Contact
PO Box 504
Daleville VA, 24083
- friendsofbotetourtk9@gmail.com
Friends of Botetourt K9 was created to be a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to support our loyal K9s of the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department. The K9s alongside their handlers work hard, every day, to keep the community safe. Botetourt County is fortunate to have these K9s, who help track missing persons, identify dangerous drugs, and chase down criminals. Your donations go directly to assist the K9 Unit in various ways such as training, equipment and more!
Niko is a Belgian Malinois, he recently joined the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office in January of 2023. Niko was born October 24, 2020 in Holland and came to us by way of Ventosa Kennels located in North Carolina. Niko started working on the road in April 2023. Niko serves the Citizens of Botetourt County by sniffing out illegal narcotics, tracking fleeing wanted suspects, and apprehending violent individuals. Niko’s current handler is Deputy Miller, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office since January of 2022. Niko is eager to work when called upon, but he also loves to play fetch in his down time.
Axin is a German Shepherd, he joined the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office in August 2021. Axin was born on August 9, 2020 and made his way to Botetourt from Holland. Axin started working the road in November 2021. Axin serves the Citizens of Botetourt County by sniffing out illegal narcotics, tracking wanted suspects, and apprehending dangerous individuals. Axin’s current handler is Deputy Smusz, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2014.
After more than 6 years of faithful service to the citizens of Botetourt County, Deputy (K9) Rico will hang up his uniform to pursue other K9 interests. Throughout his career, Deputy Rico has performed countless hours of challenging and physically demanding duty assignments and training. As a multipurpose K9 serving both the Sheriff’s office and neighboring jurisdictions, he has uncovered illegal narcotics, uncovered evidence in crimes, performed numerous demonstrations for our schools and community, worked alongside emergency response teams and made numerous apprehensions.
Jaap is a Dutch Shepherd, he joined the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office in the Spring of 2017. Jaap was born on September 3, 2013 in Holland. Jaap has served the Citizens of Botetourt County by sniffing out illegal narcotics, tracking wanted suspects, and apprehending dangerous individuals. Jaap retired from the Sheriff’s Office on March 3, 2022. Thanks to support from donors Jaap’s medical and nutritional needs will be covered as he enjoys the next chapter of his life.
K-9 Baron, a German Shepard came to the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office in 2011 certified in patrol and narcotics detection. K-9 Baron grew to become a valued member of the sheriff’s office and for six years faithfully served the department and the citizens of Botetourt County. In addition to working in a patrol function alongside his handler Sgt. J.C. Claterbaugh, K-9 Baron enjoyed visiting local schools, doing public demonstrations, and meeting with community members of all ages to educate them about the Sheriff’s Office and the K-9 program. In his off-duty time, K-9 Baron enjoyed spending time at home with his handler and his family.
Unfortunately, K9 Baron was diagnosed with inoperable cancer and passed away on August 31, 2017. K9 Baron was the only canine with the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office to pass away while on active duty.
The memorial, which is in front of the county’s Public Safety Building, honors the bravery and dedication of the past and present canines who have served the Sheriff’s Office for more than 43 years. The Sheriff’s Office wanted to recognize their four-legged partners who help them serve and protect their community.
PO Box 504
Daleville VA, 24083