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City Hopes Police K9 Can Stay With Family of Fallen St. Petesburg Officer
Officer Jeffrey A. Yaslowitz and Ace
St. Petersburg Times via YellowBrix
January 26, 2011
ST. PETERSBURG — The four-legged partners of canine police officers are more than that. Police dogs train, work and live with their officers. The dog becomes a member of the officer’s own family.
So it was with Ace, the partner of slain St. Petersburg Officer Jeffrey A. Yaslowitz. The officer is survived by his wife, Lorraine, 40, and their children: Caleb, 12; Haylie, 8; and Calen, 5.
Ace is a part of their family, said city officials, who hope to keep it that way.
“These kids lost their dad,” said Mayor Bill Foster. “We’re not going to let them lose their pet.”
Ace was in the officer’s SUV during the shootings that killed Yaslowitz and Sgt. Thomas J. Baitinger. He wasn’t brought out to help because the armed fugitive was hiding in an attic, out of the animal’s reach.
Police Chief Chuck Harmon said Ace is still with the family, but under the watch of other canine officers who are assisting them. Ace was Yaslowitz’s partner for two years.
“Ace has been going home with Jeff every night,” Harmon said. “Those kids consider that dog a pet.”
Retired police dogs often stay at home with their partners. In this case, Ace can stay with the family, officials say, if it’s safe for them.
After all, he is able to take down a fleeing suspect with his jaws.
Jonas
over 2 years ago
38366 Comments
Way to go St. Pete. Ace is where he belongs.....
revCCBeasley
over 2 years ago
2944 Comments
My prayers to the family. RIP. I glad they are letting ACE stay with the family. It will help in the family recovery and healing. Oh yes and ACE as well, animals become attached as well.
OlympicJoy
over 2 years ago
374 Comments
Really hope the dog gets to stay with them. That would be heartbreaking if not.
Rogue1
over 2 years ago
466 Comments
My heart and prayers go out to this family. If Ace can bring them some comfort and they him , I say leave them together they have lost more than enough. Great ciy and department for knowing that and doing the right thing.
RIP my brother.
maverick823
over 2 years ago
768 Comments
OUTSTANDING
LonnaNJ
over 2 years ago
5074 Comments
Big Bump to Rredscropian, and Kudos to SPPD & Mayor!
Ace can provide the family with some Comfort, Therapy in a Sense, and He is their "Shepherd" Now. Ace can continue on to Guard his Sheep. Amen!
dcreasey
over 2 years ago
46 Comments
I am truely impressed with St. Petersburg PD. Went down there for lab school several years ago and enjoyed every minute. They care about their officers and appreciate their sacrifice.....
Melz13
over 2 years ago
12 Comments
Ace is greving also. He's with the family he knows and loves. He will always be part of his partner and his partner part of him. He belongs with the family.
K9_91
over 2 years ago
19960 Comments
The way it should be.
RLW
over 2 years ago
292 Comments
Kudos to St. Pete !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cashdawg644
over 2 years ago
12 Comments
If Officer Yaslowitz integrated his K9 so that the dog responds to his wife, there's no reason Ace should not be left with the family.
1baggdHD
over 2 years ago
1374 Comments
that's awesome, i'd hate to see the family lose 2 members of their family. Prayers go out to the family
Anonymous
over 2 years ago
OUTSTANDING,
redscropian
over 2 years ago
30 Comments
This is the right thing to do fo rthe children, It allows them to be comforted in a way only a dog can provide and they understand it was part of daddy. Stay safe and may the family gain strenght knowing the pet stays at home.
Stay safe and protected to all those who protect and serve.
vlouie
over 2 years ago
1366 Comments
That is the right thing to do. They were more then parters in the fight against crime they were family. The family lost their Husband, father, don't let them lose a pet, another family member! :( Our thoughts and prays to the family in this time of need. We the family in blue need to stick together, this is all we have. We need to do the right thing, and be strong for the family, the community, and to each other in this evil world. God bless, and be safe out there my brothers and sisters. And remember "There are out there" "Be careful"!