On Tuesday, March 17, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office officially retired two of its canines after years of faithful and productive service to the community.
Canines Zombie and Perry were acquired in May of 2008 and were teamed with their handlers Sergeant Matt Grinstead and Lieutenant Keith Jackson (retired) respectively. During their seven years of service to Columbia and surrounding counties, they were deployed more than one thousand times each.
Zombie and Sgt. Grinstead have to their record more than 680 narcotics searches with 400 felony arrests, 540 tracks with over 300 captures, 165 building searches, and 105 demonstrations conducted for community relations. In one night alone Zombie tracked three burglary suspects, locating them and clearing more than 75 car burglaries.
Likewise, Perry and Lt. Jackson’s records show more than 710 narcotics searches with 500 felony arrests, 410 tracks with 280 captures, 155 building searches, and 105 demonstrations. As a member of the Interstate Interdiction Team, Perry located over 5 kilos of cocaine and was responsible for the seizure of over $300,000 in cash and numerous vehicles.
These fine members of the CCSO family have more than earned their retirement which will consist of continued love and care from the men that have been by their side from the start.
“Although K9s have been a vital part of CCSO for years”, Sheriff Mark Hunter said, “These two have left a tremendous legacy and huge paws to fill”.
Zombie receiving his retirement plaque from Sheriff Mark Hunter
Perry receiving his retirement plaque from Sheriff Mark Hunter
