Within hours of learning that Vancouver police K-9 Ike was mortally wounded while trying to apprehend a fleeing suspect, Washougal Mayor Sean Guard began spearheading an effort to raise enough money to purchase a new police dog.
“Other than prayers, there is not much we can do in the case of an officer death, but in the case of Ike, we can at least help fund his replacement,” he said in a post on his Facebook page Wednesday afternoon. “Maybe this is taking ‘mutual aid’ among cities to another level, but even as Mayor of Washougal, I am happy to assist our fellow police department in this time of need.”
Vancouver police said Ike was stabbed multiple times Tuesday night by a fleeing wanted man, Jacky Chan Karuo. Ike was taken to DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital in Portland for treatment of stab wounds to his chest, back and head, but after surgery went into cardiac arrest and organ failure.
Ike’s handler, Officer Jack Anderson, “made the difficult decision to end treatment and humanely euthanize him,” ending the dog’s life at 3 a.m. Wednesday, the hospital said in a press release.
“It won’t bring him back, but let’s make it a little easier on the department and Officer Anderson … to get something good out of the whole thing,” he said.
Guard asked that residents interested in helping after the agency’s loss make a monetary donation, with the hope of raising $15,000 by today.
He said the donation goal is based on the amount of money the Washougal Police Department spent on its most recent police dog, including equipment, handler training, supplies, food and check-ups.
Guard said Thursday morning that he hasn’t received any money yet, but about 10 people have come forward and promised donations.
Donations should be made to “Vancouver Police Department K-9 Unit,” and Guard is asking that they be mailed to Metropolitan Productions, the company for which Guard serves as president and chief operating officer. The address is: 3644 S St., Washougal, WA 98671.
Kim Kapp, spokeswoman for Vancouver Police Department, said that the agency hasn’t made the decision yet on whether it will replace Ike, but assured that the money donated to the unit will go toward supporting the unexpected costs that arise from having dogs on the police force.
“Our primary focus is to support Officer Anderson and his family, because it’s a very difficult time for them,” Kapp said. “Our next focus is to plan a memorial that the public and regional K-9 units can participate in … to put closure to the whole thing.”
Kapp said the agency appreciated Guard’s efforts as well as the outpouring of support from the community.
“From such a negative experience, positive messages have come out of it,” she said. “It’s been really wonderful to have that public support. It’s been overwhelming but in a really good way.”
