Marianne Ryan's Page

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Pink Ribbon From Niko

Profile Information

What Kind of Pet do you have?

K-9 (NYPD) German Shepherd - Taz (passed away 9/27/09)

About Me:

The Loss of a Hero, The End of an Era

In the wee hours of September 27th, 2009, NYPD K-9 Police Officer, Taz Ryan, passed away. He was an active duty German Shepherd, who served the City of New York with loyalty, courage, and honor (2000-2009). Trained in criminal apprehension, tracking & evidence recovery, missing persons search and recovery and cadaver searches, K-9 Taz was the only remaining active-duty NYPD K-9 to have worked at Ground Zero following the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Taz and his partner and handler, Police Officer Scott Ryan, along with their fellow K-9 officers, bravely and relentlessly aided in the search and recovery of victims and evidence at Ground Zero for nearly a year following the 9/11 tragedy.

To the outside world, Taz was a large, strong, and intimidating looking dog. While on duty, he was all-business, eagerly and courageously doing whatever was asked of him, without trepidation. Taz, along with his lifetime partner, Officer Scott Ryan, were together 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with little exception. Until his last day on earth, Taz followed Officer Ryan's every command, with unconditional love and trust. Taz was honored for his service in 2004 by New York State Shields, as well as by the New York Animal Medical Center in 2006, as one of their Top Dogs.

In his off-duty life, Taz lived quietly at home with Officer Scott Ryan and his family in Silver Beach. At home, Taz was a very patient, gentle, sweet, kind, and deeply loyal companion to Scott and his wife and children. Taz was the care-free playmate and ready protector of the Ryan children, while always a constant and trusted companion to Officer Ryan. A strong and quiet fixture in Silver Beach in the Bronx, Taz was the local love of neighbors and friends in their small, close-knit community. This past summer, Taz left his paw prints on a few new hearts in Throggs Neck, in the children and staff of the Villa Maria Academy, as Taz and Officer Ryan presented a K-9 demonstration for the Villa Maria Summer Camp.

Officer Ryan will ride with his partner for the very last time on Friday, October 2, 2009, as he heads to Hartsdale Pet Cemetery to bring Taz's ashes home.

NYPD K-9 Police Officer Taz Ryan will be most deeply missed by his partner, Officer Scott Ryan. Taz was much more than a partner, he was Scott's best friend. Together, they were the perfect pair; a courageous yet gentle soul on each end of the lead. The Ryan family has lost a beloved member of their family. The City of New York has lost a hero. May K-9 Officer Taz Ryan rest in peace and in honor.