Four ASO K9s retire after 7-8 years of service

Press release from Alachua County Sheriff’s Office

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Four of our agency’s furriest members have officially retired. ASO K9s Ruger, Deacon, Kaos, and Jerry had their last call on Friday, May 30, 2025. The ceremonial announcement was made alongside their partners/handlers DS M. Ricks (Ruger), Sgt. E. Bright (Deacon), DS M. McKoy (Kaos), and Lt. Jones (Jerry).

Ruger is a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois. His career with ASO spanned from 2018 to 2025, where he patrolled Alachua County Schools. Ruger also assisted in firearm searches for Patrol and our Criminal Investigations Division, as well as tracking for missing or lost persons. During Ruger’s tenure, he located a firearm that was tied to a homicide, as well as locating a juvenile female with an intellectual disability.

Deacon is a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois and started working at ASO in 2018. He is certified in tracking, criminal apprehension, and narcotic detection; assisting patrol with locating and apprehending fleeing criminals; and finding drugs. During his tenure, he was part of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, where he assisted in apprehending fugitives from justice in high-profile cases.

Kaos is a 10-year-old German Shepherd/Malinois mix. He served the citizens of Alachua County from 2018 to 2025 as a certified drug detection and criminal apprehension canine for patrol. Kaos was also a member of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, where he assisted in apprehending suspects in high-profile cases.

Jerry is a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois. He has worked for the Gainesville Alachua County Drug Task Force, where he assisted with Domestic Highway Enforcement and numerous long-term investigations. Jerry also partnered with the FBI and DEA during his tenure. While doing so, Jerry assisted with significant volumes of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamines, and MDMA being seized within our county. He also has taken 40 guns off the streets and had more than 50 felony drug arrests.

THANK YOU, K9s Ruger, Deacon, Kaos, and Jerry, for your commitment to protecting citizens and helping maintain peace throughout the community. We are grateful for your exceptional work alongside your partners. Enjoy your days at home being the “goodest” of boys! May your retirement be filled with peanut butter, games of fetch, naps, ear scratches, and endless walks.