PK9A Memorial

K-9 Jethro

Canton Police Department

End of Watch: Sunday, January 10, 2016

K9 Jethro succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained early the previous morning while attempting to apprehend a burglar inside a grocery store at 1272 Harrison Avenue SW.

Officers had responded to an alarm activation at approximately 1:15 am and located the subject inside. The subject disobeyed officers’ commands and Jethro was deployed. The subject opened fire, striking Jethro three times. The man then fled and continued firing at officers, who returned fire.

The man was taken into custody a short time later after he was found and suffering a gunshot wound to his leg. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 34 years in prison for killing Jethro and 11 years for burglary, with the sentences to run consecutively.

K9 Jethro, Badge number 60, was transported to Stark County Veterinary Emergency Clinic but died as a result of the wounds.

We will never forget your Sacrifice, Jethro. We will Honor you for the rest of our days. Godspeed.

K-9 Bono

Steubenville Police Department

End of Watch: Saturday, November 7, 2020

Age: 8

Years of Service: 6

K-9 Bono passed away unexpectedly, he was still on Active duty with his handler, Sgt. Cook.

K-9 Bono was purchased from Tri-State Canine Services in October 2014 and spent five weeks training with K-9 Officer Rob Cook before starting his duties with the City of Steubenville Police Department.

Bono was a Dual Purpose K-9 who had a successful and decorated career working for the City, and assisting all of Jefferson County as well as all surrounding municipalities.

K-9 Bono and Sgt. Cook were dedicated members of the PK9A since their inception as a Team in 2014.

We will Honor and Carry you with us, Bono. Godspeed. 

Deputy Michael E. Creager, II

Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office

End of Watch: Friday, September 25, 2020

Uhrichsville. A Warrior and beloved member of the Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Office, died peacefully, early Friday, September 25, 2020, surrounded by his family following a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Union Hospital at Dover, Ohio on November 27, 1974, Mike was a son of Deberah (Gus) Zoppi of Midvale and the late Michael E. Creager. Mike was a 1993 graduate of Indian Valley High School; and prior pursuing a career in law enforcement, worked for Marlite at Dover and served as the caretaker of the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds. It was during this time Mike began working as a Reserve Deputy with the Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Office and was part of the Mounted Unit. In 2010, he became a Road Deputy and transitioned into the K-9 Unit. His partner, Fygo, a Belgian Malinois, became a State of Ohio certified patrol/narcotics detection K-9. Together, Mike and Fygo trained with the Police K-9 Association (PK9A), where Mike served as a Board Member. Mike and Fygo also worked as members of the Tuscarawas County Sherriff’s Office SWAT team. Mike was a talented K-9 trainer who had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States to work with other departments as they trained their K-9 officers. Mike’s world, however, revolved around his daughters. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. He was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed making special furniture for his daughters and then helped them to paint and finish their pieces. He also enjoyed making custom wooden flags. He will be missed by many for his willingness to help others, his fun-loving spirit, and selfless acts.

K-9 Fygo is now living the best retired life with his loving, extended family.

You will never be forgotten #7963

Officer Andrew Keller

Dennison Police Department

End of Watch: Monday, March 2, 2020

Uhrichsville. Andrew passed away on Monday, March 2, 2020 at his home. A son of Phillip L. and Ann M. (Consolo) Keller, Drew was born July 6, 1990 in Union Hospital at Dover. Drew graduated from Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School at New Philadelphia in 2009. He then continued his education at the University of Toledo where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 2012. In 2014, Drew graduated from the Police Academy at Central Ohio Technical College and in 2018 from Tiffin University with a Master’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security Administration. As a young child, Drew very much enjoyed portraying an Indian boy in the outdoor drama, Trumpet in the Land. He was proud to have traveled with the People to People Student Ambassador Program to England, Ireland, Wales and Australia. And, while in high school, Drew was a member of the football and wrestling teams, the National Honor Society and was a Boys’ State Delegate. Drew’s greatest joy in life came from his years in law enforcement, especially working for the Village of Dennison as a K-9 Officer with his beloved partner, Bronco.

K-9 Bronco continues to serve Dennison Police Department with his partner Ofc. Feck.

You will never be forgotten #3005

K-9 Aches

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections
Police K-9 Association

End of Watch: 04/22/2021

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our own K-9 Aches (Active).

Recently, Aches (4.5 years old) had fallen ill. After dedicated care at home, and travel to Columbus for expert advice, it was determined that he had an inoperable tumor on his spine.

Aches was one of the rare and special K-9’s in that, he was 100% work, however when he was at home he was 100% a family dog. He leaves behind has dedicated partner, best friend, and Dad, Investigator McGilton as well as his loving momma and his human sister.

Aches proudly served the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections in Noble County for nearly 3 years as a Dual Purpose Narcotics K-9 Officer. In duty, he played an integral role in locating and removing large amounts of illegal narcotics from the prison facility.  His accomplishments spoke for themselves and lead to the addition of more K-9’s in his division.
Aches. Our heart is breaking for your Family, your many friends, and your fellow officers.  We cannot thank you enough for your unwavering dedication to the PK9A in the past few years.

Your brief tenure with us was a model for what every K-9 team should be.