K9 Brock led a distinctive career and life, serving the citizens of Grants Pass with honor in the truest capacity of the Belgian Malinois breed. K9 Brock spent his early life serving with the military special forces, before transitioning to police work after being selected by Sgt Jeff Gaunt (retired). Anyone who worked with K9 Brock in the field can attest to his tenacity for the job and fun, affable nature. His career is marked by a litany of criminal apprehensions of some of the worst felony offenders encountered by his department. K9 Brock was to turn 15 years old in 3 months. K9 Brock passed on July 9, 2023.

PORTLAND, Ore. (Portland Tribune) — Gresham police are mourning the death of a very good boy: veteran K9 officer Basco.

The half Belgian malinois, half German shepherd had been experiencing a rapidly progressing illness, and the 11-year-old dog died Monday night, Sept. 27, while on patrol with his partner Officer Shawn Debler. The pair had been working side-by-side for nearly 10 years.

“He was an amazing partner and exceptional canine,” said Debler, a K9 handler for the department. “I am thankful for all the work we did together to keep our community safe and I’ll miss him greatly.”

Basco joined the department in 2012 when he was a year old, and was the veteran of the K9 division. He is credited with 300 apprehensions of suspected criminals.

A year into his service, Basco was attacked and badly injured while on the job. He had tracked a criminal, and was attempting to subdue the target, when the man began to beat Basco with a stick. It wasn’t until officers arrived a few moments later that they were able to stop the attack.

“Seeing your dog get hurt or sick is one of the worst feelings you can imagine,” Debler told the Outlook. “I spend more time with my dog than my family. You find yourself talking to them in the car.”

Basco would recover from that attack and continue his successful decade-long career.

While primarily providing K9 services for patrol calls, Basco was also integrated with the East Metro SWAT team, and used in numerous high-risk situations. He was also cross-trained for narcotics detection.

K9 Rocco served with the Grants Pass Police Department from June 2014 through November 2019. He served with courage and passion true to the Malinois breed alongside his handler, Cpl Jesse Wallace. Rocco enjoyed a year of retirement at home with Cpl Wallace before a fast moving cancer ended his time with uson June 1st, 2021. Like all police K9s, it’s how he lived that we remember him. Rocco served the citizens of Grants Pass with honor, and his presence is missed.  

Timber served with the Hillsboro Police Department for two years before he retired earlier this year. He and his human partner Officer Mike Lee helped capture 41 suspects during Timber's time with the agency, according to the department. 

In a post on Twitter, Hillsboro Police said Timber was "an integral part of the local police canine community." 

Timber was born in Israel and purchased by Hillsboro Police from a local law enforcement partner agency in 2016. 

"Timber's willingness to work combined with his love for affection made him a perfect fit for HPD and the Hillsboro community in which he will serve," police wrote in a statement introducing Timber two years ago.

K9 Blek Killed While Off Duty By Hit and Run Driver

Eugene Police is sorry to report the death of K9 Blek, who was hit and killed by an unknown motorist on November 10, while off-duty with Officer Rob Griesel in rural Lane County. K9 Blek was only weeks away from retirement. 

According to Chief Pete Kerns, “Blek has been a go-to dog for our department. He enjoyed a storied career and had a warrior’s spirit. His passing is crushing for his family and he will be missed by us all.”

Just this year, Blek was honored with EPD’s and Oregon Peace Officers Association’s K9 Valor Awards, for the capture of a suspect in the shooting of a deputy.

Blek was a German Shepherd from Slovakia. He was born in September 2009 and was selected as a K9 for the Eugene Police Department in March of 2012. Blek served our community with honor and distinction and had a reputation as a K9 who could be counted on in the most dangerous incidents. 

Blek was a part of our department and will be greatly missed. Our condolences extend to Officer Rob Griesel and his family.

