CCSO holds memorial service for K-9 deputies
CCSO holds memorial service for K-9 deputies
Representatives from several law enforcement agencies joined the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday morning for a memorial service to honor two K-9 deputies who died unexpectedly in June.
Columbia County Sheriff’s K-9 Sagas and K-9 Cinco died about a week apart from unrelated medical causes.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office acquired K-9 Sagas in 2003. He was teamed with Cpl. Keith Jackson. K-9 Sagas was trained and certified in apprehension and narcotics and had countless arrests to his credit. "Working with Cpl. Jackson, K-9 Sagas transformed beyond a tool and became an invaluable law enforcement weapon," Sheriff Bill Gootee told the group.
K-9 Cinco was acquired just over a year ago and was teamed with D/S Matt Grinstead, a new K-9 handler. "The two worked hard together – shed some blood and some tears – but became an excellent team,’ said Sheriff Gootee. "K-9 Cinco was also trained and certified in
apprehension and narcotics and was well on his way to an impressive arrest record."
A plaque will be placed in the front lobby of the Sheriff’s Operations Center in memorial of each canine.
"This service was short and to the point but I believe it was necessary for us to memorialize these two canines and what they did for our agency and our community," said Sheriff Gootee. "It’s also important for our handlers to know we appreciate their dedication to their partner."
Members of the K-9 division from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Corrections and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission were all in attendance at Wednesday’s service.
"It means a lot for these agencies to be here," said Cpl. Keith Jackson. "It shows we all really are a team."
Sheriff Gootee ended the service with the poem, "Guardians of the Night" that honors canine law enforcement and their partners.
GUARDIANS OF THE NIGHT
Author – Unknown
Trust in me my friend, for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with my last breath.
When all others have left you
And the loneliness of the night closes in,
I will be at your side.
Together we will conquer all obstacles
And search out those who might wish harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion,
And the caring touch of your hands.
It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life
And spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing of the seasons
Know that each day by your side is my reward.
My days are measured by
The coming and going of your footsteps.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill,
The voice of authority when I have done wrong.
Do not chastise me unduly,
For I am your right arm,
The sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid of me.
I seek only to please you and remain in your favor.
Together, you and I shall experience
A bond only others like us will understand.
When outsiders see us together,
Their envy will be measured by their disdain.
I will quietly listen to you
And pass no judgment,
Nor will your spoken word be repeated.
I will remain ever silent,
Ever vigilant, ever loyal.
And when our time together is done
And you move on in the world
Remember me with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passing among us undetected.
If we should meet again on another street
I will gladly take up your fight,
I am a Police Working Dog
We are the guardians of the night.
