Retired Washoe Sheriff K9 dies from medical complications

Ben, a retired Washoe County Sheriff’s Office K9, passed away from medical complications this weekend. In service from 2006-2014, K9 Ben was paired with Deputy Cole Bunyard who was at the German Shepherd's side when he died.

The retired Bunyard and Ben were involved a number of assignments over their 8 year together on the force, including Patrol and Highway Interdiction. K9 Ben was also a valued tracker for lost people. K9 Ben and Deputy Bunyard were assigned as the resident deputy in Gerlach between 2010 and 2014.

K9 Ben is credited with saving the life of his human partner after Deputy Bunyard was violently attacked without warning during a traffic stop in Gerlach on December 17, 2011. As a result of Ben’s heroic effort, both K9 Ben and Deputy Bunyard received a “Survivor Award” from the James D. Hoff Police Memorial. Click here for details.

The valued K9 was responsible for numerous apprehensions and arrests as well as the removal of a countless amount of illegal narcotics from the streets of Washoe County.

"He will be sorely missed," said a Washoe County Sheriff's Office press release.