, passed away surrounded by loving family in Fort Pierce, Florida. Art is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Pamela Parry Davis; 3 children, Paul M. (Becky), Gerri L (James) Davis-Parker, and Terri J. (Mike) Steinhubel. Art served for two years on the Griffith Police Department. He was the department's first canine officer, with his partner, a full-blooded German Shepard named Backus. In leu of flowers donations will be graciously accepted to the Arthur O. Davis 4-H Horse and Pony Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Sgt. Joshua Caudell, 29, an Arkansas Corrections K9 Officer, was shot and killed on the morning of 2/28/22 while assisting the Pulaski County Sheriff�s Office. A welfare check was being conducted on 2/27/22 at approximately 8:00 p.m. Deputies responded to a residence on Corvallis Road to check on a woman who had reportedly not shown up for work. When deputies arrived at the home units knocked on the front door attempting to contact Jordan, no response was given. Authorities said a sergeant knocked again and shined his flashlight into the residence through the glass of the front door. Jordan shot through the door, prompting the sergeant and a deputy who was also at the scene to seek cover. Though neither law enforcement officer was struck by a bullet, shards of glass reportedly struck the sergeant in the face and neck. Patrol vehicles were also struck by rounds being fired from inside the home. When SWAT officers made entry to the home, there was no one inside and determined the was was empty at approximately 2:30 a.m. That was when the Arkansas Department of Corrections (ADC) tracking dogs were called in to assist in the search for the missing woman and the gunman. The dogs tracked the suspect, identified by officials as 37-year-old Demark Lee Jordan to underneath a trailer on Overstreet Road. Sgt Caudell was shot in the chest while he and another K9 officer were looking under the trailer at approximately 4:00 a.m. The gunman began firing at them from his position underneath the trailer. Sgt. Caudell was transported to the hospital where he later died. The Arkansas State Police Bomb Squad and the Little Rock Police Bomb Squad arrived to assist. At 10:30 a.m. robots from the teams were sent under the house, and discovered that Jordan was no longer there. The woman who was Jordan's wife, the subject of the initial welfare check, was eventually found unharmed. Jordan escaped the area after shooting the K9 sergeant. Sgt. Caudell served in the Tucker K9 Unit and had been with the Department of Corrections since December 2012. In addition to his time at the Tucker Unit, he had worked at the Cummins Unit, Maximum Security Unit, Varner / Varner Super Max Unit and the Pine Bluff Unit. Sgt. Caudell leaves behind a wife Lorna-Beth and three small children, EmmaRae, Audrey and Jeremiah.

Demark Lee Jordan was captured on 3/1/22 at approximately 6:00 am. Jordan is facing one county of capital murder and two counts of criminal attempt of capital murder. Jordan is being held without bond at the Pulaski County Regional Detention Facility and is expected to face a judge in the case on 3/2/22.

Kelly Roudebush, 50, died from brest cancer on 2/10/22 at home. She was a former K9 handler and first female Michigan State University Police Chief. She took medical leave in July 2020 due to the cancer diagnosis. She was with the department since 1994. Roudebush served as a field training officer, canine handler, patrol shift commander, training and special events security coordinator, and a threat assessment team commander. Roudebush graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from MSU and a Master of Public Administration degree from Western Michigan University. She leaves behind her husband Jerry Roudebush and her son Brendan Beck.

Sergeant Chris Jenkins of the Loudon County Sheriff�s Office died in the line of duty on the morning of 2/3/22 after being hit by a tractor-trailer as he was removing a ladder from the interstate. Sgt. Jenkins responded to the area of mile marker 74 on I-75 North at approximately 8 a.m. to remove a ladder that had fallen out of a utility van and was blocking traffic on the interstate. The sergeant set up a rolling roadblock in an attempt to slow traffic and exited his patrol vehicle to remove the ladder. While he was out in the roadway, a tractor-trailer failed to reduce speed and crashed into two motorists� vehicles, Sgt. Jenkins� patrol unit, and Sgt. Jenkins. Additional law enforcement officers responded to the scene shortly after 8 a.m. after receiving 911 calls about the crash. When they arrived, they discovered Sgt. Jenkins had been killed. The driver of the semi-truck has been cooperating with investigators and willingly submitted to a blood test. Police are now searching for the vehicle that dropped the ladder. Witnesses described it as a white utility van. He said at least one witness noticed the vehicle had an unsecured ladder in the back, saying they watched as it slipped off the tailgate and came out the back. Drivers had to swerve to avoid the ladder. The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) is leading the ongoing investigation into the fatal crash. Anyone with information about the crash, or how the ladder fell onto the interstate, is asked to contact the DA's office at (865) 376-2145. Sgt. Jenkins joined the LCSO as a corrections deputy in 2002. He was promoted to patrol the following year and graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2004. He began working as a K9 officer in 2007, was promoted to the rank of patrol corporal in 2018, and was selected for a promotion to the rank of patrol sergeant last year, according to the LCSO. Sgt. Jenkins leaves behind his wife, his high school-aged daughter, and his son, who is also a fellow LCSO deputy. Sergeant Jenkins was a military veteran and had served with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office for 20 years. Chris is proceeded in death by his K9 partner Diego. Chris is survived by his daughter, Chloee and a son Clay Jenkins.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, Christopher Savannah, 43, from Houston Texas, was under the influence at the time, investigators said. Tennessee Highway Patrol said they found Savannah still in the driver seat after the crash. Savannah was cooperative and did consent to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Savannah denied drinking, taking any illegal substances or medication at the time, stating that he had only taken vitamins. THP said they noticed the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and found marijuana along with other drug paraphernalia. Based on a DRE evaluation, Savannah is believed to have been under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash. The Tennessee Highway Patrol said the driver faces charges of vehicular homicide by intoxication, vehicular homicide by recklessness, reckless endangerment, DUI, having a gun while under the influence, and some other drug charges. They also said an inspection of the tractor-trailer is being conducted. Savannah was formally charged and arrested on the evening of 2/3/22. He is being held at the Roane County Detention Facility. The LCSO said they used the handcuffs of Sgt. Jenkins to take him into custody. The judge ruled a $1 million bond for Savannah, who decided not to testify in his first court appearance. On 3/8/22 after a five hour hearing the judge, Roane County General Sessions Court Judge Terry Stevens found probable cause.

Captain Marx, 53, of the East London K-9 unit drowned in the Nahoon River while on duty 1/9/22. Captain Pierre Marx was with other police divers who responded to a report of four people being swept off the Horse-Shoe Valley causeway. As they arrived at the scene to assess the situation, they established that the complainant was on the island in the Nahoon River, together with three deceased. The fourth person is still missing in the river, Divers managed to take three of the bodies across the stream and also rescued another person, said to be a local farmer. Captain Marx struggled with a strong current that swept him away on 1/8/22 despite attempts by his colleagues to rescue him. He said Marx disappeared in the heavy stream and his body was later recovered early the next morning on 1/9/22. Captain Marx won a couple of Bravery Awards, one of which was when he saved a young boy from drowning in a storm water drain in East London.

K-9 Deputy Bob Loken, 51, of the Oakland County Sheriff�s Office passed away after a tough battle with pancreatic cancer at home surrounded by his family. Loken was a Master K-9 trainer and was well-respected in the law enforcement community and among K-9 handlers. Loken was a deputy for the Sheriff�s Officer for nearly 27 years, beginning his career in 1995. Loken leaves behind his wife Meagan and three children, Kyle (20), Caden (18) and Madison (15) Donations can be made to support the Loken Family to The Thomas Richard Charity at https://trcares.com/bob-loken-family-gofundme-page/

Chief Reid's professional career was in the Criminal Justice field as well as Private and Corporate Security. He served as a member of the Clinton, CT Police Department, Chief of Police in the Town of Chester, CT, a K-9 Narcotics Handler, Community Service Officer for the Old Saybrook Police Department and as Vice Chairman for the Old Saybrook Police Commission. He also served as Director of Security at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. He was Trustee for the Old Saybrook Historical Society, Member of the Elks club and a member of the Antique Police Vehicle Association. Chief Reid was a lifelong collector of Law Enforcement Memorabilia.

Lieutenant Josip Peperni, 57, passed away on 11/16/21 at Middlesex Hospital due to Covid. He is survived by his Katie (Yuille) Peperni, Josip enjoyed a fulfilling career as a police officer with the Norwich, CT Police Department. In addition to his loving wife of nine years, he is survived by his children, Nikita Pepern and Dakota Peperni and his wife Stephanie of Salem, CT and Kayla Marie Yuille Donations in Josip�s honor can be made to the Police Benevolent Association. Checks made payable to the Norwich Police Benevolent Association can be mailed to Norwich Police Department; 70 Thames Street; Norwich, CT 06360.

Sergeant Dominic Guido of the Bunnell Police Department died in the line-of-duty on on 11/9/21. Guida died following a cardiac event during an Emergency Response Team training. "Sergeant Guida served with FCSO for many years including as a K-9 Deputy before leaving law enforcement, later returning to his law enforcement calling with the Bunnell Police Department. Guida worked with the Flagler Sheriff�s Office as a K-9 deputy before leaving law enforcement and eventually returning with the Bunnell Police Department.