It is with sadness that the Washington County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team announces the passing of retired K-9 Maverick. In December 2010, Maverick was certified as a Narcotic Detection dog with his handler, Cpl. DiPietro. In December 2012, Maverick and Cpl. DiPietro became certified as a Patrol Dog team and became the only dual certified team at the Sheriff’s Office at that time. Maverick retired from service in July 2014, due to a leg injury he sustained during his service. During those 4 years of service, Maverick was credited with 19 captures, including a young autistic boy who had wandered away from home. During his deployments as a Narcotic Detection dog, Maverick was credited with the seizure of over 5.5 pounds of Meth, 8.4 pounds of Marijuana, ¾ of an ounce of Cocaine, nearly 13 ounces of Heroin, and recovered $84,145 in cash. After retirement, Maverick lived happily with his handler, Cpl. DiPietro and his wife, spending his days being spoiled and giving them loving companionship until his passing on February 4th, 2017. We at the Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Maverick for his years of service to the people of Washington County. Rest in peace pup, you will be missed. 

K9 "Slayte" Hillsboro Police Department

Hillsboro Sergeant Megan Hewitts’ Retired Hillsboro Police K-9 “Slayte” passed away recently after a long battle with Spondylosis, arthritis, and cancer which had spread to his lungs and bones.  Sergeant Hewitt trained K-9 Slayte in 2006 and they worked together until his retirement in January of 2012. There were many highlights in their career together but one that sticks out to me was the time they captured a, “Bank Robber” in the middle of the day with numerous people out walking around oblivious to what had just happened. Sergeant Hewitt and K-9 Slayte were able to track and locate the suspect hiding in some vegetation behind a building.

K9 “York” Multnomah County SO

On 10/16/14 the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office K-9 York died from Mesenteric Torsion after collapsing in his kennel while resting at home. He was able to be rushed to the VCA but was unable to be saved even though he received the absolute best treatment and care.  

York had just begun week two of his Patrol K-9 Basic Academy and was showing lots of promise. He was 20 months old and imported from Slovakia through Adlerhorst Kennels in Riverside California.

Cottage Grove PD K9 "BO"

In January of 2010, "Bo" became Cottage Grove's first primary Narcotics Detection K9. His first night on patrol with Cottage Grove Police Department's newest handler, Officer Ron Bates, was April 20th, 2010. Bo was trained initially by Mack Reid formerly of the Department of Corrections and current Master Trainer with the Oregon Police Canine Association (OPCA).

Officer Bates and Bo were both certified through the  (OPCA) and Pacific Northwest K9 Association (PNWK9).

During his career Bo was responsible for seizing more than 50 pounds of Methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of Heroin, 2 pounds of Cocaine and over $400,000.00 in currency. Additionally, Bo was responsible for over 50 drug related felony arrests.

Bo was a great crime fighter.  The community has lost a valuable asset but more importantly Bo was a
member of the Bates family and will be truly missed.

Umatilla County SO K9 "YOSHI" 

Yosh came to the Sheriffs Office November 11 2012, he completed the Caninepro Canine Academy and certified as a team on January 2, 2013.  During the year Yoshiwas with the county he had a total of 13  captures, his first capture was made two days after he initially certified.  He also was instrumental in the arrest of Luka Chang.  Yoshi fell ill and was retired June 30, 2014.  

On July 22, 2014 at 3:30 PM Yoshi was found bleeding and near comatose in his kennel.  Yoshi was near death and died in his handlers arms at the veterinarians office.  A partial necropsy was performed and it was found that Yoshi died after ingesting an unknown source of poison. 

Redmond PD K9 "Ruch" 

K9 Ruch came to the Redmond Police Department in August, 2010 through the generous efforts of donations received through the Redmond Friends of K9.  K9 Ruch was partnered with Officer Aaron Blackledge.  In October of 2013, at the age of 5 years, K9 Ruch had to have surgery to remove his spleen, which had twisted.  K9 Ruch appeared to have made a full recovery and returned to work shortly after surgery.  In May of 2014, K9 Ruch was found deceased in his kennel at Officer Blackledge’s residence.  It was determined that sometime over the night K9 Ruch died of Torsion (Twisting of the stomach).

In K9 Ruch’s career with the Redmond Police Department he had 239 Deployments and was responsible for 42 Apprehensions.  K9 Ruch located 13 articles and participated in 18 Community Demonstrations throughout Central Oregon.

