Santa Rosa Sheriff’s office gets two K-9s

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office’s cry for help has been heard.

With current budgetary restraints, the sheriff’s office was unable to replace current K-9s, which were near retirement. 

After making known its need for new K-9s March 30, the community answered their plea.

“After publicizing that the SRSO was experiencing this need, the community participation was astounding,” stated Sgt. Scott Haines, public information officer with the sheriff’s office, in a press release.   “Sheriff (Wendel) Hall is pleased to announce that two K-9s were purchased this past week to replace K-9 Gero and K-9 Banja.”

Gero suffered a career-ending injury in March that required him to be retired at 9-years-old.  Banja was required to be retired for health related issues at 8-years-old. 

The two new dogs are Rocky, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois; and Kaz, a 14-month-old German Shepherd.

“The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit graciously received donations from many businesses and individuals,” Haines stated.

For more on this story, see the June 9 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe online.