Deputy Lena Marshall, 49, with Jackson County Sheriff's Office, died in the line of duty. Deputy Lena Marshall was shot during a domestic call in West Jackson on Nov. 5. She died on Nov. 8. The shooting happened during a domestic call at a residence on Hwy. 124 near Publix around 9:20 p.m. on Nov. 5. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, deputies were called to a residence at 6416 Hwy. 124, Hoschton, where homeowners wanted a non-resident out of the home. When deputies arrived, they made contact with a woman at the front door who pulled a firearm and pointed it at deputies. The deputies ordered the woman to drop the weapon, but she opened fire on the deputies, striking Marshall. The second deputy on the scene returned fire, striking and killing the alleged shooter, Jessica Worsham, 43, of Hoschton. Worsham had previously shared a multitude of videos online in which she expressed hatred towards the county judicial system and law enforcement. The shooter claimed she was a "sovereign citizen" and immune from the law.Marshall was taken to a local trauma center in critical condition and ultimately succumbed to her injuries Monday, Nov. 8.Deputy Lena Marshall died around 3:50 p.m. 0n 11/8/21.� She had SWAT certification, K9 certification and was a field training officer in Barrow County. She got a K9 while employed with the BCSO. She took a job with the JCSO in 2020. During her tenure in Jackson County, Deputy Marshall worked across the various zones, covering the expanse of the entire county. She always worked night shifts and served as a field training officer. She leaves behind two daughters; Chelsea Marshall and Kiley Harris and son Colten Harris. Lena lost a child 18 years ago, on the same day she passed.

Sgt. Brian Gaunt, 48, died on 10/24/21 from COVID-19 complications. He served the Beaverton Police Department for 21 years working as a patrol officer, detective and K9 handler. He was promoted to sergeant in 2019. Sergeant Gaunt is survived by his wife Holly, his children Jake, Avery and Grace. Donations can be made to mark-9.org, a fund for medical expenses for retired police dogs.

Officer Erick E. Eberhard, 40, of Circleville Police Department, passed away on Oct. 24, 2021. Eberhard took his own life days after the Ohio Attorney Generals Office agreed to prosecute a felony case of domestic violence. The officer�s troubled life while off-duty, which shows he was facing a grand jury inquiry and had been placed on paid leave while an internal affairs investigation was underway. Several police reports outlining tumultuous romances, allegations of child abuse, and claims of beating his girlfriends. In one police report, Eberhard is alleged to have said he would command his K-9 to attack his girlfriend and �make it look like an accident,� and that Eberhard said he knew �where to hide dead bodies."On September 2 Eberhard was placed on paid leave by the police department while the Sheriff conducted a criminal investigation. On September 12 a packet was sent to the prosecutors office for possible charges. Fifty one days later after being placed on paid leave he committed suicide and did not leave a note. Eberhard had a degree in Criminal Justice with education from Ohio University along with other certifications and training in law enforcement. Erick previously served as a Corporal and K-9 Handler in his role as Deputy with the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office and was an Officer and K-9 Handler with the Circleville City Police Department. He is survived by his daughter Ellie and his sons Carson and Cooper.

Retired MNRR and MTA Police Department Officer Maurice �Mo� McKay passed away from a tragic accident on 10/4/21 in Suffolk County New York. Maurice started with the MNRR Police in 1996 and became a MTA Police Canine Officer in June of 2002 and was one of the first K9 Officers in the unit. He was assigned to the Canine Unit for over 15 years and worked two police canines during this time. Officer Maurice McKay was a proud United States Marine Corp. Veteran.

Sgt. Nick Risner, 40,died on 10/2/21 from his injuries at 9:52 a.m. from being shot on 10/1/21. The chain of events began about 1:44 p.m. on 10/1/21. Sgt. Risner was shot during a firefight in Muscle Shoals. Witnesses on the scene told police they saw a truck � which was later identified as Mealback�s � driving down Avalon Avenue with two people inside who appeared to be struggling. The passenger door opened, the truck swerved and Mealback, 58, fell out onto the street where police found his body on Avalon Avenue near State Street. Mealback, 58, had a gunshot wound in the top of his head and a leather holster on his belt that was empty. Mealback had met Martin more than a decade ago. Mealback suffered from health issues that caused seizures, and Martin became his unofficial caregiver, driving him to and from doctor appointmens. About 25 minutes later, at 2:11 p.m., Muscle Shoals police got a call about a hit-and-run wreck at Woodward and Avalon avenues, a little over a quarter of a mile from where Mealback was found. Sheffield police spotted Mealback�s truck around 2:23 p.m. in Sheffield and chased the truck after Martin refused to stop. The chase ended behind Southgate Mall, east of the Walmart parking lot, when police officers trapped the truck with their vehicles. Police said Martin shot out of his door several times, hitting Sgt. Risner in his vehicle. Sheffield Police Lt. Max Dotson came around the corner of Risner�s vehicle from the passenger side, exchanging shots with Martin, police said. Dotson was hit twice in his vest. Martin was hit multiple times in the exchange. He was pulled from the vehicle and handcuffed. He was then treated on scene, taken to Helen Keller Hospital and later flown to Huntsville Hospital. After the shooting, police found a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun and a .45-caliber Ruger handgun. Police said the Smith and Wesson was bought by Mealback, and that family members told them Mealback was known to carry a .45-caliber handgun on his side and a backup 9mm in his truck. Martin had the .45 pistol on him when he was arrested, as well as a loaded 9mm magazine in his pocket. The 9mm pistol was found in the passenger floorboard with an empty magazine and chamber. Police also found one spent .45 shell casing and 17 spent 9mm shell casings inside the truck. A preliminary autopsy found that Mealback was killed by a gunshot wound to the head that went into his chest. Sgt. Nick Risner served the community of Sheffield for more than eight years and also served in the Army Reserves for eight years. Risner is survived by his wife, Brandy Risner and daughter Aili Risner.

The suspect, Brian Lansing Martin, 41, was sentenced in 2013 to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter. He was arrested in 2011 for killing his father over an owed debt in Tuscumbia. He was released from prison in May 2016. Martin is now charged with four counts of capial murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle, one count of abuse of a corpse and one count of a felon in possession of a firearm. On 4/28/22 Marten pleaded not guilty by mental defect to all counts. On 10/8/23 Martin terminated the services of his his attorneys.

Retired K9 Officer Knauf died on 9/19/21 after battling cancer. He leaves his wife Debbra of 39 years and a son Kristopher and daughter Kayla.

K9 Officer Carl Proper died on 9/17/21 due to Covid and worked for Kings Mountain Police since 2005, Proper had finally achieved his dream of joining a K9 unit. He was paired with K9 Bronco, a German Shepherd specifically purchased by Kings Mountain Police for Proper to handle. Proper died Friday after battling Covid for a month in the hospital. Days after he moved into a new home in Cherryville with his wife, Proper was admitted to the hospital. Officer Carl Proper is survived by his wife Sonya and his children, Victoria Sherman, Derrik Proper, Shyanne Proper and his K-9 partner, Bronco.

Officer Edgar �Buddy� Pales, 54, a 28-year veteran of the Owasso Police Department, died at 3:07 p.m. on 8/29/21 of complications associated with COVID-19 while in a hospital. Pales had been hospitalized for more than a week. In July of 1992 Buddy gained a reputation as being an expert in emergency communications before being sworn in as a police officer in January of 1995. He became a K9 Officer, partnering with his life-long friend K9 Britt. After Britt�s retirement, Buddy partnered with K9 Shadow. Buddy then entered the role of School Resource. He leaves behind a daughter Kasey.

Lt. James Thelton Eaton II, passed away 8/20/21 in Wichita Falls, Texas. He retired as a Lieutenant with the Iowa Park Police Department after 26 years of service to the community. Jimmy Eaton worked for the Iowa Park Police Department from 1992 until his retirement in 2018.While serving as a Police Officer, Jimmy became the first K-9 officer for the department.

Deputy Floyd Cardenas, 41, passed away in his sleep on 8/19/21 and was found by family members. Cardenas wass an 18-year veteran with the sheriff�s office and is survived by his wife, two children. and his working partner K9 Tango. Officials said he had no underlying health conditions. He was a SWAT operator and a head trainer for the BCSO�s K9 with 10 years of service as a K9 handler. �Deputy Cardenas was the heart of the SWAT team, as he was one of the lead trainers that undertook newly joined SWAT operators and helped teach them the inner workings of the profession.

Sergeant Justin White, 39, a 15-year veteran of the Port Orange Police Department, died on 8/5/21 from COVID-19. White died after about two weeks in the hospital, despite ICU care and the aid of a ventilator. For 15 months his wife Carlyn, since his death had been battling to have her husband's loss designated as a line of duty death that would entitle her and the couple's four children. The U.S. Department of Justice has determined that White died in the line of duty and has awarded federal in-line of duty benefits that Public Safety Officer Benefit offered through the Department of Justice provides a death/disability lump sum of up to $370,376. The program includes the presumption that COVID was contracted in the line of duty. White got his start in Port Orange in 2006 after graduating with honors from the Daytona State College Law Enforcement Program. He later earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice and juris master's degree from Liberty University, studying online while he continued working. White became the department's first Florida Department of Law Enforcement certified K-9 instructor. He was CEO / President of the Port Orange Police Association, IUPA Local 6051, Inc., in which he co-founded in 2017. He owned and operated a dog training business called Optimum K9, LLC, which he started in 2019. Sergeant White leaves behind his wife of nearly 17 years, Carlyn, their four children, Tyler, 17; Savannah, 13; Andrew, 11; Emily, 8; and his K9 Partner Rex who was euthanized on 11/4/22 at the age of 14. He is preceded in death by two of his children, whom he and his wife lost due to miscarriages.

