On May 28th, 2006,
Officer Schad and K-9 Miko were hot on the trail of a suspected
carjacker. K-9 Miko was deployed to catch the suspect who had bailed
on foot. K-9 Miko pursued the suspected carjacker, who then jumped
from an overpass at Kino and Aviation Parkways with K-9 Miko
following. While the suspect was able to get away, K-9 Miko took a
30-foot-fall, breaking his back, shattering a leg and suffering
neurological damage. He was euthanized as a result of his injuries.
K-9 Miko has been cremated and his handler, Officer Gary Schad, said
he, his wife and their 11-year-old son will decide in about a year
where to spread his ashes.
A memorial service
honoring Tucson's fallen hero, K-9 Miko, was held on May 14th, 2006,
at Reid Park in Tucson. Present at the services were the Commanders
from the Tucson Police Department, numerous K-9 Officers and
representatives from Valley Animal Hospital and other animal
organizations, who spoke at the ceremony. A tree planting ceremony
also took place to honor K-9 Miko.
