College of Veterinary Medicine Honors Police Dogs Killed in the Line of Duty

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release

Contact: Jan Williams, College of Veterinary Medicine, 612-624-6228

U Of M College of Vet Med Honors Police Dogs Killed In Line Of Duty

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (May 13, 2005) – Seven Minneapolis and St. Paul police dogs that were killed in the line of duty over the past 25 years were honored by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine at a memorial service on May 17. The dogs had bricks dedicated to them during the annual memorial service. 

The memorial service coincided with National Law Enforcement Week. The tribute is to the following dogs who gave their lives to protect and serve the community:

St. Paul Police Department:
Laser- died 1994 of a gunshot wound
Officer Tim Jones was killed in the line of duty at the same time

Callahan- died 1998 of a gunshot wound
Officer Timothy Lynaugh, currently on active duty

Wojo- died 1985 after being hit by a car
Officer Gene Burke, retired

Radar- died 1982 from a fall from a roof
Officer Mark Klinge, retired

Minneapolis Police Department:
Jet- died 1977 from a fall from a roof
Officer Doug Madsen, retired

Sam- injured in 1998 from a stab wound; died in 2004
Officer Andy Stender, currently on active duty

Jake- died 1997 from a fall from a roof
Officer Lisa Kern, died July 2004

“Trained police K-9 dogs do amazing things,” says Jeffrey Klausner, dean of the college.  “They search buildings and areas for unauthorized persons, they track criminals, search for lost children, search for evidence dropped by criminals, search for hidden explosives, narcotics, chemicals, pursue and apprehend, with minimal force, fleeing criminals fleeing from a serious crime or arrest.”  Since June 2001, the Veterinary Medical Center had 125,000 K9 dog cases come through the doors for treatment or care. 

This tribute is to celebrate the work of K9 dogs, to remember their contributions to law enforcement, and more importantly, remember their devotion.  The bricks laid in the garden will be a remembrance of the dedication and sacrifice these dogs fave.  They asked for nothing by gave it their all and they deserve to be honored as our fallen heroes," says Dean Klausner.

In addition to this special K9 tribute, clients and friends of the college dedicated new bricks as a memorial to their beloved companion animals.

The Nestlé Purina Memories Garden was established in 2002 to provide a private, outdoor place for pet owners and their pets. Initially funded by Nestlé Purina, it is supported by individual donors who purchase bricks or a bench engraved with an inscription in honor of their pets. New bricks are dedicated at an annual memorial ceremony, where people share pictures, poems, and memories of their companion animals.

Funds raised through the sale of the bricks helps support the College’s Social Work Service, which provides support, advocacy, and referral services to clients dealing with issues related to their companion animals' health, wellness, and death. For more information about the Memories Garden, contact Rob Nordin at 612-624-1247 or nordi053@umn.edu.

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