Lieutenant Gilbert Clayton McClure, age 54, died on 7/28/21 due to COVID. He was currently a lieutenant with the Texarkana Police Department where he began his career over 25 years ago. He also at one time was employed with the Bowie County Sheriff�s Department where he was in CID. McClure worked for Bowie County Sheriff's Office for three years before going to TTPD and had worked as a police officer, deputy, canine handler, sergeant and lieutenant in his career of 22 years with them.. He was honored at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens in a ceremony including a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps, officer's last call on the radio and presentation of the flag to his family. Lt. McClure and his wife Susan were married 29 years and he is survived by one son, William McClure and one daughter, Noranda �Chucky� McClure.

Lawrence �Larry� Vaughan, 54, was found dead on 7/23/21 after Deputies were called to the Anderson Apartments at about 3:15 p,m, on East Main Street in Rock Hill. When they arrived, deputies found retired Rock Hill police lieutenant Larry Vaughan dead in his apartment of an apparent assault. Less than 4 hours later, authorities arrested Robert Hawthorne, 27,of Chester, in connection with Vaughan's death. Evan Robert Hawthorne, 27, has been charged with Vaughan�s murder and is in the York County Detention Center. Hawthorne is a former Chester County sheriff�s deputy. Lt. Vaughan retired in late 2020 after 30 years with the department over criminal investigations and served as a K9 Officer. Vaughan leaves behind two daughters.

Hawthorne was denied bail on 7/24/21 during a brief court hearing at the York County jail. Hawthorne was a deputy at the Chester County Sheriff�s Office in 2019 and was terminated in 2019 after he was arrested for DUI in Chester County while off-duty in a patrol car. A conviction for murder in South Carolina carries a sentence of 30 years to life in prison in the S.C. Department of Corrections. On 12/13/22 the judge ordered Hawthorne to be released on a $250,000 bond.

Kevin Dale Apple, 53, was killed on 6/26/21 while on duty. Officer Apple and fellow officer Brian Stamps answered a call about 11:30 a.m. on 6/26/21 to be on the lookout for an older model blue Jeep fleeing from Rogers police officers. Rogers police issued the bulletin concerning the Jeep after receiving a call that a man was holding two people at gunpoint in the parking lot of the Walgreens on Walnut Street, Oscar Olvera said he believed Cash and Andazola had taken a check from his mailbox, and he started following the Jeep in his pickup, according to the affidavit. Olvera followed the Jeep to Walgreens and confronted Cash and Andazola. He said Cash was holding a check taken from his mailbox. He grabbed the check from Cash and pulled his gun to prevent the pair from leaving the scene. Olvera said he ordered Cash and Andazola to get out of the Jeep and when they were on the ground he put his gun back in a holster and called 911. Cash and Andazola said they had taken the check from Olvera's mailbox. Then Cash and Andazola sped off. Apple and Stamps saw the Jeep at a White Oak convenience store about 12:09 p.m. They parked on either end of the Jeep to box it in which was parked at the store's gas pumps. When they attempted to speak with the occupants, the driver of the jeep, Shawna Cash accelerated toward Officer Apple and hit Apple, who was carried on the front of Cash's vehicle 149 feet until she hit Apple's police car. Apple was pinned between the two vehicles and dragged underneath Cash's vehicle, according to the affidavit. He was dragged through the parking lot, over a curb and almost to the intersection of Townsend Way and Slack Street and died at the scene. Stamps shot at the Jeep, according to reports. The Jeep was pursued by officers from multiple agencies, including the Benton County Sheriff's Office, said Sheriff Shawn Holloway. Elijah Anadoloza Sr., 18 fled the scene on foot after Cash wrecked. and was captured a short time later in a camper on Pine Street in Bella Vista. Shawna Rhae Cash, 22, of Pine Bluff and Elijah Anadoloza Sr.,18, of Bella Vista have been arrested in Apple's death. Both were being held in the Benton County Jail on 6/26/21 on charges of capital murder or attempted capital murder. Officer Apple earned his Arkansas Commision on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (Part-time II) certification in 1995. He earned his basic police training certification in 1997, a drug raid tactics course certification in 1999 and certificate on law enforcement standards and training in 1999. Officer Apple was certified in three levels of S.W.A.T. high risk event planning and operational skills. His professional profile, according to his resume, includes sheriff patrol deputy, tactical drug unit team member, police officer, special police entry, response team member, certified sniper, certified field training officer, certified K9 officer, marine patrol deputy and a reserve deputy sheriff. Apple was employed part-time with Farmington Police Department from 2014 until hired at Pea Ridge and worked full-time at Farmington 2013 to January of 2014. He was a part-time patrolman with Bethel Heights from November 2009 to February 2012 and worked full-time as the K9 officer for Lowell Police Department from December 2003 to July 2009. He leaves behind his dog Ratchet.

Shawna Rhae Cash has had several run-ins with law enforcement in Benton and Washington counties since 2018. Here's a look at the felony criminal charges filed against Cash.

� May 19, 2018: Cash was arrested in connection with theft by receiving, but the charge was later dropped by prosecutors.

�Sept. 7, 2018: Cash was charged with felony failure to appear. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation, which prosecutors later moved to revoke. The case is pending.�

�Aug. 7, 2018: Cash was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia for methamphetamine or cocaine. She failed to appear but was later arrested on the failure to appear and sentenced to probation on the original charges, which prosecutors later moved to revoke. The case is pending.

� Jan. 31, 2019: Cash was charged with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine. She failed to appear for court, but was bonded out. She later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation. Prosecutors later moved to revoke Cash's probation, and she failed to appear. Cash was arrested on the failure to appear and bonded out again.

� July 2, 2019: Cash was charged with residential burglary and theft of property. She was sentenced to probation. Prosecutors later moved to revoke Cash's probation, but she failed to appear. Cash was arrested on the failure to appear and bonded out. The case is pending.

�Dec. 23, 2019: Cash was charged with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine. She has failed to appear twice and been arrested on the failure to appear twice, but has bonded out each time. The case remains open.

� Jan. 3, 2020: Cash was charged with theft of property and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card. The case remains open.

� Dec. 14, 2020: Cash was charged with theft by receiving. The case remains open.

� Jan. 19, 2021: Cash was charged with theft by receiving. The case remains open.

� Feb. 4, 2021: Cash was charged with theft by receiving. The case remains open.

�June 26, 2021. Cash was arrested in connection with the death of Pea Ridge Officer Kevin Apple.

Shawna Cash, 22, of Decatur was arrested on 6/26/21 in connection with capital murder, flight-escape, criminal mischief, fleeing on foot, two count of fleeing, five counts of aggravated assault, obstructing governmental operations, two counts of first degree criminal mischief, escape, driving with suspended/revoked license, two counts of failure to stop or yield, three counts of reckless driving, failure to signal, drove left of center, three counts of failure yield vehicle overtake on left, speeding, improper use of registration, failure stop after accident with death, possession of controlled substance and failure to appear. Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren ordered Cash be held without bail. Cash has a criminal record in Arkansas dating back to 2018, when she pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge. She pleaded guilty again in 2019 for another drug possession charge and again that same year to burglary and theft charges. In late 2019 she was arrested again for drug possession, and in early 2020 she was charged with property theft and credit card fraud and was arrested twice earlier this year for theft by receiving. Since both defendants are eighteen years of age or older, they are both eligible for the death penalty if convicted as charged of capital murder of Officer Apple. The other punishment for capital murder under Arkansas law is life in prison without parole. Cash went before Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren for a hearing for April 15, 2022 to address other matters. During that arraignment, she pleaded �not guilty� on charges of capital murder. Cash has been held without bond in Benton County Jail. Jury selection is scheduled for 1/29/24.

Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green issued the no-bail order for Andazola on 6/28/21. His arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. Aug. 2.Elijah Andazola was arrested in connection with accomplice to capital murder, flight-escape and refusal to submit to arrest. Arraignment is scheduled for 8 a.m. Aug. 2.Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren ordered. Andazola trial has been rescheduled from January to July 2023. On 9/15/22 the court issued a bench order delaying the trial start until 7/31/23.

Sgt SC Radebe, 34, was off duty and shot dead by two men who attacked him and fired several shots on 6/15/21 while playing pool with friends in a Cibane tavern while off duty. The Tavern is located on the corner of Sibusiso Mdkane and Maphikelela Roads in Umlazi. Sgt SC Radebe was shot twice at 7:10 p.m and the attackers stole the bag he had. The attackers shot Sgt. Radebe in front of his brother. The two assailants came into the tavern telling everyone not to look as they fired shots and fled the scene on foot. Radebe was rushed in a private vehicle to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. He was a KwaZulu-Natal police dog handler who was stationed with the Umlazi K9 Unit. The shooting comes a day after two police dogs K9 Shaka and K9 Simba were shot and killed and a third, K9 Duke injured while their handlers were tracking a gang of cop killers near Pietermaritzburg on 6/14/21. Radebe�s murder follows the shooting and killing of police dogs Simba and Shaka and the injury of Duke near Bishopstowe on Monday. The three, together with their handlers, were tracking the alleged killers of Ndwedwe police station commander Lt-Col Jabulani Ndawonde, 55, in a sugarcane field when they were shot and killed while tackling the suspects. Ndawonde was shot and killed in an ambush in Bhamshela in KwaZulu-Natal last month. During the search for Ndawonde�s killers on Monday three suspects, including those who killed Simba and Shaka and injured Duke, were shot and killed by police.

