K-9 Handlers have a very special relationship with their dogs, and over time that grows. They feel a great loss when something happens to their partner.

This section is dedicated to those gone but not forgotten...

Nero grew gray of muzzle doing his duty for the Richmond Police Department. Counting “dog years” he served longer and later than most police officers. Counting in “dog years” is appropriate for Nero. He was a handsome Shepherd who served with Sgt. Dean Snapp for most of his 10 years. Nero died April 1, 2005. He’d been working regularly until mid-winter. Then he began to lose weight and have mobility problems. He was diagnosed with a terminal tumor. He was put on a sort of “medical leave.” He wasn’t required to come to work every day with Snapp, even thought that was his habit. He died on the day when he was to have been officially retired. Canine officers like Snapp and their partners become close – maybe closer than other kinds of partners. The dogs live with the officers, they come to work with them, and they ride with them on patrol. Snapp describes it as a “24/7” relationship. The bond is tight. “So far, I’ve never had a person’s death affect me as much as his did,” Snapp said. It was two weeks before Snapp had the decal with Nero’s name taken off the cruiser. “It’s difficult having kids come up and ask to see the dog,” Snapp said. Nero could be ferocious when ferocity was necessary. But most of the time he wasn’t. He’d lie on the floor at the end of an overnight shift and say thanks with his eyes for a scratch behind the ears. Nero could sniff out drugs and fleeing felons. He could also sniff out a cookie in a desk, though he only indulged in secret since his job required he stay in shape. Nero’s death didn’t involve the drama people sometimes associate with police work. That’s true of most cops. But as happens with other cops, those who worked with Nero will swap tales of his exploits now. The tales will get better with the retelling. There are younger, well-trained “pups” with the department now. They’re gathering experience that left with Nero. Snapp will have to make a decision about taking on another partner. For now, he’s riding alone and lonely.

Bach - 1999 - 2002
Southaven Police Department