CARMEL- Sad times around the Putnam Sheriff’s Department with the loss of two canines within 48 hours.
On Thursday, Chase, a bloodhound who joined the force in 2015, died at the age of 12. Yesterday, K9 Mikey was put to rest following a sudden and unexpected aggressive illness.
Chase was originally adopted by a Westchester couple from an animal shelter. However, when the woman of the home delivered a child shortly thereafter, the couple realized the task of rearing two “children” would be too much to bear and contacted Westchester officials advising they were willing to donate their pure bred bloodhound to a police agency with no strings attached.
Westchester Police notified area police agencies of the generous donation and the Putnam Sheriff’s Dept. jumped at the idea of having its own bloodhound.
Canine Mikey was a five-year-old Belgian Malinois from Holland, who was a New York State–Certified Patrol and Explosive Detection canine.
For four years, Mikey faithfully served the residents of Putnam County alongside his handler, Deputy Christopher Tompkins, forming an unbreakable bond both on and off duty.
Mikey was named in honor of Brewster firefighter and former Putnam County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Neuner, who perished while battling a house fire in June, 1997 — a tribute reflecting the courage, dedication, and spirit he carried throughout his career.
Sheriff Brian Hess reflected Friday: “Throughout his service, Mikey demonstrated unwavering drive, discipline, and heart. He played a critical role in numerous investigations and in the apprehension of criminal offenders. Above all, he was a loyal partner — steadfast, protective, and always ready to work.”
When recalling Chase, the sheriff said: “Specializing in tracking, Chase played an important role in assisting investigations and locating missing persons proudly serving alongside his handler, Senior Investigator Hill. Together, they formed a trusted and dedicated partnership. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Senior Investigator Hill and Deputy Tompkins along with their families. The canines’ legacies will live on in the safety they helped provide and in the bond they shared with their handlers and our community.”
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