09/04/2026
It is with great sadness that the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of retired K-9 G***k after a life defined by service, loyalty, and courage.
K-9 G***k, a Belgian Malinois, was born May 8, 2012, in the Netherlands. After being imported to the United States, he was trained by Shallow Creek Kennels and began his law enforcement career in November 2013 as a Dual-Purpose Patrol K-9.
For more than 12 years, G***k served alongside his handler and became much more than a working dog. He was a trusted partner, protector, and member of the law enforcement family.
Throughout his career, G***k was trained in drug detection, tracking, article searches, and criminal apprehension. He successfully met certification standards through several nationally recognized police K-9 organizations and distinguished himself in competition, earning five first-place finishes, five second-place finishes, and two third-place finishes.
But G***k’s greatest accomplishments happened in the field.
During one deployment, G***k tracked an armed suspect who had fled into a wooded area after threatening others with a knife. G***k detected the suspect from nearly 50 yards away, alerting the tracking team and protecting them from a potential ambush. The suspect was ultimately located concealed along a creek bank wearing camouflage.
On another occasion, during a late-night rainstorm, G***k tracked suspects involved in a home invasion through the woods and directly to the back door of their residence in a nearby neighborhood.
G***k was equally accomplished in narcotics detection. His alerts contributed to significant drug seizures, including four ounces of methamphetamine during one traffic stop. In another investigation, G***k detected narcotics concealed within and underneath bales of hay in the bed of a truck. His work ultimately led investigators to a residence where a search warrant resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs and cash.
These are only a few examples of a career spent protecting deputies, helping apprehend dangerous individuals, removing illegal drugs from our communities, and serving the citizens of Dearborn County.
Behind the badge, however, was a bond that cannot be measured by statistics, arrests, seizures, or awards. For more than 12 years, G***k and his handler, Sergeant Josh Cochran, worked side by side. That partnership extended far beyond a patrol car or a shift—it was built on absolute trust, loyalty, and countless hours together.
K-9 G***k served with courage and distinction, and his legacy will forever be a part of the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Office.
We extend our deepest condolences to Sergeant Cochran and family, as well as everyone who had the privilege of working alongside G***k throughout his remarkable career.
Rest easy, K-9 G***k. Your watch is over.
Thank you for your service, your loyalty, and for always protecting those beside you.
K-9 G***k
May 8, 2012 – September 4, 2026
End of Watch
