The use of trained dogs in police work dates back to ancient times. Today, we find K9s used as an integral part of the police force in every major metropolitan area. It is estimated that these highly trained officers keep billions of dollars of drugs off the street and save countless lives.
The bond between police dogs and their fellow officers is legendary. So it is not surprising that when a K9 officer passes, he or she is shown an outpouring of well-deserved respect and gratitude. This outpouring is exactly what we saw last week when two K9 officers from opposite sides of the country were memorialized. In an odd coincidence, both of these officers were named Sultan.
On February 13th, 2015 police officers and fire fighters gathered in South Portland, Maine to say goodbye to a beloved member of their corp, Sultan the police dog. This 13-year old veteran K-9 officer had fallen on ill health and the difficult decision had to be made to euthanize him.
A beloved canine suffering from seizures and arthritis received a final salute and a police escort, with lights flashing, to the Maine veterinary clinic where he was put down.
Dozens of officers and firefighters turned out earlier this month to pay their respects to Sultan, a 13-year-old German shepherd who sniffed out drugs and bad guys with the Yarmouth police department.
Officers gave a last pat or scratch to the dog. Then they provided an escort for Sultan’s final trip to a veterinary clinic.
Read the full story: Maine officers escort police dog in final salute to canine colleague
Hundreds turned out Wednesday for a memorial service honoring San Jacinto Police Department K9 Sultan, who was shot and killed in the line of duty. (ABC 7 Los Angeles)
On February 11th, 2015 hundreds of officers gathered some 3,000 to honor K9 officer Sultan. Sultan the police dog died after being shot in the line of duty in January.
“Sultan saved my life and several other officers’ lives that day,” Deputy Mark Wallace, Sultan’s handler, said in tears. “He went under the house without me telling him to. He was following his nose and doing what he was trained to do.”
On Jan. 21, Wallace and Sultan were called to Hemet where a wanted felon was hiding in a crawlspace under a house. Sultan went in after 36-year-old Todd Hodge. The suspect shot the K9 in the neck.
Read the full story: Tearful memorial service held for fallen San Jacinto Police K9
Police K9 Resources
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