Arizona Police K-9 Memorial


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We regret to report the loss of Police K-9 Rocky (Big Rock) of the
Mohave County Sheriff's Office

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rocky (Big Rock). Rocky was with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office and handler Deputy Raja Karim. Rocky died during surgery for a broken leg. There was an freak accident during a training session when after a building search in a two story building Deputy Karim and Rocky were leaving the building. They were walking down the stairs when Rocky suddenly started to howl and hold up his right leg. There were no signs of injury during the scenario and Rocky had a great bite. Deputy Karim attended to Rocky and took him to the vet. It was determined that he had a broken leg and surgery was needed. Rocky passed away during the surgery. Rocky will be greatly missed by his family, the Mohave County Sheriff's Office, and all that knew and loved him.

We regret to report the loss of Police K-9 Willie of the
Apache County Sheriff's Office

The Apache County Sheriff's Office is sad to announce the death of K-9 "Willie" on 08-19-05. K-9 "Willie" has been a partner to Calvin "Jay" Arnold for the past two years. K-9 "Willie" was at another Deputy's residence and when the Deputy went out to check on Willie, he was dead. It is unknown at this time what the cause of death is, and an autopsy is being done.

K-9 "Willie" will be greatly missed by this agency and the schools throughout Apache County. K-9 "Willie" and Jay were active in doing drug free presentations at elementary schools in the county.

K-9 "Willie" will be buried at the Apache County Sheriff's on Monday 08-22-05, at 1400 hours.

We regret to report the loss of Police K-9 RJ of the
Phoenix Police Department

On Saturday August 13, 2005, at approximately 1830 hours, several officers from the Central City Precinct were pursuing a suspect for armed robbery. Officer Bryan Hanania and his police service dog R.J. were trying to apprehend the suspect after he fled his vehicle on foot in the neighborhood of 2100 East Garfield. Officer Hanania and other officers chased the suspect into an alley where the suspect had reacquired his vehicle. As the officers were in the alley, the suspect drove rapidly in their direction. The suspect appeared to intentionally drive toward R.J. and struck the K-9 with his vehicle. The officers were able to avoid being struck by the car and the suspect was eventually apprehended by other officers.

Officers immediately transported R.J. to an emergency clinic where he was diagnosed with critical injuries to include a broken spine. R.J. was euthanized as his injuries were determined to be insurmountable.

R.J. was a three year old Belgium Malinois who was with Officer Hanania and the Phoenix Police Department's Canine Unit as a team for 18 months. Officer Hanania and R.J. have deployed over three hundred times to assist officers in locating dangerous suspects and/or illegal narcotics.

Mourning the Death of a Pima County Deputy

Tragically, on the evening of Wednesday, August 10, 2005, Pima County Sheriff's Deputy Timothy D. Graham was killed in the line of duty.

Deputy Graham responded to a suspicious person call at the Circle K located at Ajo Highway and Kinney Road. An altercation with the out-of-control subject ensued involving the deputy and a passerby, identified as Mr. Dawud Isa Abusida, who stopped to assist Deputy Graham. All three individuals were killed by an oncoming vehicle as the altercation took them into and across Ajo Highway.

Deputy Timothy Graham originally hails from Elmhurst, Illinois, moving to Tucson in 1998. Even as a child, Timothy knew he wanted to be a police officer. His dream became reality on October 27, 2002, when he began his career with the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Graham worked in the San Xavier District, the south side of the county. He was well respected and known for his hard-work and dedication. Deputy Graham valiantly gave his life while protecting the individuals he proudly served the citizens of Pima County.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has suffered a tremendous loss of a courageous and honorable individual. Deputy Graham will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

Deputy Timothy Graham is survived by his wife, Sherry, two step-sons, and his mother, Ms. Judy Graham. Donations for the Graham family are being accepted at Pima Federal Credit Union under account #1214181 Timothy Graham Memorial Fund.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department also mourns the death of Mr. Dawud Isa Abusida, the Good Samaritan who stopped to assist Deputy Graham. Mr. Abusida, without concern or regard for his own safety, went to the aid of a deputy struggling with an individual. The Pima County Sheriff's Department will be forever grateful for his courageous actions and deep regard for his fellow man.

Final Respect
and
Memorial Services

All services will be held at:
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
215 S. Craycroft Road

Viewing:
Monday, August, 15, 2005
5:00pm to 10:00pm

Funeral Services:
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
11:00am

Graveside Ceremony:
All Faiths Memorial Park
2151 S. Avenida Los Reyes

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Memorial News Links

The Memorial has been getting it's share of time in the newspapers. Click on the links below to read the news articles about the memorial, the Fundraising efforts, and some of out fallen partners. They are all listed by the title of the article.

"Raise a paw in salute to fallen K9 officers"	August 26, 2004 - Arizona Republic
"Dog killed on duty was fierce and gentle"	July 22, 2004 - Arizona Daily Star
"Arizona memorial sought for fallen K-9 police dogs"	July 28, 2004 - Arizona Republic
"Memorial planned for canine officers killed during duty "	August 4,2004 - East Valley Tribune

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Arizona State Representatives Vote on Memorial

On March 29, 2004 the K-9 Memorial bill was voted on by the Arizona State House of Representatives. 52 of our Representatives voted for the memorial. There were 4 Representative however that voted against it. It has been reported that one of the Representatives that voted against the memorial had stated, "They are just dogs".

It is obvious to me that these four individuals have no idea what our canine partners mean to us and the communities that they serve. The Representatives that voted against the memorial were:

Ken Clark - District 15
Phil Hanson - District 9 - (yes this is the same Phil Hanson listed as being a co-sponsor for the bill)
William Konopnicki - District 5
Steve Tully - District 11

The Bill passed the Arizona State Senate Unanimously

Posted Aug 4, 2004

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Arizona Police K-9 Memorial Bill Information
Bill Number SB1213
Click the bill number to view the actual Bill in PDF format.

Click this link if you need a PDF reader to view the Bill

The bill was introduced by the Arizona Police Association and Mesa Police Association through Brian Livingston and Kelsey Lundy of Williams and Associates.

Primary Sponsors - Senator Jim Waring - District 7
Representatives John Nelson - District 17 and Cheryl Chase - District 7
Co Sponsors - Senators Robert Blendu - District 12, Jorge Garcia - District 27, Jack Harper - District 4, Jay Tibshraeny - District 21, Thayer Verschoor - District 22, and Representative Phil Hanson - District 9.

Bill History

2/4/04 - Passed Senate Government committee
2/10/04 - Passed Senate Rules committee
2/12/04 - Passed Senate 28-0; sent to House of Representatives
3/9/04 - Passed House Public Institutes and Counties
3/18/04 - Passed House Rules committee
3/25/04 - Passed Committee of the Whole
3/29/04 - Passed House 52-4; sent to Governor
4/5/04 - Signed into law by Governor Napolitano

Posted Aug 4, 2004