The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) recently marked a heartfelt milestone as four of its veteran K9 officers—Ruger, Deacon, Kaos, and Jerry—officially retired from active duty after seven to eight years of distinguished service.
The emotional retirement ceremony took place on Friday, May 30, 2025, and served as the final call for these four-legged heroes who have played a critical role in ensuring public safety across the county.
Decades of Combined Dedication
The four K9s—each assigned to specific handlers and roles—were instrumental in a wide range of law enforcement tasks. These included narcotics detection, suspect apprehension, building searches, tracking missing persons, and providing backup in high-risk situations.
According to ASO officials, it is rare for multiple K9s to retire at the same time, making this event a significant moment for the department. Each dog served with tireless energy and unwavering loyalty, forming close bonds with their handlers and the broader law enforcement family.
“These dogs are more than tools—they’re partners, they’re family,” said a spokesperson from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. “Their service has saved lives, located dangerous suspects, and helped get illegal substances off our streets.”
Ruger, Deacon, Kaos, and Jerry: True Public Servants
While each K9 had a unique role and temperament, all shared one thing in common—an impeccable record of service.
- Ruger, a Belgian Malinois, specialized in apprehension and narcotics detection. His quick reflexes and sharp nose made him a standout in drug bust operations.
- Deacon, a German Shepherd, was known for his keen tracking skills, particularly in missing persons cases. His handler described him as “the most dependable partner I’ve ever had.”
- Kaos earned his name with his energetic personality and fearless approach to dangerous situations. His record includes multiple successful suspect apprehensions without injury.
- Jerry, also a German Shepherd, was considered one of the most obedient and alert K9s on the team, particularly skilled in building searches and patrol support.
Honoring Their Service
During their final call, ASO deputies, staff, and members of the community gathered to show appreciation and celebrate the remarkable careers of these dogs. The ceremony included commendations for each K9 and their handlers, followed by a symbolic “10-42” call—radio code indicating end of duty—for each of the four.
The ASO emphasized that while these K9s are stepping down from official duties, they will live out their retirement in loving homes, most with their handlers or in carefully selected adoptive families who understand the needs of retired service animals.
The sheriff’s office also expressed gratitude to the K9 handlers for their years of training and fieldwork with the dogs. These partnerships often span the entire career of the dog, creating deep mutual trust that is essential in high-pressure environments.
The Role of K9s in Law Enforcement
Law enforcement K9s are highly trained and undergo months of intensive preparation before being certified for duty. Their tasks often place them in dangerous situations, yet their contributions significantly improve the success and safety of police operations.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, K9 units across the country have proven to be vital in locating evidence, controlling crowds, and reducing the use of force due to their commanding presence.
Additionally, the National Institute of Justice notes that canine units can act as both a deterrent to criminal activity and a critical asset in de-escalating tense situations.
A New Chapter Begins
As Ruger, Deacon, Kaos, and Jerry transition into retirement, ASO will continue to train and deploy new K9s to carry on the legacy of excellence these four have left behind. Their departure marks both a bittersweet farewell and a celebration of their contribution to public safety in Alachua County.
The department stated that new K9 recruits are already undergoing training and will be introduced into the force in the coming months.