The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of Halo, a seven-year-old law enforcement K-9 who was euthanized last week after receiving a terminal intestinal cancer prognosis.
Halo, a Belgian Malinois, was a K-9 veteran who served in the United States military at home and abroad before coming to the Sheriff’s Office three years ago through Quality K9 Concepts.
“Super dog. Super smart,” said Capt. Brandon Reeves, from the Special Operations Division. “There’s no telling how much illegal narcotics she’s detected and helped get off the road.”
Bonding with handler
Halo was handled by Deputy Austin Plueger, and according to Capt. Reeves, the pair worked exceptionally well together as they both have “go-getter” personalities.
“They just made the perfect team,” he said.
Capt. Reeves said that Plueger spent all day every day with Halo, starting with 12-hour shifts in a patrol car together, followed by going home together where Halo was able to get close with Plueger’s family.
“That’s a bond,” said Capt. Reeves. “Even though she was a resource for us, she did have a little bit of downtime, and she had her own personality.”
Staff-only memorial
A staff-only memorial service for Halo is being planned for an upcoming agency Christmas luncheon.
“A law enforcement K-9 is, you know, in our eyes, a law enforcement officer as well,” said Capt. Reeves. “They’re just a member of the team just like we are.”