Three days after the murder of Sgt. Radebe three suspects were arrested. The police team proceeded to Baker Road at W Section in Umlazi where it was reported that the suspects were busy celebrating the death of a policeman. One of the suspects who was resisting arrest pointed a firearm at one of the police officers and was fatally wounded. The suspects, aged between 27 and 38-years-old, were arrested for murder. The vehicle that was used during the murder was also taken to the police pound for further investigation. The woman arrested is a relative of Sgt. Radebe was apprehended at C Section in Umlazi. She was apparently taking revenge after the officer confiscated liquor she was selling without a license. The relative was a well-known school transport operator who owned a Quantum taxi. During lockdown Sgt. Radebe was allegedly among the officers who raided her house and confiscated liquor she was selling illegally during the lockdown.

Siphindile Sithole, who was believed to have masterminded the murder of K9 unit police officer Sergeant Siyabonga Radebe was released on bail. The case was postponed to July 28 for further investigation.

James L. Collins ,74, passed away peacefully at home during his nap. He served his country proudly in Vietnam (1969-71). He was a member of the Military Police K9 unit, partnered with three dogs he personally trained and was quite proud of: Prince, Willie, and King. James �JC� is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Ruth; son, Patrick (Luci); daughter, Shannon (Jacob) Hoida.

Officer Christopher Farrar was an 18-year veteran Chandler police and killed in the line of duty. Officer Farrar was struck and killed by Jonathan Altland , 25, who had stolen a pickup truck in Pinal County the evening of April 29. Gilbert police Officer Rico Aranda was hospitalized in critical condition with a severe head injury also after also being struck by the suspect, who is in custody. Officer Rico Aranda has been with his department since July 2018. The pursuit occurred around 10:11 p.m. when a Pinal County Sheriff�s Deputy attempted a traffic stop on State Route 87 north of Eloy. The suspect vehicle fled from the deputy and fired gun shots at the deputy as he was in pursuit. The pursuit continued into Chandler where the suspect drove into the Chandler Airport runway by breaking through the city�s security gates. The suspect then fled onto the 202 San Tan Freeway driving the wrong way.� Police said the suspect then exited the freeway where he eventually crashed near the Val Vista Drive eastbound on-ramp and fled on foot into the San Tan Ford dealership lot. Pinal County deputies, Department of Public Safety troopers and Chandler and Gilbert Police surrounded the building. The suspect then stole a vehicle from the dealership and attempted to flee the lot. In doing so, the suspect hit Officer Farrar, the Gilbert officer and a car dealership janitorial employee, who walked away with minor injuries. Two DPS troopers also were injured. The troopers had non-life-threatening injuries. Three Pinal County Sheriff�s deputies and four DPS troopers shot at the suspect, injuring him. The suspect was taken into custody where he was transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Officer Farrar was acknowledged in 2010 after his agency honored him with its �Community Service Award.� In 2006, he was presented with a medal after he and another officer rescued a woman who was contemplating suicide. Officer Farrar leaves behind a daughter and two sons. and his K9 Benzo.

Jonathan Altland is facing charges of murder, aggravated assault and auto theft and being held on a 3 million dollar bond. Jonathan Altland Jr was indicted by a grand Jury on 5/14/21 on 32 charges, including first - degree murder, 20 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful flight from law enforcement, first degree burglary, endangerment, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and four counts of disorderly conduct. Altland Faces the death penelty. Altland's trial is scheduled for Oct. 10, 2023, in Maricopa County Superior Court.

Deputy Logan Fox, 25, was shot and killed on 4/28/21 while conducting a welfare check at the home of Hardman Circle at 9:44 a.m.. Sergeant Chris Ward, 36, was also shot and killed. Sergeant Ward, an eight-year veteran in the field of law enforcement, died about 9:00 p.m. after he was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee where he succumbed to his injuries and Deputy Fox died at the scene. A third officer was also shot, but was not injured due to the bullet hitting his Kevlar helmet and a shield that blocked a bullet. A coworker of the homeowner had requested the welfare check after the man did not report to work and was not answering the phone. Responding officers discovered all the vehicles belonging to the owner in the driveway. As Sergeant Ward and Deputy Fox entered the home to check on the occupants both were shot. Backup officers were able to extract Sergeant Ward from the home but were unable to reach Deputy Fox. The suspect, Isaac Alton Barnes, 32, barricaded himself inside the house and continued to shot at law enforcement officers who were on the perimeter during the 13 hour standoff. When gun fire stopped for about 30 minutes, authorities sent in a robot that showed someone lying on the bed. After deploying tear gas and seeing no movement from within the house, law enforcement officials entered the building. Barnes died of a self - inflicted gun shot wound after killing his mother, Michelle Annette Ligon, 61, and stepfather George Wyatt Ligon, 58. The standoff ended just before 11:00 pm. Watauga County Sheriff's Officer Deputy Logan Fox was hired as a part-time deputy at the Ashe County Sheriff's Office on July 10, 2017 at the age of 21. He was promoted to full-time on September 1, 2017 and left in good standing to go o the Watauga County Sheriff's Office on August 30, 2019. Logan Fox was just 14 years old when he was awarded the Community Service and Impact Award from his hometown of Beech Mountain. He graduated BLET at Wilkesboro Community College with the highest GPA of his class. Duputy Fox was partnered with K9 Raven. Sergeant Ward is a father of two, ages 19 and 5 and began his career at the Beech Mountain Police Department in 2013, later moving on to the Watauga County Sheriff�s Office where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Approximately 15 law enforcement agencies surrounded the home during the standoff. Deputy Logan's K9 Raven attended the funeral with other K9'S. Donations to Officer Fox may be made in care of the Watauga County Sheriff�s Department, 184 Hodges Gap Road, Boone, N.C. 28607, to Tim Fox or Anneliese Moody

Just days before the deadly shooting Isaac Alton Barnes attacked his father with a knife. Law enforcement was notified because he was concerned about his son. Family members warned the county sheriff's office that his son was experiencing a mental breakdown and could be dangerous if approached. The father, Joseph Barnes, at the time, was trying to decide whether to have Isaac arrested for the alleged assault or pursue an involuntary commitment. The father then went to a magistrate but decided not to pursue the involuntary commitment.

Staffordshire Police officer, PC Karen Bloor - known as Kaz. lost her fight against breast cancer. PC Bloor, worked for the police for 24 years, In 2015 Karen had a double mastectomy with 4 sentinel nodes removed. Karen started to feel unwell before Christmas 2020. Putting it down to nothing serious she just carried on. After a small incident lifting her working dog, she felt pain in her side and when she spoke to the Dr she was diagnosed with costochondritis. The pain continued and she was feeling tired. She began to think she�d had Covid-19 and was suffering the effects of long covid - a positive antibody test confirmed she�s had the covid at some point. A few rounds of antibiotics for a chest infection, noticeable weight loss and not getting any better she pushed for a face to face at the doctors. A few weeks later with a number of tests it was confirmed the cancer came back. The cancer returned in a number of places in her body - liver, spine, stomach and remaining breast tissue. Biopsy results was liver cancer, stomach cancer and bone cancer. Treatment started with 6 rounds of chemo commencing April 19th. A fund-raising page set up on behalf of Karen has now raised $25,671 as donations continue to flood in following the news of her death.

Yarmouth Police Officer William �Billy� Coughlan passed away on April 17th surrounded by his wife Lynne and sons John and James. Billy served as a Patrol Officer from 1977 -2009. He received many awards and letters for his incredible career that covered many positions and responsibilities. Billy offered his services to help YPD members through the loss of Sgt. Sean M. Gannon. He was a big part of the success of the Barnstable County Critical Incident Team. Billy�s career spanned 32 years. Here are some of the highlights:

� 1972 University of New Hampshire Graduate BS Physics
� 1982 Anna Maria College MA Criminal Justice
� 1978 Barnstable County Police Academy Graduate
� Yarmouth Police Reserve Officer 1976-1977
� Yarmouth Police Department 1977 -2009
� K9 Unit 1980 -84 with Partner Sam (German Shepard)
� Mattacheese Middle School Resource Officer 2005-2009
� Accident Reconstructionist
� Southeastern Mass Critical Incident Stress Team
� Barnstable County Critical Incident Team
� Selection Team First YPD Computer System
� YPD Dive Team Member
� Citizen Police Academy Instructor
� IBPO Local 422 President & Contract Negotiator
� Officer of the Year 1982, 2005
� Life Saving Awards (4)
� Combat Cross
� Honorable Service Awards(3)
� Honorable Mention (2)
� Exceptional Service Award
� Meritorious Service Award
� Numerous letters of commendation from the public

