K-9 handlers honor one of their own
K-9 officers and their charges parade into Port Angeles Civic Field prior to the start of Monday's memorial service for Officer Kristine Fairbanks, the Forest Service's only K-9 officer in Washington state. -- Photo by Chris Tucker/Peninsula Daily News
By Tom Callis, Peninsula Daily News
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Billy Renfro, Bremerton police K-9 officer, said attending the service was a way for the handlers to not only honor Fairbanks' work as a law enforcement officer, but also as a K-9 handler.
K-9 officers, Renfro said, are a tight-knit group.
"Only they can understand the amount of effort and dedication it takes to be a K-9 officer," he said.
"It's a big family."
Attending the service were 10 of the 40 Forest Service K-9 handlers. They had traveled from around the country to be there.
Tom Lyons, Forest Service special agent-in-charge, said Fairbanks was a well-respected dog trainer who had successfully tracked more than 1,000 suspects.
"I saw the pride and professionalism [with] which she handled her K-9," he said.
Though they did not know Fairbanks, four K-9 handlers with the Okanangan Sheriff's Office said they came to the service because, as law enforcement officers and K-9 handlers, they are part of the same family.
"To us, she is one of our own," Sgt. Gene Davis said.
"We want to honor Kris. We are here to honor her life, not the tragedy."
Strong bonds
Renfro said the officers and their dog partners form strong bonds during long hours of training and work.
They may spend more time with their dog partner than their family, he said.
Radar, Fairbanks' dog partner, who attended the service, is being cared for by a Port Angeles police officer whom she previously had designated to take care of the dog if something happened to her.
Renfro said Radar, who was Fairbanks' third dog partner, probably will be affected by her death.
"It's like losing a pack member to them," he said.
"I know my dog gives me a look when I leave without him."
Glen Sachet, Forest Service public information officer, said Fairbanks was instrumental in expanding the use of dogs within the agency.
John Twiss, Forest Service law enforcement director, said Fairbanks, who began using dog partners in 1989, was one of the first.
Twiss said that, despite the challenges of her job, Fairbanks was always optimistic — "which is a tough challenge to many in law enforcement.
"And she did it for 20 years."
Before becoming a Forest Service officer 22 years ago, Fairbanks worked for the National Parks Service as a seasonal worker.
Cat Hoffman, national parks natural resources division chief, said she remembers Fairbanks as someone who stood out among the other seasonal workers at Mt. Rainier National Park in 1984.
"I remember being amazed at her confidence and competence in the backcountry," she said.
"She was never one to say she was too tired."
Fairbanks will be forever honored on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Twiss said that, in as early as October, her name will join the names of 18,274 other law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in the United States.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: September 29. 2008 9:00PM