Palatine police remember first canine officer

Police officer Patrick Johnson's longtime partner was loyal and dedicated to protecting the citizens of Palatine.

He was also covered in fur and he slobbered on occasion.

Crow, Palatine's first canine officer, is being remembered by the Palatine Police Department in a memorial book of photographs and articles. The German-born German shepherd died in the fall at age 10.

"Crow did his job and he did it well," said Johnson, Crow's handler. "The work canine officers do takes a toll on their bodies. It was Crow's time."

The 90-something-pound Crow joined the department in 2001 after training with Johnson at Tops Kennels in Grayslake and getting certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association.

Crow assisted in the search of buildings and vehicles and helped track and apprehend suspects and missing persons. His efforts resulted in numerous arrests and drug seizures. He retired early last year after Johnson was deployed to Afghanistan with the Illinois Army National Guard Military Police.

During Johnson's yearlong tour, wife Sharon said she felt more secure with Crow by her side.

"He took care of me when Patrick was gone," she said. "I always felt safe."

Johnson, a 26-year veteran of the department, got in one good month of walks and fetch with Crow after returning from the Middle East in late August. The dog's health then quickly declined due to an advanced stage of sarcoma.

Johnson returns to active police service in January, and it will be a strange transition without his partner at his side. Easing his grief has been 7-month-old German shepherd Soldier, who joined the Johnson family in July.

"I think Patrick would be devastated without Soldier," Sharon Johnson said. "Soldier is helping him get through this."

Johnson is confident the department is in good hands with two new canine officers at the helm. In January, officer Jamie Ashe partnered with the department's second patrol canine, Elvis. And officer Keith Kirkpatrick partnered with Iggy in May. Both are German shepherds.

Johnson said he'll make sure Crow won't be forgotten.

"Crow loved to work. He was always devoted to me and the police department," Johnson said. "He protected me and watched over me and for that I'm grateful."