Former sheriff Daniel C. McClelland died on 4/14/21 after a year long courageous battle with brain cancer. �Sheriff McClelland served the residents of Geauga County for 44 years with the last 13 years proudly serving as sheriff. McClelland began working in the Geauga County Sheriff�s Office in 1976. He was promoted to sergeant in 1983, then to lieutenant in 1992 and chief deputy in 2000. He was appointed as sheriff in 2003. McClelland then won elections in 2004, 2008 and 2012. He earned his degree in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Akron and was a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He retired at the end of 2016 after announcing two years earlier that he wouldn�t seek reelection. When McClelland retired at the end of 2016, so did K9 Midge, the rat terrier-Chihuahua mix that held a Guinness World Record as the smallest certified police dog in the world. McClelland�s honors include Leadership Geauga�s 2014 Emerald Leader award, Chardon Alumni Hall of Fame inductee for lifetime and 2011 Recipient of the DARE Law Enforcement Executive of the Year Award for the State of Ohio. He leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Beverly (nee Groh) and their children, Daniel (Jennifer) McClelland, Kelly (Dan) Slattery and Andy (Faith) McClelland. Hours after his passing, his beloved K9 partner Midge, age 16, also passed and will be buried along side him. Donations can be made to the Geauga County Sheriff's Office K9 Fund at 12450 Merritt Road, Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Robert George Gailey, 82 of DeLand, Florida passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021. Robert served in the United States Army before working in Law Enforcement as a K9 Counselor. Robert "Big Bob" Gailey was afflicted with dementia, Gailey had a passion for dogs and was a pioneer importer of German Shepherd dogs he trained for police agencies in Central Florida and all over the state. He left a legacy of training knowledge and techniques used by many law enforcement K-9 handlers from agencies across the area. People came from all over to honor Gailey and say farewell before he died. Gailey was a longtime force in police dog training, police dog handler training, and a pioneer in Central Florida's dog community. Dogs were Gailey's life. The walls of photos � hundreds of pictures � in his DeLand home tell the stories of Gailey working and training dogs of all breeds. Gailey was a longtime police dog trainer, an award-winning dog show competitor, and a pioneer German shepherd dog importer in Central Florida. His love for dogs was lifelong � when he helped at a veterinary clinic in Orlando or at age 12, when he was showing in American Kennel Club competitions. His work with police dogs started in 1959 when he was a military police officer in the U.S. Army and was a K-9 handler. After leaving the Army, he became a reserve deputy with the Orange County Sheriff�s Office. In 1964, Gailey started K-9 of Orlando, a police dog training facility, which he later moved to Astatula in Lake County. For at least 55 years, as a trainer, Gailey prepared thousands of officers and deputies as K-9 handlers all over the state. Records that Gailey kept of his work show that he trained and worked with dogs from police agencies all over Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and West Virginia. He also worked with K-9 units in Washington, D.C. During those years, Gailey also launched K-9 units at Disney World in 1972 and shortly after did the same at Seaworld. In addition to being the first importer of German shepherds to the Central Florida area, Gailey also improved training techniques and added his personal touch to training police dogs, which are still taught in multiple K-9 programs at agencies in Florida. Perhaps Gailey�s biggest contribution in K-9 training was that he changed compulsion training (making the dog do what the handler wanted) to happy training, where Gailey got the dog to do something because he wants to do it. Bob taught food motivation and toy motivation. Every one of his officers and students he trained were familiar with his phrase, Repetition by association, forms a pattern, creates a habit, produces the behavior. Gailey, described as a �machine" when it came to his work ethic, left the business of police-dog training in 2008 but still worked as a K-9 consultant. Even in his late 70s, Gailey was still training pets for people. He would also show up at the Volusia County Sheriff's Office K-9 training compound as late as last year and watched K-9 handlers and their dogs in training. Bob was known to go out of his way for a department. If someone called and their department was short on funds, Bob would put the person and the dog through the class and not charge them anything, and do the certification for them. Bob was diagnosed with dementia a year ago and �spiraled down� six months later after his favorite pet German shepherd, Nemo, died of cancer. Gailey leaves behind his wife Lisa.

Stephen Mackenzie better known as "Doc" in the K9 field died on 3/21/21. Because of the growing need for search and detection dogs because of 9/11 he started a program which was such a success and attracted students from all over the world and preparing them to enter canine related fields including national security, law enforcement, veterinary medicine, canine-assisted therapy and much more. As a professor at SUNY, his students will never forget his teachings and professionalism. He received the Master Trainer Award from the North American Police Work Dog Association in 2017 recognizing him for his work with utility, cadaver, narcotics, and wild life detection dogs and awarded SUNY�s Distinguished Service Professorship Award in 2020. He was a board member of the Northeast Wilderness Search and Rescue and founding member of the New York State Canine Association. He taught decades for the Eden International Police K9 Conference and taught for numerous working dog organizations around the world and wrote K9 training columns for Dog Sports, Working Dog and Police magazines. Dr. Mackenzie was widely recognized for his work in law enforcement agencies nationwide, and had been a Deputy Sheriff for the Schoharie County Sheriff's Office for 25 years and as a K-9 handler and trainer for seven. He is the author of Decoys and Aggression: A Police K9 Training Manual, Aggression Control: Teaching the "Out" and Police Officer's Guide to K9 Searches. Dr. Mackenzie held a PhD in the genetics of behavior from Cornell University. He was a court recognized expert in animal behavior at both the state and federal levels in both criminal and civil cases. Mackenzie was a member of the college�s Animal Science program for nearly 40 years. He also developed an agreement to train dogs housed at a local animal shelter, a program that provided both practical experience for students and increased the chances of adoption for dogs in the program. At the time of his death, Mackenzie was working with campus residential life staff and external partners to develop a puppy-raising program on campus, a partnership that represented a significant commitment in support of the work of an organization training canine companions for the nation�s military veterans. He is survived by his devoted wife Laurie (Fink) Mackenzie, daughter Dawn and son Alex. Gifts in Doc's memory may be made to the Dr. Stephen Mackenzie Scholarship in Canine Training and Management or the Dr. Stephen Mackenzie Canine Equipment Endowment. Gifts can be mailed in the endowment name specified payable to SUNYCobleskil Foundation, 106 Suffolk Circle, 228 Knapp Hall , Cobleskill NY 12043. On line giving is also available at www.cobleskill.edu/give

John Charles �Rambo� Lewis, 74, of Yakima, Washington, passed away on March 17th, 2021 at home in hospice care surrounded by his loving family after suffering a stroke. He enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1966, completing boot camp and training courses in aviation maintenance. He went on to serve his country in Vietnam, awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service from March 27th - December 7th, 1967 and the Air Medal for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight from December 29th, 1966 - March 9th, 1967. After John returned from Vietnam, back to the Yakima Valley, he pursued employment with a local company drilling wells. In January of 1978, he started his career in law enforcement, joining the Yakima County Sheriff Office as a deputy/jailer, which prepared him for full time police work in July 1979. Over the next twenty-one years, John gained an abundance of knowledge and skills, holding various assignments as a K9 Handler and Civil Deputy. In 1985, he was Officer of the Year for the Yakima County Sheriff�s Office, receiving recognition from the American Legion and the United States Attorney General Edwin Meese III. He acted as the agency�s official historian since 1992, retiring from the Yakima County Sheriff�s Office on June 24, 1999. John married Cheryl (Walker) Lewis in July of 1975. He leaves behind his daughter Heather Marie, 44, and son Charles Lee, 41. He remarried in 1995 to his high school sweetheart, Kathleen (Whittington).He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kathleen (Whittington).He was preceded in death police dog Captain Alk.

K9 officer Jason Lagore, 38, with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources died on 2/23/21 of an apparent heart attack while responding to a rescue at Rocky Point Lake in Highland County, Ohio. "He assisted on countless, countless search and rescues, bringing closure to families and also finding people and being able to help them. LaGore was trying to help a teenager, Keaira Scott, 16, who fell into icy water. Around 6:30 p.m., a 13-year-old brother started screaming for help near a private dock. A nearby contractor heard his cry and called 911. "I'm at Rocky Fork. I had some little kid come up to me and said his sister's in the water dead," the caller said. "He come running up to us saying, 'Somebody please help me, please help me.'" The Paint Creek Joint Fire District responded to the scene. By the time our crews got there, she was under the ice. Additional units from Hamilton and Franklin counties were called to help. "The water was 36 degrees. The 16-year-old's body was recovered about four-and-a-half hours later. The coroner said she drowned. Sometime during the rescue-recovery mission, LaGore fell in the water after suffering a medical emergency. First responders tried to save him. He died at the hospital. The Highland County Coroner said preliminary results indicate LaGore had a heart attack. LaGore began the K9 program for the division of parks and watercraft at ODNR and has since led the first K9 academy. Officer Lagore was a 2004 graduate of Hocking College with a degree in Wildlife Management. Lagore started his career at the Ohio Division of Parks & Watercraft in 2002 and became a Park Officer in 2005 assigned to Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County. He became a K9 handler in 2011 and worked two dogs, Ranger and Sarge. Officer LaGore not only was a K9 handler, he also trained each of the department�s dogs and handlers in narcotics detection work, cadaver work and tracking. Lagore and his first partner, K9 Ranger and current K9 partner Sarge are credited with countless finds and rescues. He had worked for ODNR for the past 15 years. He did a lot of training around all of Ohio. He worked with a lot of organizations with search and rescue. He is survived by his wife, Michelle, two small sons and his K9 partner, Sarge.

