BAKERSVILLE – After 10 years of service, Oscar, the K-9 Unit dog for the Mitchell County Sheriff’s Department, has retired.
Oscar’s handler Lt. Jesse English in a letter to the county outlined some of the dog’s achievements during his eight-year tenure with the department, including his 100 percent conviction rate and the joy he brought to all who met him.
“He has brought happiness to children from preschool age through high school,” English wrote in his letter. “He has truly done his part for Mitchell County.”
Oscar was celebrated with a small retirement party Friday, June 5, at the picnic shelter at the Bakersville Creek Walk where local officials, sheriff’s deputies and residents stopped by to pay their respects.
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners were informed of Oscar’s retirement at its Monday, June 1, regular meeting.
Commissioner Matthew “Vern” Grindstaff made a motion to provide Oscar with a retirement gift.
“Mr. Manager and Mr. Chairman, if it pleases the board, I’d like to make a motion that the county do something to honor Oscar, whether it be a special dog bone or something,” Grindstaff said with a grin.
With laughter and applause, the motion passed unanimously to provide the Oscar with a treat.
Oscar will be replaced by a new police dog who was picked up by English on Monday, June 8. English and the dog will undergo three weeks of training before returning to Mitchell County to report for duty.
As for Oscar, he will now become a “pet dog” and live with English and his family.