Minneapolis Police K-9 Dies During Training
Source Officer.com News
A Minneapolis police dog died over the weekend during a training session.
K-9 Dutch, who was assigned to Officer Tom Fahey, was participating in the exercise on Sept. 5 when he swallowed a lacrosse ball and it became lodged in his throat.
After several attempts by Fahey and the University of Minnesota Veterinarian Staff, the ball was dislodged from the 3 1/2 year old Dutch Shepherd's throat.
They performed CPR on Dutch for a long period of time but unsuccessful in reviving him.
"K-9 Dutch was involved in numerous locates and apprehensions of people that were fugitives, fleeing from burglaries and such," Minneapolis K-9 Division Supervisor Sgt. Andy Stender said in a video tribute to the dog. "In the about 2 1/2 years he was on the street, he more than proved himself worthy as an awesome addition to the Minneapolis Police K-9 Unit."
Dutch also was certified as an Explosives Detection K-9 and assisted with numerous explosive sweeps for dignitary and special events in the area.
Fahey, like all K-9 handlers, had a strong bond with Dutch that Stender said is built through trust and the countless hours spent together.
"Most K-9 officers, we spend more time with our dogs when we're working than we actually probably do with our families when we're off," he said "They're with us 10 hours a day, and even when we're off and not working we're responsible for the care and maintenance of them.
"They are truly a valuable member of the department, but along a real loyal and valuable member of our personal families."
To learn more about the K-9 unit or to support the Minneapolis Police K-9 foundation, visit: http://www.mplspolicek9foundation.org/
Paul Peluso | Editor
Paul Peluso is the Managing Editor of OFFICER Magazine and has been with the Officer Media Group since 2006. He began as an Associate Editor, writing and editing content for Officer.com. Previously, Paul worked as a reporter for several newspapers in the suburbs of Baltimore, MD.
