Published: March 19, 2009 10:36 pm      

Bomb-sniffing police K-9 dies of cancer

Department needs $16,000 for new dog

Fayette County sheriff’s Deputy Nick Mooney said his K-9 partner Sampson was more than a dog.

The 8-year-old golden retriever found missing people, tracked armed robbery suspects in a swamp, and dangerous situations of any kind — even those involving a possible bomb — did not faze him. At the same time, he was a cuddly, furry friend for pre-schoolers and police officers alike.

But Wednesday, Mooney arrived home to find out his partner and best friend had died.

Sampson, Fayette County’s first bomb-sniffing dog and a K-9 since 2002, died at Mooney’s residence. Sgt. Mike Fridley, K-9 supervisor, said an autopsy later determined Sampson died of cancer. Because of their extremely high drive, cancer in police K-9s is rarely detected until the most severe stages — if detected at all.

“It was just like he wore the uniform and drove the cruiser like we do,” Mooney said. “I wonder if he could have really done it. He was just that amazing.”

Mooney became Sampson’s handler about two years ago after Cpl. Steve Gray, the previous handler, was called to active military duty. Sampson was a dual-purpose dog trained for explosives detection and tracking, and other jurisdictions frequently utilized him, Mooney said.

Recently, Mooney and Sampson were called to help pursue a Greenbrier County armed robbery suspect who had fled to Meadow Bridge. For 3 miles and in the dark, both deputy and dog followed a path that led them over paved roadways, through a farm property’s field and into a swamp. Water reached Mooney’s gun belt, and he had to get both himself and Sampson out for safety reasons.

Mooney said police later caught the suspect, who told officers, “I thought you had me when I saw that golden retriever and the deputy in the swamp. You were so close.”

Sampson was also a hit with youngsters, Mooney said. A 3-year-old preschooler was once knocked down by Sampson’s “notoriously” heavy tail. Sampson then ran to the boy, licking him like he was checking to see if the child was OK. The boy, unhurt, got up and wanted to play with the friendly dog.

Often, citizens do not fully realize what K-9s do to serve them, Mooney said.

“If you need them, they’re there for you. That’s all they want to do,” he said. “A lot of people think they’re only drug or bite dogs. They don’t think of the teenage girl whose grandpa with Alzheimer’s is missing. Our K-9 teams would help find him.”

Mooney said the department intends to purchase another bomb-sniffing dog. However, it must raise donated funds, as it did to purchase Sampson. This time, the estimated cost is $16,000. That includes the dog, plus all necessary training and equipment.

Those interested in donating are asked to call Fridley at 304-574-4304.

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