December 16, 2021–3:06 p.m.

GORDON COUNTY SHERIFF MITCH RALSTON

Sheriff’s K9 “Deputies” ‘Lolli‘ and ‘Czek’ were recognized Tuesday with an official commendation from Sheriff Mitch Ralston for excellent law enforcement work, particularly in criminal drug seizures, felony arrests, and rescues.

K9 Deputy ‘Lolli’ joined GCSO 4 years ago. She is a 5-year-old Labrador retriever, trained to sniff out narcotics and other dangerous drugs, and is also trained to track people. 

‘Lolli’ is a Sheriff’s Office ambassador to the elementary schools where her handler Sergeant Jarod Powell introduces her to students as his partner. She is gentle and affectionate and is a favorite of the children. Sergeant Powell supervises the K9 teams which are both assigned to Community Crime Prevention.

In 2021, ‘Lolli’ was deployed over 40 times, and was responsible for the seizure of several pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis, and heroin. She initiated 7 successful tracks including the rescue of 2 missing/endangered persons and was responsible for 31 felony arrests. ‘Lolli’ resides with Sergeant Powell and his family.

K9 Deputy ‘Czek’ is a more recent addition to the GCSO staff, having joined the Sheriff’s Office in December 2020. ‘Czek’ is a 2-year-old Dutch Shepherd, trained to sniff out narcotics and other dangerous drugs, and to track and apprehend fleeing/dangerous felons. In 2021, ‘Czek’ was deployed 25 times, was responsible for the seizure of trafficking levels of methamphetamine, and 21 felony arrests.

‘Czek’ is a high-level bundle of energy, and enjoys patrolling the county. ‘Czek’ resides with his handler Deputy Dale Pullen, who has handled law enforcement K9 partners for 18 years.

Both ‘Lolli’and ‘Czek’undego a minimum of 8 hours training every week, in tracking, narcotics detection, and apprehension.

Additionally, each dog is certified annually by the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association. A third team member, Deputy Mitchell Massingill, is assigned to the unit and he assists with training the dogs as well as his patrol duties.

Sheriff Mitch Ralston said, “Czek and Lolli and their handlers Sergeant Powell and Deputy Pullen, and Deputy Massingill, are all great assets to this Office and to the people of Gordon County. I am very proud of all of them and their service on a daily basis, and they are richly deserving of this recognition.”