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K9 "Cigan" was one of the most successful and loved canines in the Western States Police Canine Association. Although his life was cut short, he was loved by many. Cigan was born in Czechoslovakia on 12/09/93. He was purchased in February, 1995 and imported to America. Cigan was certified for patrol on 10/05/95 and was handled by Deputy Fran Hedberg.
Cigan loved competing in K-9 competitions and did very well. His first year competing, 1996, he competed in six trials ( Manteca Police Trial, Modesto Police Trial, Lodi Police Trial, Stockton Police Trial and Western States-Reno Trial). He placed as follows: Galt Police Trial-1st Place Novice Division, 3rd Place Overall, 4th Place Search. Lodi Police Trial-2nd Place Agility, Western States (Reno)-2nd Place Overall, 5th Place Protection.
In 1997, Deputy Hedberg and K9 "Cigan" competed in eight trials. Manteca Police Trial, Sacramento Police Trial, California Police Summer Games in Fresno, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Trial, Modesto Police Trial, Lodi Police Trial, Stockton Police Trial & Western States (Sacramento). Cigan won the following awards during that competition year. Manteca Police Trial-3rd Place Agility, Sacramento Police Trial-3rd Place Agility, 5th Place Search, 5th Place Obedience, Police Summer Games (Fresno)-5th Place (bronze medal) Search, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Trial-4th Place Protection, Modesto Police Trial-1st Place Search, 2nd Place Agility, 3rd Place Overall, 4th Place Obedience, 5th Place Protection, Stockton Police Trial-2nd Place Agility, 5th Place Protection, Western States (Sacramento)-2nd Place Protection, 2nd Place Overall, 5th Place Search. Cigan's outstanding performance lead him to placing him in 3rd Place for the W.S.P.C.A.'s Top Dog of the year.
In 1998, Deputy Hedberg & K9 "Cigan" again competed in eight trials. Manteca Police Trial, Sacramento Police Trial, California Police Summer Games in Concord, Art O'Keefe Invitational Trial, Folsom Police Trial, Modesto Police Trial, Lodi Police Trial, Western States (Stockton). K9 "Cigan won the following awards that season. Sacramento Police Trial-2nd Place Agility, 3rd Place Obedience, Art O'Keefe Invitational Trial-1st Place Obedience team, 2nd Place Overall team, 3rd Place Overall individual high score, Folsom Police Trial-4th Place Overall, Chief's Trophy, Modesto Police Trial-4th Place Overall, 4th Place Search, 5th Place Agility, Chief's Trophy, Lodi Police Trial-1st Place Overall, 2nd Place Protection, 4th Place Agility, Chief's Trophy, Western States (Stockton)-3rd Place Obedience, 4th Place Agility. Cigan's impressive performance lead him to finishing in 2nd for the W.S.P.C.A.'s Top Dog of the year.
In 1999, Cigan started having medical problems and doctors were having difficulty diagnosing his illness. On April 21, 1999, Cigan was taken to U.C. Davis Veterinary Hospital. Cigan was thought to have disseminated fungal disease. He underwent surgery to remove his spleen and do a biopsy. The surgery went well and Cigan went home April 30,1999. On May 1,1999 Cigan became lethargic and unable to stand. Deputy Hedberg rushed Cigan back to U.C. Davis, but Cigan died while en-route.
The tragic unexpected death of Cigan was a great loss the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department and Deputy Hedberg. All of us who were fortunate and had the honor to know Cigan were saddened at hearing the news. Cigan will be missed by all but his memory will always live on.
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