K9 Memorials

We accept donations in loving memory of those who watch over all of us, for surely all dogs go to Heaven!

With every $875 in donations we purchase another K-9 Armor bulletproof vest to give for free to protect the police dogs who lay down their lives to protect us.

The family of Ben Lis asked for donations in lieu of flowers, in loving memory of Ben and his dedication as a CHP Officer and his love of dogs, especially German Shepherds.

Chris and Karen Tallerico donated for a whole vest in loving memory of Richmond PD Officer Brad Moody for a bulletproof K-9 Armor vest to protect Richmond PD K9 Rasp.

Ginger Cava who passed away December 6th, 2011 donated in loving memory of her K9 King for a K-9 Armor bulletproof vest to protect El Cerrito PD K9 King.

Jim and Janet Mitchell donated in memory of his late brother for a K-9 Armor bulletproof vest to protect Fairfax PD K9 Boss.

Many beautiful albums on
facebook.com/k9armor

Richmond PD Officer Palma and K9 Ronin with Officer Avila and K9 Bosco

Name: Officer Capoot, Vallejo PD
End of Watch: November 17, 2011

Richmond PD Officer Palma and K9 Ronin with Officer Avila and K9 Bosco paid their respects at the Memorial for Vallejo PD Officer Capoot, killed in the line of duty on November 17, 2011.

Vallejo PD also lost Officer Jeff Azuar, killed in the line of duty in the year 2000.

In 2005 we were honored to meet Vallejo PD K9 Officer Scott Valentine when we measured his K9 Mojo for a K9 Armor vest. It was Officer Valentine who adopted Officer Azuar's K9 AJ after Officer Azuar's death, and we give thanks to Vallejo PD Captain West who invited us to their Vallejo PD Officer Jeff Azuar Memorial K9 Trials.

We dedicate the K9 Armor bulletproof vests presented to Richmond PD K9 Ranger and San Pablo PD K9 Tango, in memory of the brave officers of Vallejo PD!

Thank you to everyone who helps us protect those who lay down their lives to protect us!

K9 Falco, Orange County Sheriff's Department

K-9 Armor is proud to protect K9 Cisko and K9 Xavi of the OCPCA (Orange County Police Canine Association) and give thanks to K9 Falco for his years of service and thanks to all who donate to protect the OCPCA 40 dogs waiting for a K9 Armor vest.

Name: Falco
Handler: Deputy Gary Knutson, Orange County Sheriff's Department and OCPCA Treasurer
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: October 2011

Memorial by OCPCA (Orange County Police Canine Association)

The Orange County Sheriff's Department Canine Unit is sad to announce the passing of Police Service Dog (K9) ‘Falco’ on Wednesday 10-26-11. Falco was recently diagnosed with advanced lung cancer and several fused vertrabrae and compressed disks in his back. Falco was in great pain and fighting a losing battle against the cancer and had to be euthenised.
Falco began his K9 career in July 2004, with Deputy Gary Knutson and was scheduled to retire at the end of this year. During his seven year career as a Police Service Dog Falco conducted over 200 suspect searches and 1000 drug searches. Approximately 30 dangerous suspects were either located and surrendered or apprehended by K9 Falco. Falco assisted with the seizure of over $75,000.00 in drug money and approximately 30 pounds of marijuana, 2 pounds of heroin, 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 40 kilograms of cocaine.
Falco also conducted hundreds of public demonstrations and made friends and fans across the county. Falco would often meet with Deputies during the shift to play ball and blow off some steam.
Although Falco was small in stature he was had a big heart and never backed down from a challenge. Falco was a loyal and brave partner who displayed tremendous drive and courage during his career.

K9 Armor President Deputy Dan Marrett and K9 Verona, Marin County Sheriff's Dept and Federal ATF
with Suzanne Saunders, K9 Armor Co-Founder, Webdiva and Treasurer at the Marin County Fair 2004

Name: Verona
Handler: Deputy Dan Marrett, Marin County Sheriff's Dept and Federal ATF
Breed: Black Labrador
End of Watch: July 2011

July 1, 2004 She was our first success story, a Vest for Verona!

