Retired K-9 officer hit by vehicle, killed

WINDER - A retired narcotics K-9 for the Barrow County Sheriff's Office was found dead over the weekend, after he apparently was hit by a vehicle.

Sgt. Ryan Sears with the Sheriff's Office issued a statement saying that Ranger, an 11-year-old Black Lab, was found on the side of Highway 211 Saturday. Ranger escaped a fenced yard and made it into the road, where he was hit.

Sears said during Ranger's career, the K-9 was responsible for assisting in the seizure of $300,000 in drug money, 15.5 pounds of cocaine hydrochloride,
3.5 pounds of methamphetamine, several vehicles and a wide range of drug-related paraphernalia.

Ranger had retired just eight months ago.

A funeral service will be held for the K-9 officer on Tuesday March 11th at 1 p.m. He will be laid to rest with the other canines who have served their communities at Oak Rest Pet Gardens, located at 2691 Harbins Road in Bethlehem.