Tuesday, December 11, 2001
Patrol Officer Michael Krafcik says he is going to miss his former partner, Cassie, who died last week.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Commitment, loyalty and faithfulness were words used during a memorial service by police as they described their fellow officer.
Officers from throughout Trumbull and Mahoning County attended Monday's memorial service in city council chambers for Cassie, a retired drug dog.
Cassie, a 12-year-old black Labrador retriever, who retired from active duty in 1995, died Thursday.
"She basically died of old age," said Patrol Officer Michael Krafcik, Cassie's owner. "She was a great partner and a wonderful dog. I'm really going to miss her."
Cassie lived with Krafcik and his family since her retirement.
Krafcik showed those in attendance several pictures of Cassie at work.
Qualities: "To dogs, loyalty, faithfulness, obedience are the only response they know or can give," said the Rev. Charles Crumbley, who presided over the service. "That is why it is important that we have this ceremony in recognition of those unique qualities."
Father Crumbley said that he had been on calls with Krafcik and Cassie and was amazed at the dog's loyalty.
"When Mike would go on a call, Cassie would stand frozen in the car staring at the house," Father Crumbley said. "Cassie would not move until she saw Mike come back out."
Remembrances: Patrol Officer Wayne Mackey said Cassie began working for the department in 1990 to help officers find illegal drugs. She worked with several officers until 1994 when she teamed up with Krafcik.
"She did a lot of good work for us," said Chief John Mandopoulos. "People may not realize how much work a dog does for us."
"She was a faithful messenger to those who sent her and she refreshed the soul of master," Father Crumbley said. "May we take notice in the days and weeks ahead to make every effort to at least do as much."