Cobb County Sheriff's Office K-9 Shax retired after five years of service.

Pictured left to right: Major Larry White, Deputy Barry Bales, Assistant Chief Deputy Gina Hawkins

Cobb County Sheriff’s Office Celebrates K-9 Shax’s Retirement

On Friday, March 14, 2025, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office hosted a retirement ceremony for K-9 Shax, a seven-year-old Bloodhound who served with distinction for over five years. Held at the Advanced Operation Center, the event honored Shax’s remarkable contributions to public safety and his impact on the Cobb County community.

Trained by Georgia K9 in Edisto Island, South Carolina, K-9 Shax specialized in tracking human odor, assisting in locating missing individuals and fugitives. Throughout his career, he was deployed 119 times, successfully locating multiple individuals and aiding law enforcement agencies across Metro Atlanta, including Chamblee and Ellijay. Serving first with Deputy S. Berger and later with Deputy B. Bales, Shax played a vital role in numerous search-and-rescue operations.

The ceremony featured a retrospective of Shax’s career, recognition of his handlers, and a tribute to his dedication and service. Attendees reflected on his invaluable contributions to the Sheriff’s Office and the lives he helped protect.

Now officially retired, K-9 Shax will spend his days with his handler, Deputy B. Bales, enjoying a well-earned life of relaxation, play, and companionship. His legacy as a dedicated tracking K-9 will continue to inspire the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves.

We thank K-9 Shax for his outstanding service and wish him a happy and peaceful retirement!

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Photo Credit: The Cobb County Sheriff Office

For more information on the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office:
https://www.cobbsheriff.org

For more pictures of the K-9 Shax Retirement Ceremony, use the link below:

Photos

:: Courtesy of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office::

Major White welcomes the audience at the K-9 Shax Retirement Ceremony.

Deputy Bales shares heartwarming remarks at the K-9 Shax Retirement Ceremony.

Assistant Chief Deputy Hawkins feeds K-9 Shax dog treats as a part of his retirement gifts at the K-9 Shax Retirement Ceremony.

Deputy Bales and members of the K-9 Unit pose for a photo at the K-9 Shax Retirement Ceremony.

K-9 Shax couldn't control his excitement to see members of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office staff at the K-9 Shax Retirement Ceremony.