Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

RIP Kody. My condolences to the St. Paul Police Department, Kody's handler, and all the agencies who've lost dedicated K-9s. I was very impressed to see the Officer Down Memorial Page included K-9s on their site to acknowledge the true sacrifice these highly trained animals ALSO make in the line of duty.

"And when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again..."

Detective L.C. Alvarez
Oxford, NC Police Department

March 2, 2013

Thank you for your service and your handlers dedication for your training.

deputy R Strahan
Midland County Sheriff's Office

March 2, 2013

Chief Smith,

The greatest gift we have been given by God is the ability to love and be loved. And that love extends to the gift God gave us in animals, especially our canine companions, whose love is unconditional and pure.

Kody was a gift from God, and gave his life to protect those whom he loved unconditionally, doing what he was trained to do. He did not die in vain. His memory will live in perpetuity.

I may reside in Northern California, but I feel your pain and sorrow this evening. I will continue to pray that God's grace enfold you and your officer team and staff, and that memories of Kody bring you peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead. God bless you this day.

And may His perpetual light shine on Kody as he is welcomed into God's kingdom.

Valerie Reynoso Piotrowski
Grateful Citizen for Law Enforcement

February 28, 2013

God bless you Kody RIP

Toni Kimball
Citizen

February 27, 2013

My heart is sad for yet another fallen hero. :( RIP Kody

Judy Kell
Grateful Citizen, Nevada City CA

February 27, 2013

Although, I am several states away, I just want to extend my sincere condolences to the family and Partner of Kody, thank you for your service over the last 7 years, your hard work does not go unnoticed, your family has lots of memories that they hold dear to their hearts, and maybe share one or two with everyone one day, may you rest in peace now, and may God Bless you and your wonderful family and friends

Paramedic/ Michelle B
Missouri

February 27, 2013

Office Kody, you will be truly missed. Such a sad story to read. :( We have so much respect for all that you did to ensure that we were safe and protected. Words can't describe our sadness from this news nor can it describe the gratefulness we have in our hearts for everything you did to keep us safe. Enjoy retirement over the bridge. We will never forget. xxxx The Martin's

Stephanie Martin

February 27, 2013

Dear K-9 Officer Kody: We loved learning about you and ALL the brave K-9 officers and their devoted handlers on "K-9 Cops." I was often in tears because the K-9 GSD's reminded me of my "Ben." K-9 Kody, you lived and served and died with such DIGNITY--it is an honor to have known you, even from afar. Our HEARTFELT sympathies go out to your Partner/ Best friend and the Family of Police Officers in St. Paul, Minnesota who are so proud of you. We will never forget you. Rest now and please play with Ben if you see him.

Bonnie Britton
Grateful Citizen, Mobile, AL

February 26, 2013

We share your pain, dear family of Kody, as we met you on the K-9 Cops television show. May God comfort each of you in your loss of this special friend. In honor of Kody, I am going to name my next rescue dog in his remembrance.

Marcia Leake
Granddaughter of a fallen officer

February 26, 2013

with much and sincere sympathy to the Longbehn family and all at St Paul PD and also our gratitude to your supportive Chief and all who participate for creating much awareness of the heroic service of law enforcement k9s and humane education in your K9 Cops series on Animal Planet.
They were given much above human limitations by their Creator but not the ability to see red, the warning, danger and stop sign. God wanted them to serve in protecting public safety and freedom and we should trust it is His way that they protect their handlers above themselves - I also believe God did not want them elevated beyond his humans by us believing they only do what they do for the toy. And I sincerely believe HE blesses our pursuit (without us seeing the red) to pursue their status as permanent officers, deputies, troopers and veterans in their retirement with medical benefits provided for. Under Angel Wings Now, May you Rest, Run and Play in Peace K9 Kody
TRIBUTE
K9 Kody, ST PAUL POLICE
Minnesota and American Hero
LODD - End of Watch 2/12/2113
Faithful friend and K9 Companion to
Officer Dave Longbehn
TRIBUTE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 WORKING DOGS

