AR-News: (US) Police dog shot after fleeing during storm

[Snugglezzz at aol.com]

Date:    6/20/2004 12:18:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time 
  Floyd canine officer mourned 
Kimbo shot after fleeing during storm
  
By JENNIFER FRAZER

The Courier-Journal 
PHOTOS BY SAM UPSHAW JR., THE COURIER-JOURNAL

Christine Sams held on to her daughter Calie Grace Sams, 3, as her husband, Floyd County Officer Scott Sams, got emotional during a memorial service for his canine partner Kimbo yesterday. The doll on Christine Sams' lap is named Kimmy after Kimbo. 

Kimbo joined the Floyd County police in 1999 and was involved in more than 300 searches. 

Capt. Rick Denny, right, of the New Albany Police Department, spoke during yesterday's service for Kimbo.

The flags were at half-staff in honor of former President Ronald Reagan yesterday at the City-County Building in New Albany. But they could as well have been for Kimbo. 

Under sullen skies, they hung limply over the crowd of police, townspeople and dogs gathered for the Floyd County police dog's "Last Call." It was a sad and poignant goodbye. 

"We know Kimbo would have laid down his life for any one of us — or anyone, if we'd asked him to," said officer Steve Bush of the New Albany Police Department during the opening prayer. 

"There's no adjective that could describe him," said Kimbo's handler, Scott Sams of the Floyd County Police Department. "You could say he meant the world, but he was way more than that." 

Kimbo, a 9-year-old Belgian malinois police dog for the Floyd County department, was killed June 12. Violent storms that night frightened him, and he escaped from his kennel. 

Four days later, Kimbo was found dead of gunshot wounds. 

He had sought refuge from the storm in a garage and reportedly acted aggressively when the homeowner returned that night. When the homeowner fired a gun, Kimbo fled, but he was shot as he was running away. 

Police have not identified the homeowner, and they say no charges will be filed. 

Yesterday's service — which was done at no public expense, according to Sheriff Randy Hubbard — opened with a prayer and featured poetry readings and eulogies by members of the New Albany and Floyd County police departments. 

Officers remembered Kimbo's hard work and loyalty, but there were moments of levity as well. 

Floyd County officer Troy McDaniel said, "I can tell Scott this now — after he (Kimbo) would find some dope, I was giving him treats, even though I wasn't supposed to." 

But soon it was time to say goodbye. A voice crackled to life on the radio and announced the dates Kimbo entered and left the service. And then: "Kimbo, this is your last call. Godspeed." 

Jennifer Spainhour of Floyd Central High School then played "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes. 

A table at the front of the gathering was arrayed with remembrances of Kimbo's life and gifts from mourners. A wicker basket filled with red carnations, white daisies and blue larkspur sat behind framed photographs of Kimbo. 

More photos were spread on the table, along with a worn leather leash and a black chew toy. The pictures showed Kimbo on the job, in training, on his back playing and holding a bright red toy in the snow. 

"It's just a terrible loss for all of us," said Joyce Banet, matron of the Floyd County Sheriff's Department. She said that the bad weather lately has been really hard on dogs. 

"Kimbo was Scott's partner and he was a dear friend, I would say," she said. "I never saw him act aggressive. The people (who shot him) wouldn't have known that." 

Banet said there has been an outpouring of offers of help and sympathy from as far away as Ohio and Indianapolis. Several people have called to offer dogs to replace Kimbo. But because Kimbo was specially trained, the department had to decline. 

"I wish we could take all the dogs they offered, but we can't," she said. "We'll miss him. We appreciate everyone's concern and sympathy." 

Anyone who finds a stray dog in Floyd County, Banet said, should call 948-5400. The police dispatcher can contact the animal warden, who will remove the animal. 

"That way, maybe someone else won't have to suffer this," she said. 

Dale Cottongim, a K9 officer for the Louisville Metro Police Department, said he came to the service to support Sams, even though he did not know him. 

"We know he's going through a hard time," Cottongim said. "Lots of people think of these as just dogs. They're more than that. There's a real special bond between an officer and his dog." 

Kimbo was trained in the detection of cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana and heroin. He also was trained in tracking and physical apprehension. 

Kimbo joined the department in 1999 and was involved in more than 300 searches. His work brought in more than $500,000 in cash and $1 million in illegal drugs, and resulted in more than 100 arrests. 

Sams had worked with Kimbo for five years, and Kimbo was to retire at the end of the summer. Sams, who will become a school resource officer at Floyd Central High School, said the department was already looking for another dog before Kimbo was killed. 

Sams said he wanted to extend his gratitude to the community for their help in trying to locate Kimbo, and to those who've expressed sympathy. 

Asked if he had any special memories of Kimbo, Sams said, "Every day was a special memory."