Salem Police Mourn the Death of Canine 'Granit'

The loss has left the Salem Police Department with the unexpected need to obtain and train another canine for our program, a cost of approximately $14,000.

(SALEM, Ore.) - It is with great sadness that the Salem Police Department announces the unexpected death of one of their patrol canines, Granit.

Lt Dave Okada with Salem Police, says Granit died on the evening of February 4th from "bloat," which is a condition of the esophagus and lower intestine. There are multiple causes of this condition, but it frequently occurs after exercise, as it was in Granit's case.

Granit was born on July 20, 2001 in Bebra, Germany and joined the Salem Police Department on March 15, 2005. He was certified to Oregon Police Canine Association Standards and began active duty on May 2, 2005 with his handler, Officer Ryan Demmer.

Although Granit had a short career with the Salem Police Department, he and his handler were very active and were involved in hundreds of deployments, including patrol work, narcotics sting operations, SWAT missions and searches for the elderly, sick and young children.

Granit and Officer Demmer participated in the search, capture and arrest of 416 criminal suspects that resulted in 751 criminal charges being filed in Court.

One of Granit's most remarkable captures was that of Oregon State Hospital escapee Michael Sands. Sands escaped from the State Hospital, stole a car, fled from officers in the car, rammed a patrol car, actively fought and resisted officers, attempted to take a taser away from an officer and also attempted to take an officer's firearm in the process.

According to records, Officer Demmer and Granit arrived on scene and Granit was able to take control of Sands until other officers could arrive and take him into custody.

Sands was aggressively fighting with the officer at the time that Granit arrived, and had Granit and Officer Demmer not arrived to assist, the suspect may have been able to wrestle away the officer's firearm and deadly force would have been the likely result. Instead, the suspect sustained bite wounds and was later returned to the State Hospital.

Okada says Granit was loved within the Salem Police Department and will be greatly missed by not only department members, but also Officer Demmer and his family.

He also says this tragic loss has left the Salem Police Department with the unexpected need to obtain and train another canine for our program, a cost of approximately $14,000.

"The last four canines purchased by the Salem Police Department have been largely through the support and generosity of the community," Okada said.

Donations have played a very large part in the police department's ability to maintain the canine program at the high level of proficiency to which our community has become accustomed.

"The Salem Police Department is asking for support in this very worthwhile investment in the safety of our community."

Okada says tax deductible donations can be dropped off at the Salem Police Department or mailed to the Salem Police K9 Unit, 555 Liberty St SE, Salem, OR 97301.