Lundquist, William "Bill" Russell of Bloomington, MN died peacefully from COVID pneumonia on January 28, 2021 surrounded by loved ones. His true calling and vocation began when he joined the Minneapolis Police Department in 1964. Bill worked 28 of his 35 years on the force in the K9 unit, with his loyal partners Sergeant, Louie, Rocky and Bart, earning National awards in dog training and changing so many lives along the way. He is survived and greatly missed by his loving wife of 60 years of marriage, Pat; his three children, daughter, Diane (Bob) Morse sons, Mark (Debbie) and Paul (Julie). In lieu of flowers, donations accepted for the Minneapolis Police Federation.

Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputy Adam Gibson, 31, and his K9 Partner Riley were killed in a shootout on 1/18/20. At 10:07 p.m. Sacramento County Sheriff�s Office Deputies saw an occupied vehicle in a parking lot near Arden Way and Avondale Avenue that matched the description of a vehicle involved in a burglary series. Deputies initiated contact with the single occupant of the vehicle and were able to identify the subject as Robert Stephen Calderon, 46, and being on active parole. The subject became uncooperative and fled in his vehicle when deputies attempted to search the vehicle. A short pursuit ensued that terminated inside of the Cal Expo Complex located at 1600 Exposition Boulevard. The suspect vehicle became disabled after striking a curb and came to rest near a chain-link fence. Multiple patrol units gathered at the termination point to assist the initial deputies. Deputies gave several commands for the suspect to exit his vehicle and he refused. Deputies deployed less-lethal �bean bag� rounds into the suspect vehicle�s back window in an attempt to see inside. A K-9 handler deployed his K-9 into the back window of the vehicle at which time several shots were fired from within the vehicle. Two deputies and the canine were struck by the suspect�s gunfire. Multiple deputies returned fire. The wounded officers were transported by deputies in patrol units to an area hospital. Deputy Adam Gibson, a 31-year-old, 6 year veteran of the department, was pronounced deceased at the Kaiser Medical Center hospital. A second deputy, age 43 was stabilized and transported to a trauma center at UC Davis Medical Center for further treatment. K-9 Riley also died at the scene. K-9 Riley was 5 years old and had been in-service with our office for 3 years. Fire arrived and pronounced the sole occupant of the suspect vehicle deceased at the scene. Deputy Gibson served in the United States Marine Corps and did two tours in Afghanistan. Since joining the department in 2014 he has worked in corrections, patrol and most recently a canine handler. Deputy Gibson received the Sheriff�s Office Bronze Star for Bravery and a Major Incident Ribbon in 2018. Deputy Gibson leaves behind his wife Rachel Gibson, 9-month-old child.

Calderon who was shot and killed had a history of criminal activity, drug use and mental illness. Calderon was a former truck driver and in home health service worker and was frequently homeless and living in a Chevrolet Suburban. He had a combined nine felony and misdemeanor cases out of Sacramento County dating to 1993. The cases generally involve drugs and stolen vehicles. His most recent local case, a felony, came in 2012. He was sentenced to 16 months in state prison for vehicle theft.

Detective Sergeant Edward John Marcurella, Jr., 55, of Walterboro, and law enforcement officer with the Colleton County Sheriff�s Office, entered into rest on 1/16/21 at the Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro following a short battle against the Coronavirus. Ed enlisted in the United States Army in 1983 and following his basic training served until 1987 with the Army National Guard. He served with Hilton Head Fire Rescue, having been a fireman for seventeen years and paramedic for eight years. He then served with the Ridgeland Police Department prior to establishing his career in Walterboro. In addition to being a detective with Colleton County Sheriff�s Office, Sergeant Marcurella was a member and Co-Chairman of the Lowcountry Human Trafficking Task Force for the Fourteenth District and was also an investigator for the Attorney General�s Internet Crimes Against Children. His awards, service, and accolades are extensive. He was a bomb specialist, and member of both the prestigious group known as the Special Weapons and Tactics Team and the Special Response Team. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Christy Ferrell Marcurella; seven children, Angela Blake, Steven Edward Marcurella (Missy), Brandi White, Tiffany Marcurella, Hunter Joseph Marcurella, Lauren Amanda McMillan, and Ethan Chad McMillan. He was preceded in death by his faithful K9 companion, �Panzer� who ended his watch on March 27, 2015. Honors will be conferred by the United States Army and Law Enforcement.

Trooper First Class Patrick Dragon of Brooklyn CT passed away on 1/2/21 sadly after losing his valiant hard fought battle with COVID 19. Pat retired from the Connecticut State Police after serving for 20+ years. During his career as a State Trooper, Pat was able to fulfill his life long passion of fire investigation, having been assigned for many years as a Detective/Fire Investigator at the CSP State Fire Marshall's Unit. Pat after his retirement continued his service to the public, as the Deputy Fire Chief of the East Brooklyn Volunteer Fire Department, and as a 911 Dispatcher for the Foster RI Police Department. Dragon was the third person through the doors of Sandy Hook Elementary School after the 2012 shooting. Dragon turned 49 on December 29th.

Thomas A. Doyle, 73, was met at the rainbow bridge by the many dogs that he had and trained when he passed away on 10/31/20 at the Maine Veterans home. He attended Massachusetts schools and graduated from Peabody High School in 1965, where he held the strike out record for many years. Tom was then drafted by the Cincinnati Reds Baseball organization. After sustaining a baseball injury, he joined the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. After his service to his country, he served on the Peabody Police Force for many years until his retirement. He and his wife Maggie moved to Maine, where they owned and operated Running Hill Kennels in Scarborough. Tom was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles # 2977 and American Legion # 62, Westbrook. He was captain of the Westbrook Pool Team and played for many years. A graveside service, with military honors, will be scheduled in the future for the Southern Maine Veterans Cemetery in Springvale. He leaves behind his wife Maggie Doyle of 29 years, of Scarborough. For those wishing to make memorial contributions in his memory please consider the Scarborough Police Canine Unit, 275 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough ME 04074 or to the Peabody Police Canine Unit, 6 Allen Lane, Attn. Sharon McGill, Peabody, MA 01960

Ronald Lee Pierson, 77, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on 10/25/20 surrounded by his family. Ron played semi-professional football. He served in the Army National Guard from 1964 to 1970. Ron worked at DuPont before joining the Delaware State Police in 1970 where he worked in Canine with partners K9 Chris and K9 Ralph. He retired as a sergeant in 1992 He worked in security at Longwood Gardens, as a chauffeur for a DuPont family descendant, then worked for McCrery & Harra Funeral Home. Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sandra; daughters Laura and Nancy and son John. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Claymont Lions Club, 11 Bellemeade Place, Wilmington, DE 19810.

Master Deputy Conley Jumper died on 10/20/20 while on duty. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on northbound on I-85 near White Horse Road just before 3 p.m. when at least one of the occupants of the vehicle engaged deputies in a physical altercation and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the suspect�s vehicle accelerated and ultimately collided with a tractor trailer. Another deputy�s patrol car also collided with the suspect�s vehicle. Three deputies were transported to the hospital along with two individuals from the suspect vehicle. Master Deputy Conley Jumper was severely injured and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other two deputies are expected to recover as are the occupants from the suspect vehicle. Jumper was a 28-year veteran of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and most recently served with the Interdiction Team where he received numerous accolades, including multiple distinguished service awards and the prestigious Russ Sorrow Award. Officials said that he would be posthumously promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Jumper is survived by his wife, Sarah, and his daughter, Catherine. He had served with his K9 partner Vinnie. Memorials may be made to KILO-9 Foundation at kilo9.org.

Sgt. Harry Cohen, 48, with the Riverside County Sheriff�s Department died while on duty on 10/19/20 of a heart attack while training with the K9 group. Harry spent many years on the team as a well-respected handler, and currently supervised the team. Cohen served with the Sheriff�s Department since 1996. In that time, he worked as a deputy at the Banning, Lake Elsinore and Southwest stations. He was promoted to sergeant in 2010. Over the last decade, he worked both patrol and later training assignments. Most recently, he served in the department�s Special Enforcement Bureau as a supervisor for the K-9 unit. The unit includes 28 officers, each with a patrol-service dog they partner with for the dog�s entire career. Cohen is survived by his wife, son and daughter.

Lt. Duane Dykstra 47, died on 9/26/20. Lt Duane Dykstra was the Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. Lt. Dykstra had more than 25 years of law enforcement experience. During his long career at Levy County Sheriff's Office, he worked as a Dispatcher, a patrol deputy, a K9 handler, a Narcotics Investigator and SWAT Team member. He had been the CID Commander since February of 2016. Lt. Dykstra failed to return from a deer hunting trip on Saturday morning. He was later found deceased in Goethe State Forest near the intersection of CR 337 and SR 121. Lt. Dykstra appears to have died from natural causes and foul play is not suspected. The incident is being investigated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Office of the Medical Examiner Florida District Eight. Family requests contributions in honor of Duane be made to the Duane Dykstra gofundme account organized by the Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association.

Deputy Michael E. Creager II, 45, died on 9/25/20 after battling cancer. Deputy Creager worked for the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office. In 2010, Creager became a road deputy and transitioned into the K-9 unit. His partner, Fygo, a Belgian Malinois, became a state-certified patrol/narcotics detection dog. Creager and Fygo trained with the Police K-9 Association, which he served as a board member. He worked as a K-9 trainer with other departments throughout the United States. Deputy Creager and K9 Fygo worked together on the sheriff's SWAT team. He is survived by daughters Michaela and Italia Creager, He was part of the mounted unit. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Police K9 Association, P.O. Box 7232, Canton, Ohio, 44705 or to the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, 2295 Reiser Ave. S.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.