THERE is no greater TRUST than the one created by the bond between K9 law-enforcement working dogs and their Police, Deputy, or Trooper Handler. There is no greater LOYALTY than these dogs who would lay down their lives for their partners and for you and me if called on to do so in the line of duty; there is no greater COMFORT and ASSURANCE in public trust and safety to know that is truth and can always be counted on. There is no greater cheetah-like SPEED, to OBEDIENCE than by these dogs who respond to their partner’s commands to words that need only be said once. There is no better way to HONOR these dogs than to acknowledge, appreciate and respect them and their partners, both together in service for our safety, and to remember those partners lost together and forever to us and their families.
There is no better way to PAY them back than to treat all dogs a little kinder – a little gentler and with more compassion: those who serve our military in war, guard our beaches, serve our customs officers at our borders, our firefighters who save lives and property, our agriculture agencies who safeguard our food, our rescue dogs who aid in disaster or in loss of children or elderly, our assistance dogs who see and hear for us, predict our diseases and alert our seizures giving us freedom to work, drive and swim and our service dogs who give our veterans in need their lives back; those who are abused, exploited and cruelly treated for profit or criminal intent, those who provide therapy to heal us faster, comfort our needs, teach us to read and warn us of danger, and those who listen to our stories when we are sad and share our joy when we laugh; who give us friendship and companionship like no other; and those in all animal shelters who were born unwanted, were neglected, abandoned and wait for a new and forever home.
There is no greater nose to scent, eyes to sight, heart to give and no braver or more courageous spirit to work and serve. Of these K-9 Working Dogs also can be attributed the highest form of sacrifice by man “greater love hath no man than to give up his life for another. For them Heaven’s reward is a special section across the Rainbow Bridge reserved only for them where they play all day in meadows where angels sing; and never again hear the sound of another bullet. They are the very special select ones, elite and best of their breed; our Guardians of the Night and the Day, whose life as a hero dog on earth represents the highest in VALOR. May they and their partners always be blessed and watched over by our Creator who you will find always in their name only backwards. By Barbara Snow
THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US SAFE AND SECURE SO THAT WE MAY LIVE IN FREEDOM

K-9 Heroes, A Veteran by barbara snow

How many more names would be on that Wall?
Were it not for you – you heeded our country's call
You served and you bled thru all our war years
Many of you died with only a handler's tears
Your duties are many, you scent and you track
Your eyes tell me always, "I've got your back"
You rescue and save lives and when that’s in vain
You recover to bring closure to a family’s pain
You outsmart our enemies – it's you that they fear
You warn me when mines and explosives are near
You guard our beaches and borders and our Commander-in-Chief
Words “Stop, or I’ll release my dog” mean it’s over for a thief

Your eyes burned in Oklahoma City, your paws felt the flame
You brought me a small shoe – I moaned. “Oh God, No,” in pain
You comforted me for a moment; you nudged me on too
You knew we weren’t finished; we had more to do
You pull me to safety; you bring me a medic’s care
I open my eyes and know that you’re there
You have honor and spirit and feel our country’s pride
Sometimes in the night, only you knew I cried
I wish you had time to just run and play
Catch a Frisbee and swim – for a dog, a good day
But you are a Trooper, to duty you must
My life before yours - you give me that trust

No matter how clever an arsonist’s M. O.
Your nose tell investigators what they need to know
Some call you Coastie, you get “Semper Fi’’
The chute makes you perk – you love when we fly
As an Officer and Deputy, it’s crime that you fight
You wear the badge of the elite – “Guardians of the Night”
The love of a mascot knows no race, class or ranks
Privates, Admirals, Generals all give you their thanks
When you outlive me and Taps reaches your ears
You stand there with honor among bagpipes and tears

When your bones become old and you no longer serve
It’s medical care in retirement you earned and deserve.
Congress could pass a law to resolve this need
For all serving and in memory, for them I now plead
We must call you ‘Veteran’ for you are one too
No honor for me, if there is none for you
Till death do us part, this mantra rings true
They gave and give all for the Red White and Blue.

Barbara Snow Executive Director
US WAR DOGS Assn Southern Chapter Bronson FL

February 26, 2013

Kody you are a hero, you gave the ultimate sacrifice,
My prayers go out to your handler.
We are missing another good officer, you will not be forgotten !

