“How would you like him to be remembered?” inquired the news reporter.
“Unwavering!”
“He was unfalteringly loyal, affectionate, and encouraging. He was… he was a hero,” replied Ohio police officer, Ryan Davis, with tears streaming down his face.
The fateful evening when Davis responded to a security alarm at a grocery store in Canton, Ohio, he could not have predicted the misfortune that awaited.
In Loving Memory Of K-9 Jethro
January 10th will eternally be a sorrowful day for the Canton Police Department (Ohio). On this date in 2016, this community grieved the loss of a significant and treasured member – K-9 Jethro.
The German Shepherd, Jethro, was only two years of age when he sacrificed his life while on duty.
During their response to an alarm at a grocery shop in Canton, OH, officers discovered an individual lurking inside.
Upon being spotted, he declined to comply and opened fire, hitting K-9 officer Jethro three times.
“Shots fired! Shots fired! My partner has been shot!”, it was the most urgent alert officer Davis had ever voiced.
“Shots fired! He shot my dog!” Davis yelled in desperation.
Jethro was swiftly taken to the Stark County Veterinary Emergency Clinic. He battled valiantly to survive, yet after 32 hours, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
His companion, Davis, was by his side when he took his final breath.
“I would exchange places with him in an instant,” stated Davis, acutely aware that if it hadn’t been for Jethro that evening, he might have been the one who perished.
“He’s left a void that can never be filled. He sacrificed his life for mine.”
This remarkable German Shepherd was more than just a police canine to Davis. The Davis family welcomed Jethro when he was merely eight weeks old as a family companion.
He matured into both a family pet and a K-9 officer. Jethro and Davis were inseparable, spending every day together. Jethro lived in the household, assisted Davis during night shifts, and enjoyed playtime with the children during his leisure.
Grieving Jethro’s loss was challenging for the entire family, particularly for Davis.
He mourned the departure of his dedicated and wonderful friend, his best companion, and a family member.
Jethro’s memorial service was a significant occasion in Canton, Ohio, worthy of a hero. Officers and their K-9 partners from across the nation gathered to pay their tributes and honor Jethro on what would have marked his third birthday.
Jethro’s murderer received a 34-year prison sentence, providing a measure of solace to Davis, yet no amount of compensation could alleviate the pain of losing his cherished dog.
Welcome To The Force, K-9 Tuko
As inconsolable as we might feel, life must persist.
Davis then faced a challenging choice… selecting a new partner.
A nonprofit organization, K9s4COPs, based in Houston, introduced Davis to over twelve dogs and conducted a variety of assessments.
Three dogs particularly impressed Davis and were shortlisted:
- Tuko (German Shepherd) – adept at subduing suspects
- Joker (Belgian Malinois) – extremely energetic
- Cenzo (Belgian Malinois) – skilled in tracking
Ultimately, Davis concluded that his new partner would be Tuko.
“For me, the connection was undeniable. I believe he is capable of being the star that everyone wishes for,” noted Davis, excited about collaborating with his new companion.
Tuko had large shoes to fill, yet he performed admirably.
While Jethro could never be substituted and will always hold a unique place in Davis’ heart, Tuko’s arrival brought considerable comfort and joy to the family.
* As of 2020, both Tuko and Davis have retired from their duties and relocated to the south, where they continue to relish numerous strolls along the beach.
