VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — No one’s sniffed like Gaston, no one’s ruffed like Gaston!
Gaston, an 8-year-old German shepherd K9, is retiring on Thursday after five years with the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office says he’s been invaluable as an explosive/detection deputy.
He’s conducted roughly 1,635 searches in his career, from the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and Norfolk International Airport.
“We are sad to see K9 Gaston go. He has been a tremendous asset to the VBSO and the Virginia Beach community,” said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. “We are proud of our K9 partners and wish Gaston a long, healthy retirement.”
Gaston’s such a big star that Wasserhund Brewing Company in Virginia Beach even named a beer after him back in May. The Deputy Gaston Munich Helles Lager is Wasserhund’s first tribute to working dogs.
Gaston is being adopted his handler, Sgt. Aaron Whitehead, and “will enjoy a comfortable and well-deserved retirement as a beloved house dog,” the sheriff’s office says.
“Together K9 Gaston and Sgt. Whitehead have ensured the safety of our community over the past five years, whether at school, work, court, concerts or other events,” added Holcomb. “Good boy, Gaston! Enjoy retirement.”
Gaston had a final walkout at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center. Here’s the video: