Jasper K-9 Officer, King, Is Laid To Rest

The parking lot of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department was full on Thursday morning, Aug. 27.

A memorial service was held for Jasper County Deputy King, Badge #1189. Deputy King was laid to rest in front of the department. A respectful crowd listened to Sheriff Roper’s words and the performance of Taps by Les Steele. The American flag above the grave flew at half-mast.

King was a black German Shepherd, a 10-year-old dog who had served the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department since 2002 as its first K-9 officer. King was a skilled dog in many areas.

These included scent tracking, handler protection work and drug detection (marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin). On King’s first day on the job in Monticello, he was responsible for eight pounds of marijuana seized.
{{more}}
King partnered with three different deputies during his tenure in Monticello: Charles “Cookie” Cook, Randy Dean, and most recently, Kelly Montgomery. Deputy Montgomery spoke for all three men as he said, “King was a partner” and that “this bond was like no other” and “He will be missed.”

King and his handlers were responsible for numerous arrests and more than $1 million in drug, weapon, and property seizures. King was also an ambassador for Jasper County children as he visited schools during Career Days, showed his skills at Jasper County Farm Bureau’s Safety Camp, and as a constant presence in the K-9 unit vehicle.

King and Deputy Montgomery won high score in a competition of 30 drug hides following their training class together in 2008, a deed worthy of praise as they competed with other units from across the country.

K-9 officers serve nationwide in police and sheriff departments. These dogs are expensive ($4-10K) because of the extensive training involved both initially and as continuing education with their handler.

Their keen senses can make drug arrests possible with quick efficient searches of buildings and vehicles. Their bravery and loyalty are commendable, and they require no salary other than a comfortable bed and a filling meal.

King’s memorial service was attended by the Sheriff Department’s officers and employees, by local citizens, and by K-9 handlers from units in Baldwin County (Deputy Seymour and German Shepherd Zaten) and Porterdale (Officer Crips and Golden Retriever Sergeant Beau).

Sheriff Roper started the service with a prayer and words of praise for King and what an asset he had been in our community.

Merchants from around Jasper County have contributed to his memorial grave site where roses and junipers will be planted. As additional donations come into the Sheriff’s Department, this money will be saved for the acquisition of a new K-9 Officer to serve and protect. King would be proud.
Rest in Peace, Deputy King. Thank you.

(Editor’s Note: Dr. Proctor was King’s veterinarian while he served Jasper County, and she attended the service, took the photos and created the collage above.)