Solano Sheriff's Deputies Mourn Agency's First Canine

By Bay City News Service

The first canine to join the Solano County Sheriff’s Office has passed away, sheriff’s officials said.

The canine, King, joined the sheriff’s office in 2001 when Deputy Michael Waller was chosen to be the agency’s first canine handler, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff’s officials announced the dog’s death Friday.

“King was Solano County Sheriff’s first patrol canine and I was lucky enough to have been selected to drive him around,” Waller said in a statement. “King had the ability to apprehend a 275-pound man high on narcotics, locate narcotics in the most undesirable home and put on a demonstration for a preschool class all in the same hour.”

King served the agency for nearly 10 years before he retired in 2009.

After retirement, King stayed with Deputy Waller.

“Without King I would not be the deputy, canine handler or canine trainer I am today. King will be missed,” Waller said.

(Photo courtesy of Solano County Sheriff’s Office)