Media Advisory

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Retirement Ceremony For K-9 Shax

MARIETTA, GA (March 14, 2025) – The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will celebrate the retirement of K-9 Shax, a seven-year-old Bloodhound, after an impressive career of service. Born in San Bernardino, California, K-9 Shax was trained to track human odor by Georgia K9 in Edisto Island, South Carolina. He began his career with the Cobb County Sheriff's Office in Dec. 2019 and served with distinction for over five years.

K-9 Shax’s first assignment was with Deputy S. Berger, from 2019 until Feb. 2022. During their time together, they successfully located nine individuals and assisted in locating 43 others. After his reassignment to Deputy B. Bales, K-9 Shax and his new handler located seven additional individuals. Over the course of his career, K-9 Shax was deployed 119 times to assist multiple agencies across the metro region, including in Chamblee and Elljay.

The retirement ceremony will include highlights of his career, recognition of his handlers, and a look forward to his well-deserved retirement.

When: Thursday, March 14, 2025 | 11:00 AM

Where: Cobb County Adult Detention Facility, 1825 County Services Pkwy, Marietta, Georgia 30008

Who: Members of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, K-9 Shax and his handler, Deputy B. Bales.

Why: K-9 Shax’s dedicated service has had a lasting impact on the Cobb County community. His skills in locating missing persons and assisting with public safety operations have helped save lives. This ceremony offers an opportunity to recognize his contributions and thank him for his unwavering dedication.

About K-9 Shax:
K-9 Shax served the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office with distinction, contributing to numerous successful operations and public safety missions. After his retirement, K-9 Shax will live with his handler, Deputy B. Bales, where he will enjoy a peaceful retirement. He will spend his days relaxing, playing, and receiving the care and love he deserves after a distinguished career.

We wish K-9 Shax a happy and fulfilling retirement!

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About the Cobb County Sheriff's Office: The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office is a law enforcement agency that executes a broad range of services which include but are not limited to Jail Operations, Court Security, Criminal Warrant Execution, Civil Process Service, Mental Health Transports, Forgery/Fraud Investigation, and Fugitive Investigation and Apprehension. Sheriff Craig Owens took over the office on Jan. 1, 2021, and leads a staff of more than 800 deputies and civilians. Under his leadership, the Sheriff’s Office has the most diverse command staff in its nearly 200-year history and is on the path to becoming the best law enforcement agency in the State of Georgia. To learn more about the Cobb County Sheriff's Office, visit https://www.cobbsheriff.org/. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Download the Cobb County Sheriff's Office App!

Sgt. Bales & K9 Shax