Related article: K-9 shot by Fla. police, not suspect
By Susannah Bryan and Sallie James
The Sun-Sentinel
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Oozi was more than just any dog.
He was a dog who caught bad guys - at least 35 this year and hundreds more during his career as a highly trained police K-9. Despite a fierce intensity on the job, he was goofy enough to make you laugh, loving enough to capture your heart, those who knew Oozi said at his memorial Wednesday.
To his handler, Broward Sheriff’s Deputy Jerry Wengert, he was part of the family: a loyal friend, an obedient partner, a fearless warrior.
Oozi, a 7 1/2 -year-old Belgian Malinois, died in the line of duty last week, possibly a victim of friendly fire.
More than 500 law enforcement officers and nearly 200 police dogs from around Florida mourned his loss during Wednesday’s service at Cooper City High School.
Kathy Jacobs, 60, drove an hour in the rain from Pompano Beach to attend the service for Oozi, a dog she’d never met. She carried three gifts: six red roses, a white teddy bear and a sympathy card for Wengert.
Oozi was killed during a rain of gunfire last Thursday after Delvin Lewis led police on a chase from Oakland Park to Miami Beach. Lewis, of Lauderhill, was accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and fleeing down Interstate 95.
The chase ended in the parking lot of Mount Sinai hospital. When Lewis refused police orders to step out of his car, Oozi was sent in to apprehend him. With Oozi in the car, police opened fire after seeing Lewis reach for what they thought was a gun. Miami-Dade police have declined to say whether Lewis was armed.
When it was over, Lewis was wounded and Oozi was dead.
“I know he is in heaven now, but I miss him,” Jenna, Wengert’s 7-year-old daughter, told a crowded auditorium during the service. Describing Oozi as her “brother,” she thanked him for keeping her daddy safe. “I love you, Oozi, and will miss you forever. I will never forget you.”
Oozi and Wengert, partners since December 2004, were assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Cooper City station. The two won “employee of the month” last year for helping break up a Cooper City burglary ring.
On Wednesday, through tears and laughter, Wengert remembered the good times.
“Oozi thought he was a lap dog even though he was at least 75 pounds,” he said with a chuckle.
Afraid of thunderstorms, Oozi once escaped from his kennel only to show up at a block party, where he helped himself to all the food. But at work, Oozi loved nothing more than the hunt, surging into danger, his partner at his side.
Copyright 2008 The Sun-Sentinel