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Department Mourns the Loss of K9 Charger

June 23, 2008, 1:52 MT

By Joy Moffat

Charger, a Fairfax County Police Bloodhound, passed away on June 13 from cancer.

Charger, a Fairfax County Police Bloodhound, passed away on June 13 from cancer. He was on his final walk through the woods near his home with his faithful handler by his side.

Charger was born on February 23, 2002 in Pont Rouge, Quebec, Canada. He came to Fairfax County in May of that same year and started his training a month later. Charger's new police family was primarily responsible for his initial training. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department and Maryland State Police K9 units, with assistance from The Law Enforcement Bloodhound Association provided additional training, which lasted for almost a year. Charger's main responsibility was to find people; those who were lost and those who had committed crimes.

Charger and his human partner, Lieutenant Pat Ronan, responded to hundreds of calls for service. One of the most memorable tracks was of a suspected rapist. Charger led Lieutenant Ronan and patrol officers to an apartment where the suspect was located and eventually arrested.

Charger's favorite toy was a little red ball; shake the ball and a light would glow inside. He loved to chase the little red ball that glowed. His favorite treats were Alpo dog treats; his reward for a job well done. For all of the great things he did, he was still a dog and chewed everything in sight. Somehow, that was ok with Lieutenant Ronan.

Charger was a very special friend, companion and dedicated police K9, he will be missed.

Posted by Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff

Comments

Posted June 23, 2008, 3:27 by frankie_paws

Thank you, Joy, for posting this special story of a very special dog. K-9 dogs every where deserve our love and support for the important work they do.

Posted June 23, 2008, 2:35 by MartiL

God speed and blessings Charger!

Posted June 24, 2008, 5:8 by cattees

Rest well brave boy - enjoy the Rainbow Bridge.

Posted June 26, 2008, 11:9 by themb4me

Our dogs of service to the community and to the armed forces often do not receive the special recognition they deserve.

They are as important as their handlers in staving off crime, finding perps, and protecting their units (think Vietnam) and their handlers. Their jobs are so important.

Charger...I thought of the "Charge of the Light Brigade." He is part of that special K-9 elite that has served their masters and country. He is definitely a member of the light--and as Tracy said, God smiles on that hill--and those smiles are dappled sunsparkles on buttercups and green grass.

I see a 21-gun salute for you Charger, a present arms to honor your service.

And here's h oping there's something lovely like an Alpo treat for you on the other side of the Bridge.

I can't wait to meet you. I know there are several K-9 Bloodhound cops on the other side waiting to trade stories with you.

Salute.
Candi

Posted June 25, 2008, 10:10AM by frankie_paws

Wow, Tracy. You have such a gift for saying the right things. My eyes are now filled with tears at the vision of Charger waiting for and meeting his partner at the bridge!

I'm so proud Ted is retired from such a great department as Fairfax County where they honor their fallen heros, human and K-9.

Posted June 24, 2008, 10:26 by just_tracy

It's always hard to say good bye to a friend who somehow has touched our hearts. It's almost unbearable when we have to say it to someone who gave so very much of themself, just for an Alpo Treat and a pat on the head.

Charger... There is a very special hill by the Bridge that is covered in dappled sunshine and tiny swaying buttercups, and it glows and sparkles like the brightest stars in the sky. There is a special spot reserved there, just for you . This hill is where the HEROES go to wait for their beloved partners to come to team-up for one more mission - to cross the Bridge together. And Charger? I think the reason why it shine so brilliantly is because God smiles at that hill.... A lot.

Thank you for your years of service and for all the lives you've saved. You will always be a HERO to us.

God Speed, dear Charger.