Sikeston DPS mourns loss of K-9 'Officer Eros' | Community Spirit

SIKESTON, MO (KFVS) - The Sikeston Department of Public Safety says they are mourning the loss of "Officer Eros," the department canine.

Captain J. McMillen says it is with great sadness that they report the passing of their beloved canine. He says Officer Eros has served the city of Sikeston since April 2005 and was without a doubt the best Canine Officer their department ever had.

McMillen said for more than seven years, Eros served the citizens of Sikeston with honor; never complaining and always ready for duty. He said he achieved great success during his career.

On Nov. 24, Chief Juden reported that Eros has succumbed from ongoing complications.

K-9 Eros and Canine Handling Officer Franklin Adams received their 320 hours of training in 2005 at the Riverview Canine Facility in Cape Girardeau. This included obedience training, handler protection, narcotics detection and tracking. In addition to the police service, K-9 Eros had a big hand in community relations. He and Officer Adams conducted numerous demonstrations at local elementary schools and local clubs such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, local Nursing Homes and the Sikeston Area Retired Teachers Association. In between his work, Eros was always meeting members of the community and establishing a positive image for the department. He was one of the most friendly police canines in the business and adored by children. 

According to McMIllen, not only was he a great representative for the city, he was relentless when it came to police work. No matter the hour of day, K-9 Eros and Officer Adams responded any time they were needed. McMillen said they relied on him on numerous incidents and he left them having earned a distinguished career.

During this seven plus years, K9 Eros' efforts led to him having 569 arrests. Not including his regular shift, Eros was called out for extra duty 211 times. Before his career was over he located marijuana 217 times, cocaine 35 times, methamphetamine 20 times, drug paraphernalia 20 times, and bath salts or synthetic marijuana 4 times. In addition, K-9 Eros located and apprehended two murder suspects, six robbery suspects, and 15 burglary suspects.

According to McMillen, Eros performed 62 tracks on suspects and had 33 arrests from them. Never losing a foot chase with a suspect, Eros single handedly (paws) captured 21 fleeing suspects during his career. What is difficult to measure is the impact that Eros’ presence had on the criminal element behind the scenes. McMIllen said he wonders how many people refused to let drugs in their car because Eros was on duty. Or how the amount of narcotics that wasn’t brought into the community because of the fear of Eros sniffing it out.

Friday afternoon Chief Drew Juden held a public ceremony at DPS HQ in memory of their faithful colleague.  Several of his co-workers, other members from law enforcement, family of law enforcement, and others who knew Eros attended. McMillen said Eros was one of them and he will be greatly missed. Eros was an Officer with an impeccable record and outstanding personality.  He said they have plans to seek a new canine in the near future, but Eros can never be replaced. 

"We were blessed to call him a friend and we all wish him well on his new journey," McMillen said. "Travel well buddy, we will miss you."

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