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K9 Stryker During the pursuit, the suspect crashed into numerous vehicles injuring innocent people. The suspect finally ended the pursuit by crashing his vehicle on the Coronado Bay Bridge. At 1944 hours, the suspect jumped from his crushed vehicle and fled on foot. Officers gave chase. Officer Sadler exited his patrol vehicle with "Stryker" by his side. Officers and the suspect were standing on a bridge which was 200 feet high, windy and had low guardrails. Fearing for the safety of the officers and his own safety, Officer Sadler was forced to release "Stryker" to protect the officers. Without hesitation "Stryker" ventured forward and made contact with the suspect. "Stryker" bravely attempted to apprehend the suspect, without concern for his own safety. During the struggle, the suspect was able to get to his feet and ran for the side of the bridge. With "Stryker" still attached to his arm, the suspect jumped the railing and fell from the 200 foot bridge… Sadly "Stryker" did not survive the fall to the water below. "Stryker" was a proud Belgian Malinois, born on 8/11/01 in a town called Viels Maisons, France. His original name was "Stike Des prairies D'amandel. "Stryker's" Father was named J-D III De la Horne Du Cheval Rouge (France), His Mother was Ronie De la piece De Lassault and his Breeder was Jean-Marc Delplanque. During his career as a Guardian of the Night, "Stryker" and Officer Sadler completed hundreds of field and building searches looking for suspects. "Stryker" had numerous apprehensions of dangerous felonious suspects. "Stryker" protected his partner and officers on several hundred calls. The streets and nights were safer when "Stryker" was on the job, serving and protecting the citizens of Oceanside. At the time of this incident, Officer Sadler was an Officer for 7 years. Officer Sadler said the times he felt the safest, even in the worst of times, was when "Stryker" was by his side… “There was no safer feeling when I was walking down a dark alley, gun in one hand, "Stryker" in the other… heart beating so hard, knowing the murder suspect you were chasing was down the alley with nothing to loose. I could look down into those brown eyes… I just knew everything was going to be okay.” "Stryker" gave his life doing what he love - protecting Officer Sadler and the other officers on that bridge that night. "Stryker" gave his last breath making sure none of the officers would be forced to fight the suspect and he kept officers from being exposed to a deadly force confrontation. "Stryker" gave his life to save his partner’s. “Stryker” made the ultimate, selfless sacrifice, to make sure all the officers on that bridge were able to go home in the morning - able to hug their love ones, kiss their wives, husbands, children… Some people may ask, “Why do you like working a dog?” That question is hard to answer. How do you explain the joy of the fur on the uniform, the slobber all over the patrol car, the barking in you ear when you are trying to listen to the radio. The warmth of that furry face against yours as you drive down the road, after he has gotten the kennel gate open. How do you explain the comfort he gives you when walking the dark streets with your fatefully partner by your side. How do you explain going call to call, having fun all the way. Some may say he was "Just a Dog" but then why would it be, when you spell dog backwards, God is what you see. "Stryker" had many jobs, one was protecting officers’ lives, and making sure people were safe when that prowler was out at night. "Stryker" protected his partner’s life with his life until the job was done. Even though his life was cut short and "Stryker" died in the line of duty, he is now with our Lord; sharing in heaven's beauty… off the mean streets. No more bad guys to chase; "Stryker" is now back home; in heaven… cradled in God's arm's; and covered with His love. We'll light a candle for "Stryker" in the dark of night in loving memory of his life and the sacrifice he made. Day by day Officer Sadler and "Stryker" did what they did best; his four paws never seem to rest. He always did what was asked, seeming to enjoy every task. "Stryker" was more than a partner, "Stryker" was a best friend, and he always will be. "Stryker” died a hero on December 31, 2007 at 1944 hours… He will be greatly missed… not only by his partner and by the officers of the Oceanside Police Department, but by all of the officers and deputies that are a part of the brotherhood. Rest in Peace old faithful friend you will never be forgotten… Richard North, Deputy Sheriff/K-9 |
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