Quantcast
Channel: Inside Bainbridge » Rusty
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 4

BIPD K-9 Officer Rusty, Rest in Peace

0
0

The Bainbridge Island Police Department announced today, October 2, that Bainbridge Island Police K-9 Officer Rusty died August 15 with his partner Officer Dale Johnson and family at his side. Rusty, a chocolate lab, was retired from the job since 2013. He served with the BIPD and surrounding communities for almost 9 years.

Rusty’s entry into police work followed a lucky break. After being found in a camper during a drug raid in Whatcom County, he was placed on death row. However, a law enforcement officer involved in the raid conducted some initial testing on him and determined he would make a good K-9 officer. So Rusty was spared and Johnson and Rusty were paired as a team. They trained together for more than 220 hours at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center.

Officers Dale Johnson and Rusty

Officers Dale Johnson and Rusty

During his career, Rusty conducted 219 searches resulting in 547 finds of drugs, cash, and other items. His searches led to 181 arrests, 12 vehicle impounds, and the seizure of $130,000 in cash. Over the years, his skills were put to use by other law enforcement agencies including the Bremerton, Gig Harbor, Poulsbo, and Suquamish Police Departments; the Kitsap and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Offices; Washington State Patrol; West Sound Narcotics; U.S. Customs; the U.S. Postal Service; and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

He was honored at a retirement ceremony in February 0f 2013 during a City Council meeting. Rusty was given a bone-shaped dog cake, and Johnson was given a shadow box containing Rusty’s badge and a BIPD patch.

On August 14 of this year, Rusty injured his leg while trying to hide during a thunderstorm. Johnson took him to the vet who determined he had sustained a broken leg. The vet also discovered during his exam that Rusty had bone cancer. The prognosis wasn’t hopeful, and Johnson made the difficult decision to have Rusty euthanized.

The first and only K-9 Officer for the BIPD, Rusty was well loved by the department and community.  The BIPD issued a statement today saying, “Rusty always had a huge smile on his face and enjoyed showing off his bright pink gums. He loved getting pats on his head but loved treats even more. You will be greatly missed, BIPD #815.”

Related Stories

Photos courtesy of BIPD.


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 4

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images