Verona and Deputy Marrett searched for bombs at major events including the Olympics and World Series and protected our Marin County Courthouse. Thanks to YOUR donations, Verona received the first K-9 ARMOR vest! Verona made a public appearance on KTVU TV on July 1, 2004!

Many thanks to Deputy Marrett and Verona for coming to shake paws each year at the Marin County Fair from 2004 to 2007. In 2008 Verona was replaced by Terry and donated her vest to protect Deputy Marrett's new partner. Verona retired to live the good life with Deputy Marrett and his wife and their little boy as the family pet until she passed away. Thanks Verona for all your years of service and for getting us started on this worthy cause to protect all the police dogs of California!

CHP Officer Ben Lis (1940-2011) and K9 Luke

Ben Lis (1940-2011)

In Loving Memory of Ben Lis and his German Shepherd, Luke.


In lieu of flowers, please send a donation on Ben's behalf for his love of dogs, especially German Shepherds and his dedication as a California Highway Patrol officer to... K9 Armor!"

Thank you so much,

- The Lis Family

Photo from The Desert Sun

Palm Springs police officer Luciano Colantuano demonstrates the jaw strength of Ike, a police dog, during a demonstration for children from Cahuilla and Cielo Vista elementary schools in January 2010. The schoolchildren held a walk-a-thon to raise money for the police dog program. / Jay Calderon The Desert Sun

Name: Ike
Dept: Palm Springs PD
Breed: German Shepherd
End of Watch: April 2011

Memorial by interim Palm Springs police Chief Al Franz posted by The Desert Sun April 19, 2011

Ike died doing what he loved and protecting those he loved.

“He was the ultimate friend, an outstanding partner, a loyal member of his handler's family, and in the end — a lifesaver,” read a statement from Palm Springs police.
The 3-year-old German shepherd, whom interim Palm Springs police Chief Al Franz called “beloved” by the department, was shot to death Sunday while rushing after a convicted felon who was trying to escape from police.
The man who shot Ike — Francisco Gabriel Durazo, 31, of Cathedral City — was killed when Ike's handler and another officer returned fire, police said.
Ike's handler was shot, but the bullet struck his body armor and he was not seriously injured.
The other officer was treated for a minor injury to his right hand from a struggle with Durazo.
The police department did not release the officers' names.
Cathedral City police officer Dwayne Hodge said he's known Ike and his handler since their first day together.
“ The dog was awesome,” Hodge said. “Absolutely one of the best dogs I've ever seen. He was very happy doing the job.”
Hodge has two retired police dogs living at his home and said he knew Ike's handler was grieving over his death.
“ These dogs mean a lot to us,” he said. “He didn't get to take his home for good.”
Four to six police dogs are shot and killed in the line of duty in the U.S. every year, said Jim Cortina, director of the Police Work Dog Association in Connecticut.
Since 1962, 128 U.S. police dogs have been killed, he said.
Ike is the third to die this year.
“ When they die, they have basically the same service as an officer,” said Cortina, who has trained police dogs for 40 years. “You can get hundreds of people who show up with their K-9.”
About a dozen states have enhanced penalties for injuring or killing a police dog, including California.
In California, a person found guilty of injuring or killing a police dog could receive up to four years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
A trained dog can cost up to $12,000. The breeds most frequently used by police agencies are the German shepherd and the Belgian Malinois.
Today, Desert Hot Springs police will swear in a new police dog — a German shepherd.
Desert Sun reporter Nicole C. Brambila contributed.

Name: Maverick
Handler: Officer Doug Hembree, Richmond PD
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: March 2011

Memorial by Sgt Mitch Peixoto, March 5, 2011

"Canine Officer D. Hembree #968 and Canine Maverick #164 (Retired)

It is with a sad heart that I inform you that Richmond Police Department Police Service Canine Maverick #164 (retired) died on March 3, 2011. Maverick was almost 14 years old when he died. Officer Doug Hembree raised and trained Maverick from a puppy until Maverick was placed into service in January of 2000. Maverick worked until his retirement on January 1, 2011.

