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  • Mako attacks Steve Miller on Deputy Darryl Beebe’s command during the 56th annual Southwest Garfield County District Fair and Sooner Celebration Aug. 21, 2010. (Staff File Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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December 31, 2012

K-9 officer Mako remembered

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer Enid News & Eagle

ENID, Okla. — Garfield County Sheriff’s Office lost one of its members Monday when K-9 Mako died from stomach tumors, his handler Deputy Darryl Beebe said.

The 7-year-old Belgian Malinois began serving with the sheriff’s office five years ago.

Beebe had purchased Mako when the two still were reserve deputies for the sheriff’s office. Mako, who was imported from Europe, was purchased from and initially trained by Sooner State Police K9 of Waukomis.

“I purchased Mako with my own funds, and that was still when we were still reserves,” Beebe said.

“Shortly after that, we became full-time.”

At the time, the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office had only one K-9 team.

Mako was a dual-purpose police K-9, trained in both narcotics detection and patrol.

Beebe said after joining the sheriff’s office, he and Mako completed basic handler school and were state-certified. The pair also received certifications through National Police Canine Association and California Narcotic Canine Association.

Most police K-9s live with their handlers, and Mako was no exception.

“Most of the dogs stay with us. He stayed with me, was part of our family,” Beebe said. “We’ve done demos, and I’ve taken him to schools out in the county. We’ve been in front of about 1,000 kids.”

Beebe said Mako not only worked for Garfield County, but also assisted other agencies in the area, including Enid Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Waukomis Police Department.

“He’s got the most apprehensions out of our department,” Beebe said. “He was always watching. No one could ever sneak up on me in the Tahoe, because he was always watching.”

Beebe said he’ll always remember the time he spent with Mako at work and at home.

“He was so smart, he could open cabinet doors with his paws. Just stuff like that,” Beebe said. “He got me surprised by that one. He opened the cabinet doors to get his dog food. He hooked it with his claw and was able to pull it open.”

Mako also was a star: He had a part in the Skeleton Creek Production “Cactus Creek.”

“They used him for a bite scene,” Beebe said. “He had several scenes in that.”

Garfield County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Team’s Facebook page remembers Mako for the service he provided the community and the department.

“Mako was a valued member of the Garfield County Sheriff’s Department family. He was also the protector, partner, friend and family member of Deputy Darryl Beebe,” it reads. “Mako’s passing is a significant loss to us personally and professionally. His enthusiasm and sense of duty to the people of Garfield County will be missed.”

A memorial service for Mako is being planned.

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