Decorated Raytown Police K-9 Dies

On Wednesday, 01-29-2014, retired Raytown Police K-9 “Aik” was euthanized at a Raytown veterinarian clinic, due to deteriorating health.

Aik von der Berger-Ranch, “Aik,” a German Shepherd, was born on November 2nd, 2001, in Jena, Germany, in a litter of 9 pups. In March of 2003, he came to the United States to begin his training as a Police K-9. Aik was trained in narcotic detection, building search, obedience, aggression control, and article search.

Aik began his service with the Raytown Police Department on August 27, 2003. The next day, Aik and his handler, Michael Klein, assisted the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Drug Enforcement Agency, in detecting 185 pounds of Marijuana, which was hidden in a crate of items bound for Kansas City. The Marijuana had an estimated street value of $120,000.

Aik worked alongside patrol officers in Raytown and surrounding cities and counties. He assisted many city, state, and federal agencies, including schools, with narcotics detections and other duties. He participated in many public demonstrations within Raytown and across the Kansas City metro area.

Aik received the Raytown Police Department’s Distinguished Service Award in December of 2006, in recognition of his performance above and beyond his duties.

K-9 Handler Michael Klein retained possession of Aik, when he was decommissioned from department service in February of 2010, which was customary.

Aik was surrounded by friends and family when he died.