Henry County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit Honors Fallen Comrades at WRTP Memorial Service

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) K9 unit paid tribute to their fallen comrades at the 16th annual WRTP K9 memorial service in Porterdale GA on Saturday, March 2nd. The ceremony, which honored Police K9s, Military Working Dogs, and Contractor Working Dogs, provided a solemn farewell.

The event, reminiscent of a full Police Funeral, was marked by distinguished honors. Honor Guard units from across the state, including Cpl. Benson and Dep. Stillwell, presented the colors. The somber melody of Police Bagpipers filled the air as a missing K9 formation, with participation from Sgt. Powell, paid homage.

Taps echoed through the gathering, followed by a poignant 21-gun salute. Each K9 received their Last Call, individually announced by a dispatcher. Cpl. Podsiadly took the opportunity to address SB371 during the proceedings.

HCSO had the honor of seeing two of their K9s remembered. K9 Quobra was commemorated with a flag presented to her handler, Dep. Suray Smith. Retired K9 Zeke was also honored, with a flag bestowed upon his Handler, Retired LT. Frank Basile.

The entire HCSO K9 unit stood in solidarity as both handlers accepted the flags in memory of their fallen partners.