Ansonia Police Department Canine Kane.
ANSONIA – A memorial service held for Ansonia Police Department’s canine Kane drew about 125 people on Monday (Aug. 12), including some two dozen K‑9 units from across the state.
Kane, a 10-year-old German Shepherd that came from the Czech Republic in 2015 to serve alongside Officer Paul Smith, was euthanized on Aug. 5 after it was discovered he was suffering from cancer. At the service, Kane was remembered as more than just a police dog who fought crime.
“Kane came to us a work dog, but he left as a family member,” said Smith’s wife, Trish. “He only left our side to protect his best friend and partner Paul.”
“What I wouldn’t give to trip over him in the kitchen or hear his collar bang on the tile floor again. He did a truly remarkable job, and he was my children’s best friend. When his job was done, and his mission complete, God said it’s time to come home and obediently he did.”
Kane was certified in patrol and narcotics, and his skills were used for narcotics detection and evidence recovery both locally and for the FBI and DEA, Ansonia Police Chief Wayne Williams said. Just in the past two weeks, Williams said that Kane was successful in the apprehension and detention of a suspect and in evidence recovery.
Williams said Kane served his community well, and that he successfully tracked suspects, as well as missing and lost people. He called Kane a “beacon of strength” that gave the community and Ansonia police officers “a sense of security.”
Police motorcycles led a procession that originated from Newtown, the veterinarian’s office where Kane was put down. One canine unit after another filed onto Nolan Field, with one of the SUVs carrying a grieving Smith family. Officer Smith held tight to Kane’s ashes in a wooden box with his picture on it. The procession entered the field on Wakelee Avenue beneath a giant American flag hoisted up by the city fire department.
Several speakers paid tribute to Kane, while the two dozen police dogs and their handlers stood quietly at attention in the background. Officer Smith’s daughters, Kaylin, 6 and Karly, 2, both dressed in matching pink dresses, clung tightly to pillows in the shape of their beloved dog and best friend.
Officer Smith, fighting back tears, said he never thought the day would come where he’d be saying goodbye to his loyal companion and partner.
“Kane was a true hero who served our community with unwavering loyalty, courage and dedication,” Smith said. “As a distinguished member of the Ansonia Police Department, Kane stood alongside me as a partner, embodying the essence of bravery and commitment in every mission that we undertook.”
Smith said Kane was an asset in the city’s fight against crime and helped area police departments and other agencies during his nine years of service.
“Whether he was conducting searches, tracking suspects, providing support in high pressure situations, Kane approached each day with a sense of purpose ready to serve and protect, never backing down from any challenge,” Smith said.
Smith said the bond he and Kane shared, both as a partner and protector of his family, will never be forgotten.
“Kane was more than just a police dog, he was a beloved companion and cherished member of my family,” he said. “Our bond was a testament to the deep connection between handler and dog. Together we faced dangers on the job, always looking out for one another. We shared countless moments of joy and camaraderie. Kane reminded us the profound impact a dog can have on our lives. And though he may have crossed that Rainbow Bridge, his spirit and dedication will forever remain in our hearts.”
As a police officer radioed to Smith’s canine unit a final time, calling it two times with no answer, the officer declared the End of Watch for Kane.
“Rest easy buddy, we’ll take it from here,” said Smith.
Following the 45-minute tribute, all the police officers in attendance lined up and offered their condolences, one after the other, tightly embracing Officer Smith.
Mayor David Cassetti said at the service that the city will create a memorial plaque honoring Kane’s service to be displayed at the police department in the near future.
“Kane was part of our family in Ansonia, and since 2015 he’s been helping to solve crime and protect our residents,” Cassetti said. “We were blessed to have him part of our force.”
Officer Paul Smith, Kane's handler, embraces an officer from Trumbull during the ceremony.
