Newton County Sheriff’s Office Addresses Concerns Over K-9 Bolt’s Future After Handler’s Resignation
The Newton County Sheriff’s Office has addressed concerns regarding the future of K-9 Bolt following the abrupt resignation of his handler, Deputy Ezekiel Walker. Deputy Walker resigned from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office on July 22, 2024, without providing proper notice, and was sworn in at the Henry County Police Department the same day. In response to Walker’s resignation, the Uniform Patrol Division Captain began drafting a letter to retire K-9 Bolt from service.
An expert raised concerns about Bolt’s health and well-being, suggesting the importance of keeping Bolt with his current family. Sheriff Ezell Brown expressed his intention to ensure that Bolt remains with his family but emphasized that any actions taken must follow the proper procedures. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Brown has maintained communication with Deputy Walker’s wife and has not avoided any discussions with the family regarding Bolt’s future.
There were reports that Deputy Walker and K-9 Bolt were hired as a team, but an investigation by the Internal Affairs Division determined these claims were unfounded. Bolt was taken to a local veterinarian to assess his health and fitness as a working police dog, and it was determined that he could continue serving as a police dog for at least another year.
Deputy Walker’s wife had offered to purchase Bolt; however, the Newton County Sheriff’s Office believes that Bolt’s best interest is to continue his police work in serving the community. The Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with the Henry County Police Department to facilitate Bolt’s reunion with Deputy Walker through the proper channels, ensuring that Bolt’s release to the new department would not result in any liability for Newton County.
The matter is being handled by the Internal Affairs Division and the Human Resources Department of the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. As of now, there has been no further contact between the Walker family and the Sheriff’s Office.
