Memories of Astor still bring tears

Deputy George Foy is still grappling with the loss.

His voice was filled with emotion Thursday as he spoke to about 100 DuPage County court employees who gathered to honor his fallen companion, Astor, Foy's canine partner who died two months ago.

Foy was not alone. Many in the crowd wept openly. Only the constant "barks" of other four-footed comrades broke the solemnity.

Utah was there. So were Rolf, Marshal and canines from nearly a dozen police departments from three counties.

They were all there to honor Astor, the county's first explosives-detection dog. He was euthanized Oct. 15 after cancer spread through his body. He was 10.

"Astor kept me on my toes, in more ways than one," said Foy, fighting back tears. "He was a role model. He was your protector. He also was a family member. He lived to come to work and for us to be together."

Astor sniffed out explosives, collared crooks and protected visiting dignitaries. But his main beat for eight years was the DuPage County courthouse in Wheaton.

In tribute to their furry friend, dozens of employees, attorneys and judges dug into their own pockets to raise $1,700 for a fitting memorial.

They gathered Thursday for the unveiling of Astor's portrait, which will be installed in the court hallway, and to present a check to DuPage County Animal Care and Control to buy a heated surgical table in his name.

Marge Kaczmarek, the felony division's presiding secretary, spearheaded the donation drive to recognize Astor's public service. She had no trouble raising funds.

"Astor was everybody's dog here," Kaczmarek said. "We all felt like he belonged to us."

He did.

Astor and Foy kept the courthouse safe. But the crime-fighting duo accomplished a lot more since Sheriff John Zaruba, who attended the tribute, partnered them in August 1999.

Astor was called out to crime scenes and for bomb threats. It was Astor who found the gun, buried in the snow, in a fatal apartment shooting at Benedictine University in January 2004. He had 42 finds of explosives and guns during his career.

He secured the grounds of the 2006 PGA Championship golf tournament in Medinah. He made sure local school buildings were safe after a bomb threat before students were allowed back inside. He also guarded visiting dignitaries, such as President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

"Astor was the warm and furry side of law enforcement," DuPage Chief Judge Ann Jorgensen said. "He was a great ambassador."

Astor was trained and certified in detecting 23 different types of explosives. The sheriff's other explosives dog, Utah, a black Labrador, also is stationed at the courthouse.

Foy said the outpouring of support was overwhelming. An attorney, Paul DeLuca, also created an oil painting of Astor for Foy and his wife, Karen, who attended the emotional tribute.

"They say respect is earned and not just given," Foy said, as he looked out at the crowd. "You did good, buddy. You did good."