K9 for Cops in Houston is announcing tonight that Officer Ryan Davis of the Canton Police Department has been matched with a new partner following the murder of his beloved Jethro.
A German Shepherd named Tuko will fly back to Canton Tuesday and begin work soon. He is trained for narcotics detection and general patrol work.
The dog was donated by K9s for Cops, and the flights were donated by United Airlines. Kudos to both for stepping up!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
This short video shows Kelontre Barefield’s arraignment hearing. I’m laughing because he keeps checking to make sure the dog isn’t coming at him. I guess K-9s are a little scarier when you can’t hide behind your gun.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!
#RIPJethro
I just found this on Facebook. Artist BZTat, who has volunteered to paint a portrait of Jethro for the Davis family, sat with me at the funeral today. She told me she had a great photo of a handler canoodling with his dog in the parking lot. She apparently took it home and “art-i-fied” it. Beautiful!
Her caption: My artistic rendering of a Parma PD officer and his K-9 partner Tyrone in a poignant moment of bonding at the memorial for fallen K-9 officer Jethro. The human animal bond is so strong and intense between man and beast in the K-9 corps. Canton loves it’s canine heroes and their human handlers. We are so thankful for both. We are also thankful for the heroes that patrol cities beyond Canton who came to pay respects today. Thank you all for your service. #RIPJethro #canineheroes #herodog #jethro #bztatart
Upon leaving the main room at the Civic Center, we were able to meet Shiloh and Rosie, dogs brought to Canton by Lutheran Church Charities to provide comfort to the mourners. Rosie is from Columbus, Ohio, and Shiloh travelled in from Dixon, Illinois. Continue reading A Few Last Photos from K-9 Jethro’s Memorial Service
When we finally got inside the Civic Center, the floor area was set up for law enforcement only, while us commoners were asked to sit in the stands. I’m guessing there were well over 200 officers and at least as many non-law enforcement people there to pay their respects.
Playing on a large screen on the stage was a montage of photos and videos of Jethro with his handler Officer Ryan Davis and the entire Davis family. The other dog you might see in some of these photos is Armin, Ryan’s partner before Jethro. In the background, you can hear them playing the song “All Gave Some; Some Gave All”.
Center stage, there was a beautiful memorial display featuring a huge dog bone. In the front row sat the Davis family, Ryan, Rachel, Joseph, Kayla, and retired K-9 Officer Armin. Continue reading Inside Canton Civic Center for Jethro’s Memorial Service
When we first left the parking deck at the Canton Civic Center, which is across the street from the Player’s Guild, we passed a large group of people from the Ohio Patriot Guard Riders. They were all standing outside on this cold morning, holding American flags, in honor of Jethro.
We had arrived at the funeral about 40 minutes before the doors were to be opened, standing in line with hundreds of others.
Police car after police car rolled into the lot. One woman was asking those of us standing in line to sign a poster demanding “Justice for Jethro”.
A mounted guard rode up and stood in formation for awhile.
Next: Inside the Civic Center
I attended Jethro’s funeral this morning and will be working throughout the afternoon to clean up the photos and videos I took so I can post them. For now, here is the program from the VERY moving service.
#RIPJethro
Kelontre Demorious Barefield of Cleveland appeared before the Canton Municipal Court today, where numerous charges were added to his docket.
He originally appeared on January 9th and was charged with aggravated burglary and assaulting or harassing a police dog – as a 4th degree felony. Continue reading Bond Set for Jethro’s Shooter
The Canton Police Department has announced the memorial services for K-9 Officer Jethro, who was shot and killed in the line of duty last weekend. Continue reading K-9 Jethro’s Funeral Service Announced