Retired Levy County Sheriff Officer Cpl. Jay Crooms of Williston has died. Jay was a former Patrol Deputy, K-9 Deputy and Detective. He served for over 17 years and retired. He leaves behind his wife Melinda and daughter Madison. Donations may be sent directly to the family to assist with medical costs and expenses.

George O. Lyter III, 62, of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania passed away on 6/23/20. George served for 35 years with the United States Capital Police Canine Unit in Washington, D.C. He is survived by five children, Jacklyn L. Lyter , George O. Lyter , Benjamin Parmele, Debbie Moore,, and Angela Weirich.

Corporal Stephen Swanson, 49, died on 6/20/20. Swanson of Esperance Village, San Fernando, was attached to the Canine Unit in the TT police service and had 15 years of service. An autopsy is expected to take place to determine the cause of death, however, it was suspected that he died as a result of a heart attack. Investigators were told that Swanson accompanied a friend to a grocery in the vicinity of Coffee Street, San Fernando, and while in the car, it appeared as though he was suffering from a seizure. He was rushed to a nearby police station, following which, officers rushed him to the San Fernando General Hospital and died about one hour later while undergoing treatment. He leaves behind two teenagers.

Officer Todd Shoemaker of the Killeen Police Department, passed away suddenly on 5/30/20 in his home. Officer Shoemaker started his career with the Killeen Police Department in January of 2006. Todd joined the United States Army in 1981. His duty stations include: Ft. Riley, Kansas; Little Rock, AR, Ft. Drum, NY and Friedberg Ray Barracks, Germany. Todd deployed to the Middle East during Desert Storm in 1991. He retired as a 1st Sergeant from the Army in 2005 after 22 honorable years of service. Todd had 2 partners during his 11 year K9 career. Azor, who has passed away in 2014, and his current partner, Arco. His faithful K9, Arco, began training together since 2013. Todd is survived by his loving wife, Ursula Shoemaker and their daughters Nicole and Jessica Shoemaker.

Sergeant Steve Kobitz of the Valparaiso Police Department died on 5/25/20 as a result of cardiac complications. Sgt. Kobitz was on-duty when he was discovered in distress while in his police vehicle, which was parked in the lot of the Valparaiso Police Department. Sgt. Kobitz was immediately tended to by his fellow officers when he was discovered, and Valparaiso Fire soon responded and took over treatment. Sgt. Kobitz later succumb to his condition while at Porter Regional Hospital. Sgt. Kobitz began his career in February 1992, honorably serving the City of Valparaiso for over 28 years. During his tenure, Sgt. Kobitz has served as a Field Training Officer, Accident Reconstructionist, and Canine Officer.Surviving is his son, Stephen and daughter Tayla.

Robert Elmer Jones, 84, a resident of Clarksville, passed on 4/18/20 at Tennessee State Veterans Home. He served in the US Army for over 23 years and received a Silver Star, Soldier�s Medal, two Bronze Stars for Valor, two Purple Hearts, and three ARCOMs during his service. After retiring from the Army, Bob served as a police officer for the Montgomery County Sheriff�s Department with his canine partner, Duke. Bob then worked as a civilian as the manager of Physical Security at Ft. Campbell, KY for 20 years. In his retirement, Bob is survived by his wife of 18 years, Karen Welborn Jones; daughters, Cindy (Wayne) Abbott, Kay (Rick) Hamilton, and stepdaughter, Michele Welborn Custer. .

Officer Kurt Enget, 49, died on 4/10/20. Officer Enget was hospitalized on 4/5/20 at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton. Officer Enget�s condition worsened rapidly. He first joined the ranks in 2005 at the Suquamish Police Department, then joined the Bainbridge department in 2015. In 2017, Enget completed K-9 training. At the time of his death, he was a certified K-9 handler to his partner, Whitney, the city�s newest police dog. Enget and Whitney earned multiple commendations for their work together, including praise for assistance in a 2019 fatal fire in Port Angeles and also work during a drug investigation that same year. Enget also received two life-saving awards in 2018; one for the rescue of a capsized kayaker, and another for his role in the Eagle Harbor officer-involved shooting. Enget is survived by his wife Yevette and three children, sons Jarrid and Kyler and daughter Shyrel.

Comander Greg Carnicle was shot and killed on 3/29/20 during a domestic violence call in the 23800 block of North 40th Drive, near Pinnacle Peak Road in Arizona. The incident began about 7 p.m. when officers arrived for calls reporting a dispute between roommates. Jacob Emry McIlveen, 22, was complying at first and there was no sign of any problem until McIlveen �slammed the front door on the officers and the incident escalated. McIlveen started to get erratic again and told the officers he wouldn�t leave. Commander Carnicle, Officer Dowhan and Officer Hubert were standing on the stairs when McIlveen opened the door and opened fire. Comander Greg Carnicle was killed and Officer Marissa Dowhan, 23, and Officer Alicia Hubert, 22, were wounded and survived and were in stable condition. Officer Dowhan has been with the Phoenix Police Department for three years and Officer Hubert has been with the department for nearly two years. The suspect had fired multiple shots at a police drone flying over the area. The suspect was barricated inside the house but more officers made their way in around 11:40 and the suspect was shot and pronounced dead. Carnicle was a 31 year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department and was just months away from retiring. Carnicle held positions including the special assignments unit, K9 and he most recently oversaw all evening and weekend patrol operations.� Carnicle is survived by his wife and four children.

Trooper Justin R. Schaffer, 28, a seven year veteran of the Washington State Patrol was killed in the line of duty when he was struck by a vehicle that was fleeing law enforcement on 3/24/20 just before 4:00 pm. Schaffer was attempting to deploy spike strip to end the pursuit to a stop when the fleeing vehicle struck him on Interstate 5. Schaffer was transported by aid to Centralia Providence Hospital where paramedics hoped to have him airlifted to Seattle but Schaffer died from his injuries before the airlift and was pronounced dead at 6:30 p.m. The incident started whenthe suspect allegedly stole a bottle of lighter fluid from Pacific Mini Mart in Lacey on 3/23/20 at 9100 Pacific Ave, at about 2:45 p.m. The convenience store clerk, Ok Sun Kang, followed the man into the parking lot intending to take a photograph of his license plate when the man pulled out a stun gun and pointed it at the clerk and a customer, Theresa Wood. They were able to back away from him. He got into his truck, and as he was leaving, he accelerated toward the store clerk, but she got out of the way. The suspect was identified based on surveillance video and the personalized license plate "HI TECH" on his truck as 39-year-old William D. Thompson. Officials alerted other local law - enforcement agencies on 3/23/20. On 3/24/20 a Thurston County sheriff's deputy was at Farm Boy Restaurant on a unrelated matter and spotted Thompson truck and a chase began. near exit 95 on 1-5 in the south bound lane as the deputy chased Thompson with lights and siren. Thompson continued speeding In excess of 100 mph on I-5 passing vehicles on the shoulder of the highway. Trooper Shaffer was struck when he exited his car to deploy a spike strip near the southbound on ramp near exit 79 and was thrown 100 feet landing in the right hand lane of i-5. Thompson continued 3 more miles then crashing into a light pole and barrier at milepost 76 off ramp at about 3:00 p.m. Trooper Farkas also responded and Thompson served towards Farkas striking trooper Farkas car and as a result the protective bumper "pit bar" was ripped off Trooper Farkas car striking him in the chest. After a standoff with SWAT officers, tear gas was fired into the pickup truck where Thompson at first refused to surrender. Thompson finally surrendered and was booked into Lewis County Jail on 3/24/20. Officer Schaffer earned a criminal justice degree from Centralia College. He began working for the Washington State Patrol on Nov. 12, 2013, assigned to the Property Management Division. On Jan.13, 2014, Schaffer started his training with the 2nd Arming Class On Feb 4, 2014, he continued his training with the 103rd Trooper Basic Training Class and was commissioned Sept. 16, 2014, assigned to Morton. On Sept. 1, 2016, he was assigned as a certified drug recognition expert. On 11/10/18 he completed K9 training and was certified with his partner �Frankie�. .He transferred to Chehalis on Dec. 13, 2018. On 4/21/20 K9 Frankie was retired from service to live with Trooper Schaffer's family. Trooper Schaffer is survived by his wife Sandra and his K9 partner, Frankie.

Thompson's preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court was on 3/25/30.William D. Thompson, 39,will be charged with first-degree aggravated murder, First- degree attempted murder, first- degree robbery, first- degree assault, second- degree assault, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, malicious harassment, two counts of second - degree driving with a suspended license and failing to have an ignition interlock in the vehicle Judge J. Andrew Toynbee set bail at $5 million. Thompson has a pending third-degree assault charge out of Thurston County. Thompson's history has a number of cases, most of them gross misdemeanors that were dismissed due to his mental health issues. He has two active warrants, one from Tumwater and one from the city of Olympia that was for unlawful display of a weapon. William Thompson, was evaluated on April 1 by Dr. Michelle Hart with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and on April 10 she determined Thompson suffers from mental health issues that would not allow him to be tried at this time. The court order entered on 10/15/20 by Superior Court Judge Andrew Toynbee, finding Thompson to be competent to stand trial. On 10/15 20 , Thompson pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree aggravated murder, first-degree attempted murder and four counts of first-degree assault among seven other offenses. Judge J. Andrew Toynbee, delivered Thompson�s sentence of 45 years on July 5, 2022.

