Law enforcement in Pike County is in mourning following the passing of a long-time canine officer.
The Waverly Police Department on Saturday announced the passing of Sergeant K9 Gold, a dual-purpose working canine assigned to the department.
Sergeant K9 GoldPhoto: Waverly Police Department
The 11-year-old Belgian Malinois was born in France on October 27th of 2011, and passed away at Ohio MedVet on Saturday morning, January 28th, 2023, in the company of his handler, Sergeant Joseph Taylor, and Waverly Police Chief John Winfield.
According to a release from the Waverly Police Department, Sergeant K9 Gold began his career with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office in 2013 and was transferred to the Waverly Police Department in 2016.
The canine officer was trained in tracking, article searches, handler protection, building searches, narcotic detection, and criminal apprehension. Throughout his career he assisted multiple agencies, countless drug seizures, evidence location and apprehensions of fleeing suspects.
In Saturday’s release, the Waverly Police Department extended its condolences to Sergeant K9 Gold’s family along with area organizations that have provided care to the canine officer such as Ohio MedVet and the Chillicothe Animal Clinic.
Sergeant K9 Gold’s police cruiser will be parked in front of the Waverly Police Department this Monday, January 30th for anyone in the community that would like to stop by and pay their respects.