K( officers--yes, the dogs are official officers--are a vital part of many police forces. From enforcement to drug sniffing, these dogs risk their lives, too.
The bonds between the human-canine partners are often deep, and for many, life-long. After retirement, some K9s stay with their human parners within the family.
The best of them go easily from hard work to appearances in schools. Their bravery is legendary.
In earlier years, I bred and showed German Shepherds. Not all went to show rings--some became well-loved family pets, others went to police officers. One in particular still lives in my heart, and that of many others.
His name was Gator, and he became our town's first ever K9 officer, an innovation regarded with unease by the chief. But he and his partner set a precedent. Gator excelled in not only law enforcement with violent suspects, but also in drug detection.
Sadly, Gator was later poisoned by a drug dealer. Although Gator's partner knew who had done it, there wasn't enough evidence to bring him to trial. Even today, the memory of Gator, who loved greeting kids at school visits, too, and loved his partner's family, brings borh tears and smiles.
Halo the Orange County sheriff's dog came away with a split nose, bloodshot eyes and a swollen face after an encounter early Wednesday with a fleeing suspect.
His handler, Sgt. Jeff Doyle, was grateful.
It could have been worse -- like the partially separated shoulder a suspect gave Halo in February. Or the gunshots, stab wounds and other injuries Central Florida police dogs are suffering these days.
Source: orlandosentinel.com
Tags: ASSAULTS | cops | Crime | Florida | injuries | K9 officers | police dogs | VIOLENT CRIME
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