Deputy Chief, Major Russell David Hess
(1943-2024)

Russ was born August 29, 1943 in Middletown to Roland A. and Louise T. Hess. He attended Fenwick High School where he participated in the Christian Youth Organization and graduated in 1961. We believed he also served in the United States Air Force.

Russ joined the Middletown Police Department as a Patrolman on October 13, 1966. Within three years, he became their head Canine Trainer. In 1972, Patrolman Hess joined the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) and would serve that organization, in Region 5 and nationally, for the next 43 years as a Level III trainer, National Judge #105, a few offices and its first Director. Also in 1972, he presented himself as a make-a-wish-type gift to a dying girl who wanted to meet him because she loved his voice on the police radio. In 1973, the Department purchased Smokey, a German Shepherd, to be Patrolman Hess’s canine partner. On June 24, 1974, Smokey took 3rd place in the regional USPCA competition. He qualified for national competition from 1975 through 1977 and took 1st place in 1976 in the attack dog competition. Unfortunately, while conducting a search in Warren County, Smokey’s legs got tangled in some vine and damaged his hip. He had to be put down on March 16, 1979.

Officer Hess was promoted to Sergeant on July 21, 1982. By then, he had another partner, Tiger. In 1983, Tiger took top dog honors in the USCPA regionals. He was promoted to Lieutenant on September 4, 1985. On August 16, 1988, he was serving as Vice President of the USCPA. He was promoted to Major and Deputy Chief on January 22, 1989. Also in 1989, Major Hess was elected President of the USPCA and held the office through 1991. A few times during his tenure, Major Hess would serve as Acting Chief, including after the Chief’s retirement on July 7, 1995. Deputy Chief Hess retired on October 17, 1996.

Two weeks earlier, on October 3, 1996, he had been appointed Police Chief of the Jackson Township Police Department in Clermont County. Chief Hess resigned position after two years, on January 1, 1999.

On January 1, 1999, he was named the first Executive Director of the UCPA and served as such until 2015. He was also the USPCA Historian and authored a book. Director Hess finally retired in 2015 with almost half a century of service to his community and law enforcement.

The USCPA has an award, the Russ Hess Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given out during national competitions to “individual(s) who, during their lifetimes, have made significant and selfless contributions to the field of K9” as selected by the USPCA Awards Committee”

Chief Hess died on December 26, 2024 at the age of 81.

He was predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Joan Irene (Cramer) Hess (2017). We believe his survivors include sons, James Russel (Stacie) Hess and Bill (Lois) Hess.

A visitation will be held 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025. at the Anderson Funeral Home-Franklin Chapel, 1357 East Second Street in Franklin. Funeral services will be held at noon. Interment with military honors will follow at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.

Memorials may be sent to the United States Police Canine Association.

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