Posted on 06/15/2006 7:37:52 PM PDT by SandRat
Miko, the police service dog who died in the line of duty last month, got a hero's farewell Wednesday morning during a memorial service attended by approximately 200 people.
The ceremony, which was held at Reid Park, was attended by law enforcement agencies from all over the state, as well as Tucson residents who wanted to express their gratitude for Miko's 2 1/2 years of service with the Tucson Police Department.
"Law enforcement officers are one of a few people who pledge to give up their lives for others, and that commitment transcends to our K-9s," Police Chief Richard Miranda said during the ceremony. "This is the reality of that pledge to make our community a safer place."
Miko died May 28 after chasing a suspect in a carjacking, police said. The suspect jumped from an overpass at Kino and Aviation parkways and Miko followed.
While the suspect was able to get away, Miko took a 30-foot fall, breaking his back, shattering a leg and suffering neurological damage.
He was euthanized as a result of his injuries. "That day, Miko's courage was put to the ultimate test," said Miko's handler, Officer Gary Schad. "He showed no fear."
A pistachio tree was planted at the park in Miko's memory, and the Tucson Police Department has proposed that the dog park at Reid Park be named "Miko Memorial Dog Park."
Only 150 signatures are needed for the proposal to go before the Tucson City Council. By the end of the service, about 70 signatures had already been collected.
During Miko's time with the department, he took part in 25 felony arrests, 278 K-9 searches and more than 1,500 training hours, said Tucson police Capt. Sharon Allen.
Other law enforcement agencies in attendance included the Pima County and Pinal County sheriffs' departments; the University of Arizona, Marana, Tohono O'odham and Tempe police departments; the Border Patrol; and the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
*Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at 629-9412 or ahuicochea@azstarnet.com.
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/hourlyupdate/133802.php
Suspect identified in chase where police dog died
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.15.2006
A 36-year-old man is being sought by Tucson police in connection with a chase in which Miko, a police service dog, died when it jumped from an overpass.
Ernesto Imperial-Ramos, 36, was identified by police and is being sought on charges of criminal damage and animal cruelty.
Imperial-Ramos is know to frequent the area of South Campbell Avenue and East 36th Street. He has a tattoo of boxing gloves on his right shoulder.
Miko died May 28 after chasing a suspect in a carjacking, police said. The man jumped from an overpass at Kino and Aviation parkways and Miko followed.
While the man was able to get away, Miko took a 30-foot fall, breaking his back, shattering a leg and suffering neurological damage. He was euthanized as a result of his injuries.
I must be an ornery old fart....I just can't see myself attending a dog's funeral. Hell, I'm thinking of skipping out on mine.
Great dog ping SandRat.
Oh SandRat...
Thanks, I'm a softy when it comes to animals in the line of duty...
Sniff....
What a GREAT (bad so sad..BUT GREAT) story!
PING!
(Please Freep-mail me if you’d like to be on or off the list.)
Thanks for the ping, HOTD.
Thanks for the post, SandRat, great pic of the kids planting the tree in honor and memory of Miko. Does the heart good, and I know it's having a good influence on those kids. God bless 'em, and those who are setting the example for them, and God bless Miko's memory for more good to come.
"That will do Milo, that will do"
...better?
Thank you.
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