News Releases

In Loving Memory of
K-9  HANS
(German Shepherd)
November 8, 2004  

The Amherst Police Department is sad to announce the passing of our beloved K-9,  "Hans"

Hans passed away on Monday 11-08-04. Hans was seven years old, and served in the Police Department for six years.
 

Our condolences go out to Mark and his family.

Hans will truly be missed.

King Heiniken II (Hans)

June 1, 1997 – November 8, 2004

The Amherst Police Department regrets to announce the untimely passing of K-9 Hans.  Hans passed away due to complications related to pancreatitis and a heart tumor.  Memorial arrangements are pending.

Hans worked side-by-side with his handler, Sgt. Mark Cawthon, since becoming a member of the Amherst Police Department on October 3, 1998.  Like most K-9s, Hans lived with his handler and was considered a family member by Sgt. Cawthon, his wife Karen, and their three year-old daughter, Michelle.

Certified as a Narcotic Detector, Article Search and Tracking Canine by the Ohi0 Peace Officer Training Commission, Hans and Sgt. Cawthon trained regularly with Tim W. Russell of TWR Canine Training.  Hans was trained in tracking and to detect the presence of the odor of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and their derivatives.

As a team, Hans and Sgt. Cawthon were well known throughout Lorain County, often being called upon at all hours to search for drugs or suspects.  Hans and Sgt. Cawthon were the primary narcotic detector K-9 team for those agencies without such a team.

Hans was a respected member of the Amherst Police Department and will be greatly missed.