Handler – Sgt. Oakley
Guernsey County’s first K-9 officer dies
Former Guernsey County Sheriff’s K-9 officer Rose — the first such officer in the county’s history – has passed away and will be laid to rest Friday at an undisclosed location. A single purpose narcotics detection canine, Rose joined the sheriff’s office in 2005 and retired from her duties in 2014, living out her final years with the family of Sgt. Robbie Oakley. “Rose was successful in locating numerous illegal narcotics and played a key role in the fight to combat the illegal drug crisis,” said Sheriff’s Major Jeremy Wilkinson. Rose was born in 2004 in Massachusetts and was later sent to Texas for her initial training. She then reported to St. Albans, W.Va., where she completed her training with Sgt. Traci Landis of the West Virginia State Police. Rose was purchased by the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office using donations from the Fraternal Order of Eagles #386, VFW #2901, Walmart and several other private donations. “The sheriff’s office is thankful for the donations and continues to fund the K9 program from the generous support of the community and residents of Guernsey County,” said Wilkinson. During her time of deployment in Guernsey County, Rose worked with multiple deputies before being partnered with Sgt. Oakley. Officers said Rose was very successful and always eager to work with all her handlers. “Rose was a one-of-a-kind canine,” said Wilkinson. “You couldn’t help but love her. She was very personable and always aimed to please and be loved. She will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know her.”