Charger was obtained in October 2022 from another agency in Utah, where he arrived fully trained and certified. Working with an experienced, fully trained K9 brought unique challenges and opportunities, requiring continuous growth and adaptation from his handler. Charger was extremely headstrong and consistently tested limits, but that same drive is what made him an exceptional working dog.
K9 Charger played a critical role in keeping deputies safe. On multiple occasions, his presence alone caused suspects—who had refused to surrender and were actively escalating situations—to immediately comply. Charger helped prevent numerous potentially lethal encounters and gained compliance when other force options had been exhausted.
Whether tracking suspects who fled from moving vehicles or conducting lengthy searches in wooded areas, Charger gave full effort on every call. One notable incident involved a suspect who fled into a multi-level residence and barricaded himself in an unknown room. Charger was deployed through the front door and quickly located the suspect hiding behind a closed door while armed with a hammer. Charger’s presence alone was enough to prompt immediate surrender, with the suspect pleading for Charger to be removed. It was later determined that the suspect was likely preparing to ambush deputies during entry.
While his career with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office was shorter than expected, K9 Charger will always be remembered for the lives he helped protect and the cases he helped resolve. Charger has more than earned his retirement and will now enjoy life on a farm, complete with unlimited food and toys.
Service Statistics:
Training Hours: 600
Deployments: 204
Arrests: 84
68 from detection
16 from patrol
Seizures: 100
2 stolen handguns
$3,000 in U.S. currency
3 pounds of illegal narcotics
K9 Charger, we salute you. Enjoy your retirement.