K9 Ruch was a beloved partner and family member.  He will be missed greatly within the community and especially to the family of Officer Blackledge.

Beaverton PD K9 "Cienna"

OPCA Detection Trainer Marc Hevern recently lost his retired K9 partner Cienna to liver failure. Marc and Cienna served the Beaverton Police Department from 2002 to 2009. The two were a fixture in the schools and assisted with many investigations and seizures throughout the Portland Metro Area.

Deschutes County SO K9 "Missy" 

June 17th - 2013

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday "with deep regret" that drug-detection Deputy K-9 Missy, an 11-year-old chocolate Labrador retriever with an impressive record, passed away on Friday.

Missy was diagnosed with a fast-moving cancer two short weeks ago that eventually took her life, the agency said.

Missy served the citizens of Deschutes County for over a decade as a Narcotic Detection K-9 searching schools, cars, buildings, areas, jails and parcels as needed. 

Missy had over 1,500 deployments in her career while assisting local, state and federal agencies.

She also had the distinction of being responsible for the detection of 35 pounds of methamphetamine during an investigation in Madras.  That investigation still stands as the single largest methamphetamine seizure ever from the Central Oregon region.

Missy had earned several awards in the K-9 Police trials over the years and was passionate licker of faces to all she met. She was well known for her large floppy ears.

Missy was trained to search for the odor of methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana.

During her shortened career, she located just over $2.5 million worth of controlled substances and almost $200,000.00 in U.S. currency, along with over 5,500 abused pharmaceutical pills.

"These listed controlled substances will never poison our families, thanks to her unrelenting dedication and hard work.," the department said.

Missy has left behind her handler of 10 years, Deputy Kyle Joye and his family, the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Deschutes County.

"Thank You Missy for your service," the sheriff's office said.

McMinnville PD K9 "Laika" 

Reported - June 10th 2013

It is with great sadness that we are reporting that Canine Laika of McMinnville Police Department has succumbed to a short illness and has passed away.  She was ten years old and had served our community and department for eight years.

In 2005, a citizen committee developed a fundraising effort to finance a narcotics detection canine for the City of McMinnville.  Citizens of this community donated over $20,000.00 in order to purchase and equip a canine.

In August of 2005, after funds were raised, we searched as far as a kennel in Texas and found a young Belgian Malinois named Laika.  She was extremely friendly, energetic, and driven by a love of her work.

After initial training, Laika was on the road and serving the community by the fall of 2005.  Since then, she has served this community diligently and energetically for eight years.  She has been involved in over a thousand narcotics investigation cases.  She has befriended many school classrooms and always loved kids.  Canine Laika was “one-of-a-kind” and other canine trainers offered more than once to "take her off our hands". She was born to the job and was never happier than when she was working. At canine training conferences she was respected by all of the trainers and envied by many of the handlers.

Due to promotions and reassignment, she has worked with three officers (Sgt Scott Fessler, Officer Erik Newhouse, and Officer Matt Peters).  Each of those officers have developed a strong bond with her, but none more than her current handler, Officer Matt Peters.  For the last few years, Laika has been one of four canines fielded by the department (two patrol canines and 2 narcotics detection canines).

The community is losing a great crime fighter and the department is losing both a valuable tool and a friendly ambassador.  However, the greatest loss is for the handler that will no longer have his partner and companion in the vehicle while on patrol.  The tie between officer and canine is very deep and our sympathy goes out to Officer Peters and his family at this time.

Salem PD K9 "Charlie" 

Reported - February 25th, 2013

The Salem Police Department is mourning the loss of retired canine Charlie, who retired from active service in September of 2011.  Charlie worked the streets of Salem with Officer Bruce Fineran for five years, deploying on 1518 calls for service and assisting in the arrest of 761 suspects.  Since his retirement Charlie had been enjoying his retirement with the Fineran family, but his rapidly declining health led to the very difficult decision to have him euthanized. Charlie will be missed by the entire Salem Police family.

Milwaukie PD K9 "Jag"