K9 Down

K9 Ranger
Forest Lake Police Department, Minnesota
End of Watch: Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Breed: German Shepherd
Origin: Czech Republic
Age: 9
Gender: M
Tour: 7 years
Cause: Heart attack
Incident Date: 2/7/2017

K9 Ranger suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after conducting an apprehension of a subject following a pursuit involving in the Minnesota State Patrol.

The vehicle pursuit ended in Forest Lake and the subject attempted to flee again in the area of U.S. Route 61 and Minnesota Route 97. K9 Ranger was released and performed an apprehension on the subject, who was then taken into custody.

Ranger began showing signs of a medical emergency after being placed back into his handler's vehicle. He was taken to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center, in St. Paul, where he died shortly before 1:00 am.

K9 Ranger was obtained from the Czech Republic and had served with the Forest Lake Police Department for seven years. He worked as an apprehension and narcotics detection dog.

Rest in Peace Ranger…till our next roll call at the Rainbow Bridge!

In Memory of all Police Dogs

They handled themselves with beauty & grace

And who could ever forget that beautiful face

Whether at work; or at home; whatever the test

They always worked hard; and did their best

They were real champions; at work or at play

But their lives were cut short; suddenly one day

While working on the job with their partner one day

They put themselves out on a limb; out into harms way

They gave the ultimate sacrifice; any dog can give

They gave up their life; so someone could live

The best of their breed; as his partner and anyone would say

Many hearts are now broken; that he had to prove it this way

Now as the trees are blowing in the gentle breeze

The sun is shining; thru the leaves on the trees

The meadows are green; and the grass grows tall

Off in the distance they can see a waterfall

As they look over the falls; down through the creek

The water flows gently; as a rabbit sneaks a peek

Far up above; in the deep blue sky

They see the birds soar high; as they fly by

They see animals playing; at the bridge by a waterfall

Chasing each other; and just having a ball

They play all day; from morning to night

There's no more rain; just warm sunlight

Off in the distance; they hear trumpets blow

Then all the animals look up; and notice a bright glow

The harps would play and the angels would sing

As they know they've come home; they've earned their wings

We remember that they died; in the line of duty

And are now with the Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty

Off to the meadows now; where they can play and roam free

With an occasional rest stop; under a tall oak tree

No more bad guys to chase; or bullets to take

Just a run through the meadow; down to the lake

A quick splash in the water; then back to the shore

Then it's off to the forest; to go play some more

These special dogs are back home; up in heaven above

They're cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love

We'll light a candle for all of them; in the dark of night

In loving memory of all; these very special knights

By John Quealy

K9,  K9 Down, Officer Safety, Police, Police Training