Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds has announced the retirement of the department’s K9 Thor, following the move of Thor’s handler Deputy Cole Piatt to a new law enforcement agency.
Deputy Piatt and K9 Thor’s last day with the LCSO was Wednesday, April 19.
Sheriff Dodds said Deputy Piatt served the county for approximately six years and was “dedicated, honest and thorough deputy.”
“That will be a big void for us and big shoes to fill,” the sheriff in a video posted via the department’s Facebook page. “I’m disappointed to see him leaving; however, I appreciate his desire to go further with another agency.”
Deputy Piatt has participated in a variety of roles at the sheriff’s office, including with the Multi-County Crash Team and as a K9 handler for the last four to five years.
After consulting with several experts, the sheriff related that the department has decided it was in the K9’s and the agency’s best interest to retire the dog.
Deputy Thor was initially purchased for $7,500 by the sheriff’s office through community donations to a K9 fund and Behind the Badge donations (and not utilizing county general funds), the sheriff said. Now the canine will be purchased by Deputy Piatt at a pro-rated price.
“We were considering that Thor would only have about three more working years, and the bond that has developed between Cole and Thor. It would be difficult for the dog to work with another handler,” Sheriff Dodds said.
“Thor will go to live with Cole for the rest of his days.”
In the near future, Sheriff Dodds said the hope is to get a new K9 for the department.
The LCSO is currently determining if any staff members are interested in the K9 handler position, which involves intensive training and day-to-day care of the dog.
“From a law enforcement perspective, it is critical to have a K9,” the sheriff said. “Not only as a criminal tool, but also as a community outreach. The K9 deputy plays an important role.”