POLICE MOURN LOSS OF FIRST K9
By Kerri Roche/Staff Writer
Concord Journal, MA
GateHouse News Service
/x748943205
Aug 15 2007
Alone, the numbers can speak volumes for his work.
He was involved in the apprehension of 34 missing or wanted people.
He also was responsible for more than 40 drug seizures.
He patrolled crowds at several Super Bowls and the 2004 World Series.
However, alongside Patrol Officer Sylvia Toumayan and the members of
the Concord Police Department, the numbers don’t include all that K9
Pativ was – friend, co-worker, public figure and family.
On Tuesday, Aug. 14, as an active police K9, Pativ was put down at
his home after a long illness.
"He unfortunately had been suffering from some serious medical
problems," said Concord Police Lt. Barry Neal. "It was a very difficult
decision by Sylvia."
He was born in Germany on St. Patrick’s Day in 1997.
Toumayan has been Pativ’s sole owner, trainer and co-pilot in the
cruiser. From the beginning, it was a dream of hers to bring a German
Shepard K9 to the Concord department.
So, she bought Pativ with her own money and began the training.
Before heading to the K9 Academy, Pativ was trained by a method
called the German Schutzhund. This practice involves training a dog
in tracking, obedience and protection.
Because of his homeland and Toumayan’s background, Pativ understood
three languages – English, German and Armenian.
Pativ, which means "honor" in Armenian, officially became Concord’s,
and surrounding towns, first K9 on Dec. 3, 1999.
He was later certified in narcotics search and seizure on June 16,
2000.
Among the events Pativ patrolled, "the [2004] World Series was probably
the most exciting," said Toumayan.
Recently, Pativ was taken off his patrol duties because of the
increasing severity of his illness.
After learning the ropes from Pativ, K9 Charik took control of the
backseat in Toumayan’s cruiser. However, Charik is not narcotics
certified yet, so Pativ would help out where needed.
Both Pativ and Charik call Toumayan’s backyard home.
It is unknown how Charik will respond to the loss of Pativ, but
"he got to say goodbye to his brother," said Toumayan.
Because Toumayan owns Pativ and Charik, she is responsible for their
medical bills.
Personally, she would like to thank the Wignall Animal Hospital in
Lowell. More specifically, Dr. Nancy Copek in the Lowell office.
"She has dealt with his illness. Let’s just say Pativ wasn’t very
kind going to the vet," said Toumayan.
Because he is an officer in the North Eastern Massachusetts Law
Enforcement Council (NEMLEC), Pativ has given Concord and surrounding
communities more than seven years of service.
"Personally, I’m very saddened that he’s gone. He’s meant so much.
Pativ was like having three or four extra police officers out there,"
said Neal.
Not only was he the equivalent of several trained officers, said Neal,
but also he was as much as a member of the force as his two-legged
counterparts.
The gentle giant had a slew of nicknames around the station, including
Maniac and Boo Boo.
"Pativ was such a great guy. He worked and he worked very hard for us,"
said Neal.
Neal was with Toumayan to offer his support when the vet arrived.
"It’s really losing a department member," said Police Chief Len
Wetherbee. "Toumayan’s done a tremendous job with the dog."
Because of his playful nature, yet strict obedience, Pativ was also
used as a public affairs representative. With her partner, Toumayan
has done several demonstrations and meet-and-greets with Pativ. He
made a regular appearance at the Fourth of July Picnic in the Park
festivities.
The influence Pativ has had is not only felt in Concord, but in
surrounding areas with people young and old.
"A number of other communities have now taken on a K9 and I think
it has a lot to do with [Pativ and Toumayan.] … He really showed
how effective and important K9s are regardless of the [community’s]
size," said Wetherbee.
A memorial ceremony at the station is being planned for Pativ.
His body was taken to a crematorium in South Middleboro, which
specializes in K9 arrangements.
"Our sympathy goes out to Officer Toumayan. It’s a very sad day,"
said Wetherbee.
Memorial donations can be sent to the K9 Gift Fund c/o the Concord
Police Department, P.O. Box 519, Concord, MA 01742.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