Warrant Officer Potgieter died in a motorcycle accident on 3/15/20. He joined the Villieria police in 1994. From 2002, he was appointed as a dog handler, specializing as a narcotic dog handler. He was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer in 2000 and received the following medals during his time of service: 10-year commemoration medal, 10-year loyal service medal, 20-year loyal service medal, centenary medal and the Soccer World Cup support medal.

Retired former K9 officer, James Michael Trejbal, 67, was found unresponsive in his isolation cell at the Duval County jail at approximately 5:20 a,m, on 3/9/20 less than two weeks after being sentenced to life in prison for sexual offenses against children, Trejbal was found unresponsive in his isolation cell at the Duval County jail, Rescue workers responded and pronounced him dead, Trejbal pleaded guilty Feb. 27 to sexual battery of a child younger than 12 and two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation after being arrested in January, He also was deemed a sexual predator. He retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff�s Office in 1999. Authorities were alerted in December of possible sexual offenses from years earlier, and additional victims were discovered as recent sexual offenses were identified, Some of the offenses were against victims younger than 12, Some victims involved custodial authority,

Lt. Robert Lynn, 53, passed away March 6. Lt. Lynn served his community for 20 years before retiring in 2012. He began his service as a member of the Oklahoma National Guard and was deployed during Operation Desert Storm. Lynn then continued his service at the Duncan Police Department. During his time there, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant, was a member of the department�s first Special Response Team, was a CLEET firearms instructor and was also a K-9 handler for many years. Lt Lynn leaves behind his wife Anita and children Ashton, Dustin, Jonathan and Madison. Memorial contributions can be made to assist with replacing the Duncan police dogs.

Officer Andrew Keller, 29, of the Dennison Police Department was found dead in in the morning at his Uhrichsville home on 3/2/20 morning.Officer Keller and his German Shepherd, K9 Bronco began training together at the Canton Police K9 Training Facility in June of 2017. Contributions may be made in Drew's memory to the Dennison Police Department K-9 Fund, 302 Grant Street, Dennison, OH 44621 or to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia.

Jennifer Diener, 48 died on 2/15/20 nearly a week after she was critically injured in a car crash during a snow storm at approximately 4:30 pm on 2/9/20 near the Village of Yorkville, Wisconsin.The accident happened when a vehicle traveling eastbound crossed the center line and struck a westbound vehicle .Elizabeth Olszewski, 32, of Mount Pleasent also died on the way to the hospital the day of the crash and was an attorney at the Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard law firm. Diener was considered a veteran officer, with plans to retire in the next two years. Diener, her husband and 15-year-old daughter had just gotten back from a ski trip to Colorado, picking up their dog from her mother's home. After picking up her dog within 10 minutes her mother got the call that there was a bad accident on Highway 20 near 63rd Drive in Yorkville. Two people died in the multi car crash and nine were injured. Diener was an active member of the Racine Police Department for 24 years. She leaves behind her husband Brian and daughter Taylor.

Officer Kenneth Reid Lester, 62, of the Richmond Police Department died in the line of duty on Feb. 10. nearly 25 years to the day after he suffered career-ending injuries while responding to an alarm call. Officer Lester was traveling southbound on Eighth Street on Feb. 17, 1995, when a semi-tractor trailer traveling next to him turned right from the left lane toward H street, striking Lester's patrol vehicle. Officer Lester�s patrol vehicle became trapped beneath the trailer, resulting in severe internal injuries and head trauma. His partner, K9 Cheri, suffered minor injuries during the collision. The devastating crash ended Officer Lester�s 14-year law enforcement career. For the next 25 years, he required around-the-clock care. Officer Lester died at the Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital due to complications from the injuries he suffered during the collision. Kenny worked for the Centerville Police Department prior to attending the Indiana Police Academy. After graduating from the academy, he joined the Richmond Police Department in 1980. Officer Lester was a �mountain of a man� who weighed over 275 pounds and stood six-foot, four-inches tall. Officer Lester, the son of an Indiana state trooper, received many commendations and awards during his years of service. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Polly Jane Kaiser Lester, as well as his son, Andrew, and his daughter, Kendra. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richmond Police Department, K9 Fund, 50 North 5th Street, Richmond, Indiana 47374.

Police K-9 Officer Nick O�Rear, 33, was shot and killed on 2/4/20 in a police chase while rendering mutual aid to Warrior Police on I-65 South near exit 281 in northern Jefferson County. The chase started after a Warrior officer tried to make a traffic stop about 10:00 pm. Officer Nick O�Rear was ambushed and the suspect, Preston Johnson, starting shooting at him inside the car with a Norinco Mak-90 AK-47. O�Rear was rushed to UAB hospital by Warrior firefighters in critical condition and later died with a gunshot wound to the head at 1:10 am. The suspects continued to flee. Around 1:00 am, four people were apprehended near Highway 78 in Dora and taken into custody just moments after a Blue Alert was issued for the vehicle and suspect. Officer O�Rear was a veteran of the Kimberly Police Department for one year. O'rear is a native of St. Clair County and after graduating from the police academy in July of 2018 he began his police career with the Ashville Police Department. After a year he moved to Kimberly Police Department. Officer�s O�Rear's K9 Partner�s name is Stella and was together since November 1, 2019. He was the father of two children with one on the way, daughter Everlee, and sons Briar and Weston. Preston Johnson, 37, was later taken into custody and charged with capital murder for O�Rear�s death. He�s also charged with attempted capital murder for shooting at a Warrior officer and carries the possibility of the death penalty. This is the first Line of Duty death the Kimberly Police Department has ever had in their history. Nick is survived by his expectant beloved, a son, a daughter, his K9 partner Stella.

Johnson is known for his past history with the law. Johnson had an AR-15, which he was forbidden to have because he was a convicted felon. He had been arrested on 20 different charges dating back to the early 2000s,and convicted of at least six felony charges, he was released on his own recognizance just five days after his Oct. 31, 2019 arrest. While on bond, the defendant has been booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a charge of capital murder. In addition to those pending 2019 cases, Johnson pleaded guilty in 2017 to drug possession with intent to distribute and sentenced to 75 months in jail. His attorney asked he be able to take part in a diversion program, however a judge denied that request. In 2011, Johnson pleaded guilty to drug possession. He was sentenced to 15 years with 18 months to serve. He pleaded guilty in 2009 to drug possession and was sentenced to five years in prison. In 2005, he pleaded guilty to theft of property and received a15-year suspended sentence. He pleaded guilty to forgery in 2001 and received a three-year sentence. In addition to Johnson�s criminal history in state courts, Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2012 on a charge of being a felon in possession of a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol during a June 20, 2009 arrest in Winston County The indictment showed Johnson�s previous criminal convictions: a June 6, 2001 conviction in Cullman for possession of a forged instrument; an Aug. 15, 2001 conviction in Cullman County for second degree forgery; and a May 17, 2005 conviction in Cullman County for first degree theft of property. Johnson pleaded guilty to the gun charge. He was sentenced to a year and one day in prison and a supervised release term of three years. Johnson was arrested on January 11, 2016, for violating the terms and conditions of that supervised release. The next month, a federal magistrate judge sent him to federal prison for 12 months and one day Johnson is also supposed to report to his U.S. Probation Officer each month. He reported in October 2015, but he has failed to report since that time.� After being placed on supervised release, defendant Johnson admitted to the use of methamphetamine in January 2015. He was later placed in the Color-Code Random Urinalysis Program for drug testing. Johnson never showed for the first drug test. He then failed to report for drug testing in June, August, September and October 2015. Johnson failed to appear for his test in August 2015 after having been specifically told to attend. Johnson is also supposed to report to his U.S. Probation Officer each month. He reported in October 2015, but he has failed to report since that time.

Johnson originally charged with capital murder in the killing of Kimberly Police Officer Nick O'Rear was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to a lesser charge. Preston Johnson avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to intentional murder. Johnson was sentenced to 25 years in prison after agreeing to the sentence, a lesser charge than the original capital murder offense he had originally faced. As part of his plea, Johnson�s prison sentence will begin after he completes his 16-year sentence in a different federal case.

Gary Allen Cross, 49, passed away on 1/15/20 at his home in Summerville, S. C.. He was a U. S. Marine having served in the Persian Gulf, City of Radford Police Officer, Border Patrol Agent and Customs K9 Officer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He is survived by his wife April; sons, Parker and Spencer. Interment with full military honors. Donations to the American Cancer Society, American Brain Tumor Association, or to Medical University of South Carolina Health Hollings Cancer Center.

Officer George Aguilar, 62, died on 1/13/20 after battling cancer. Aguilar started with the Bryan Police Department in July 1980. He served as a patrol officer and later as a detective and worked at Lamar and Bryan High Schools as a School Resource and K9 Officer with the DARE program. Aguilar retired in 2015 after more than 34 1/2 years of service to his community. He was awarded six commendations during his career, as well as a citation and obtained a master peace officer's license. After his retirement from Bryan Police Department in 2015 , he went to work for the Brazos County Associate Courts, as a bailiff until his passing. He is survived by three sons Nicolas, Michael, Gregorio and his fianc�, Florencia Lerma.