The following is a brief history of Maverick’s exceptional career;

Officer Hembree purchased “Maverick” a Belgium Malinois as a puppy and started training him as a Police Service Dog. Officer Hembree did this training with Canine Maverick on his own and did not attend a police dog training class. Canine Maverick completed P.O.S.T. Certification and was put into service with Officer Hembree by former Chief Samuels in 2000. Officer Hembree donated Canine Maverick to the City of Richmond at a cost saving at the time of approximately $15,000. Officer Hembree is the only person to raise, train and put into service a police dog in this department.

Officer Hembree and Canine Maverick have received numerous commendations for their performance and are a solid Canine Team in all areas of patrol work and narcotic detection.

Canine Maverick has located and found many suspects, narcotics and within the last few months of his career found seven firearms while doing article searches.

Officer Hembree has competed with Canine Maverick in 10 K-9 trails throughout the State and they have won 33 trophies. Officer Hembree and Canine Maverick have won Top Dog, Top Department Team, Judges Choice, 11 first place and 12 second place trophies. This has continued to bring prestige to the Canine Unit and the City of Richmond.

The Richmond Canine Unit and El Cerrito Canine Unit were able to see Maverick just prior to his death. I know from prior experience - if I would have known how hard it would be to put my partner down or see my canine die…I may have not taken the position.

Rest in Peace Maverick…you deserve it!!"

Richmond PD Officer Brad Moody (End Of Watch October 2008) and K9 Rico (End of Watch Oct 2010)

Name: Rico
Handler: Officer Brad Moody, Richmond PD
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: October 2010

Memorial by Richmond PD K9 Officer Joe Avila, October 2010

"Rico belonged to Brad Moody....Brad was killed in the line of duty 2 years ago...when the medics tried to remove Brad from his car....Rico protected his fallen Dad...it wasnt until another officer arrived and was able to secure Rico away from Brad could the medics get to him.....Rico protected his Dad til the end...and that makes my heart feel good.....Rico passed away last night....and now, once again, they are together....playing and having fun....I can only imagine what it was like when those two saw each other again....I know it was amazing."

Name: Rexx
Handler: Officer Frank Romano, California Highway Patrol
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: March 2008

Officer Romano has supported K-9 Armor since 2005 helping us at K9 Events and Trials, Frank dedicates himself on the job and in his free time judges Police K9 Trials throughout California to help set the standard of excellence!

Officer Romano's first K9 Rexx, pictured left, sadly died, March 2008 End of Watch for Rexx.
Rexx and Officer Romano made a public appearance at K-9 Carnival in Healdsburg and we thank them for appearing at the 2005 Marin County Fair, hundreds of children came to shake paws!

Name: Max
Handler: Officer Rick Cox, Petaluma P.D.
Breed: Belgian Malinois
End of Watch: March 2008

July 1, 2006 our sixth success, we delivered a new vest for Max!

Sadly, March 2008 End of Watch for Max.
Many thanks to Max and Officer Cox for appearing at the 2005 and 2006 and 2007 Marin County Fair, hundreds of children came to shake paws! A generous donor gave $600 so we ordered a new vest for Max!

Thanks to Officer Cox and Max for inviting us to the Petaluma K-9 Trials where we return each year, come and shake paws at our booth and say a little prayer for Max and Officer Cox who earned many trophies during Max's glory days.

Congratulations for winning Agility in 2005 and Narcotics 2006. We miss you Max!

Name: Boss
Handler: Corporal Rhonda Tuscher, Fairfax P.D.
Breed: German Shepherd
End of Watch: October 2008

July 5. 2004 Our fourth success story, a Vest for Boss!

Many thanks to Jim and Janet Mitchell for donating a whole K-9 Armor vest in 2004, helping us protect Boss!

Sadly in October 2008 Boss died of medical reasons. We miss you Boss!