Jason
MBPD

February 25, 2013

Kody you are and will always remain a true hero for your brave actions that saved lives. My heart and prayers go out to your partner, best-friend, and Dad who is Dave. No one truly understands until they have sat in that lonely seat. Rest in peace Kody, you will never be forgotten!!!

N.Barr K9#5

February 24, 2013

This is so sad. My thanks to those who put their time, energy & love into training this amazing dog. This is a sad loss for our community.

Kelly S.

February 23, 2013

to the handler, family, friends. agency...god bless you, rip our k9 hero

fred and abbe leinenger

February 23, 2013

GOD BLESS YOU, KODY, !!!!!

FRED AND ABBE LEINENGER

February 23, 2013

Thank you for your service and for making the ultimate sacrifice Kody. Your service and honor will never be forgotten. My heart and prayers go out to your Partner/Handler your family, and LEO family

RIP Kody

Former LEO/Firefighter - Shan Williams
FSVFD - Tx

February 22, 2013

To the Officer who lost his partner Kody, we want you to know that you are in our prayers. Kody did his job and saved lives and he will be remembered.

Sgt. Jim May (ret)
CMPD Charlotte, NC

February 21, 2013

On behalf of the Heald College Criminal Justice Capstone Class at Modesto we would like to thank Kody for his K9 service in law enforcement our prayers go out to his family and co workers, God Bless

Heald College Modesto CA
Capstone Class

February 21, 2013

It wasn't too long ago when I watched K9 Cops and saw Kody. I am so deeply shocked to have heard this had happened. I send you my deepest condolences.

Nakeshia Hazzard
Citizen

February 20, 2013

Oh, Kody....."no greater love".... I honor your service and your sacrifice. And I do believe all dogs go to Heaven. See you there one day, Kody. God bless you, your handler, and all who loved you.

Deborah Rooth
Citizen, Orange County, CA

February 19, 2013

Guardians Of The Night

Author - Unknown
Trust in me my friend for I am
your comrade. I will protect you
with my last breath When all
others have left you And the
loneliness of the night closes
in, I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all
obstacles, And search out
those who might wish harm to
others. All I ask of you is
compassion, The caring touch
of your hands. It is for you that I
will unselfishly give my life And
spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons Know that each
day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by The
coming and going of your
footsteps. I anticipate them at
every opening of the door. You
are the voice of caring when I
am ill. The voice of authority
when I've done wrong.


Do not chastise me unduly For
I am your right arm, The sword
at your side. I attempt to do
only what you bid of me. I seek
only to please you and remain
in your favor.

Together you and I shall
experience A bond only others
like us will understand When
outsiders see us together Their
envy will be measured by their
disdain.

I will quietly listen to you And
pass no judgment, Nor will your
spoken words be repeated I will
remain ever silent, Ever vigilant,
ever loyal. And when our time
together is done And you move
on in the world Remember me
with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us
undetected.

If we should meet again on
another street I will gladly take
up your fight, I am a Police
Working Dog and together We
are guardians of the night.

God bless all the warriors

Sgt Todd Haller
Terre Haute Police Department

February 19, 2013

Bless you and thank you for your selfless service. You were a brave creature of God and truly man's best friend. Thank you for your sacrifice to keep us all safe. Rest in peace

Former officer, Jim Mangum
NC DOC

February 18, 2013

God bless the soul of k9 kody. Rest in peace.

Officer Edwin Lara
Cook County Sheriffs Office- Honor Guard
Chicago, Illinois- External Ops unit

February 18, 2013

Sorry for your partners (Best Friend) loss! I cant even imagine losing my partner K-9 "Cody"! As you know he is like one of my Kids! my Condolences to you, your family, Department and Your Community as a whole! he is definately in K-9 Heaven patroling the streets of Heaven! Be Safe May God Bless you and your family, Department and Community! Your "kody" is a True HERO!!

K-9 Officer Anthony S. Bartucca
Lyons Police Department Lyons NY

February 17, 2013

Dave, Sorry for the loss you and your family have suffered. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

Diane Ege, Past Reserve Lt
St Paul PD

February 17, 2013