In the 1960s, his first K9 partner, “Doc”. patrolled together as part of the Tulsa Police Department’s new K-9 unit. Rawlinson, launched the unit with another officer in 1962. He served in the Marines during the Korean War. Rawlinson began his career with the Tulsa Police Department in 1961. He received K-9 training in Kansas City, Mo., the next year Rawlinson worked with Doc for years until the dog was diagnosed with brain cancer. In 1966, while Rawlinson was off duty, he “missed death by the skin of his thumb,” He was working at a laundry he owned when he heard a traffic accident outside. He went out and saw a man fleeing into a nearby gas station. Rawlinson and an on-duty deputy sheriff followed him into the station’s restroom, where the man shoved a German Luger into Rawlinson’s stomach. As the man tried to pull the trigger, the web of skin between Rawlinson’s thumb and index finger prevented the gun’s hammer from firing. He was named Officer of the Month for his bravery. After 20 years of service, Rawlinson retired from the Police Department at age 46 as a sergeant. His wife, Joyce Eudy , died in 1991. He is survived by three daughters, Rise Bennett, Dana Hardy, and Aubrey Hill; two sons, Randy Rawlinson and Doug Rawlinson.
Menu
