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Sunday, August 25, 2013

Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Mourns Loss of Retired K9

Date: 20 August 2013

Incident: Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Mourns Loss of Retired K9

Narrative: On behalf of the men and women of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Michael A. Lewis regretfully announces the passing of a long time canine that was assigned to our explosive detection team. On 20 August, Retired K9 Gary passed away after a brief illness.

K9 Gary had worked with both DFC Welch and most recently Cpl Heath since 2006 on a vigilant mission to keep our buildings and citizens safe. Not only did K9 Gary provide loyal and dedicated service to Wicomico County, but he was routinely called upon to assist neighboring jurisdictions throughout the region.

K9 Gary regularly trained not only here in Wicomico County but he also trained alongside other K9 teams from Dover Air Force Base that had been involved in seeking out IED type explosives in both Iraq and Afghanistan, all in an effort to constantly improve his working ability.

K9 Gary was also a popular ambassador to our community as he often demonstrated his unique ability to seek out and find explosives at county fairs and for any groups that visited the station to learn about the Sheriff’s Office.

K9 Gary retired in December 2011. We thank K9 Gary for all of his years of active duty service to the Sheriff’s Office and he will be sorely missed.
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Releasing Authority: Chief Baker Date: 21 August 2013

13 comments:

Weeping Willow said...

It is with great sadness that we hear of Gary's passing
We had the privilege to board this
magnificent canine
As always - Quick Speed to the Rainbow Bridge where you can once again feel like a puppy

Weeping Willow Kennels

Anonymous said...

I too am very sad to learn of the passing of yet another one of or finest!The Rainbow Bridge will welcome you with open arms.

Jack K Richards said...

RIP Brother, you done good.

Anonymous said...

A well written much deserved tribute to one of Salisburys finest!

Anonymous said...

It's a dog.
Not a person.
I love my animals too.
But for $12,000 it can be replaced with a better version.

Jack K Richards said...

5:58pm It is obvious that you have never been a LEO and worked witha a K-9 that had your back, would be the first to enter a building, etc and could possibly save your life as happened to a Officer down here in Florida.

SHANE T BAKER said...

To 5:58pm that dog your talking about helped keep Wicomico County Safe! For that matter the whole shore at one time or another. That K-9 handler happens to be a good friend of mine ! After speaking with him today he is hurting because he lost a friend and a partner! Why don't you give me a call and I will be more that glad to discuss this with you further! 443-614-6285. I have lots more I would like to talk about! Starting with your manners!

Anonymous said...

Kiddo to you Mr Richards & 6:55!--That person just "doesn't get it!"

Anonymous said...

5:58. If that's really how you feel, you shouldn't be allowed to have animals!

Anonymous said...

Kinda sad I work for the WCSO and I had to find out about this on the blog!

Anonymous said...

Heartbreaking.Words cannot explain the devotion this dog had.I have no ill will toward 5:58 or others who feel like he does.I just wish they could experience the love that an animal has to offer.

Anonymous said...

Dear 5:58 It is heartbreaking for our family to lose this dog. Gary was a vital part of our lives and the lives of the officers, and citizens he protected. Since Gary was retired, there is no cost to the tax payers. It will be handled by the family. If you would like to donate to the Retired K9 medical costs. Healing Hands Animal Hospital is starting up fund for these hard working and deserving K9's. It is located on Main Street in Salisbury, MD

Proud Grammy of Gary.

Anonymous said...

God bless this good and faithful protector they don't get enough recognition.