Okaloosa posts tribute to K9 Officer

OKALOOSA CO., Fla. (WALA) - The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office bid farewell to a K9 officer this week. Joker served the community for six years. His end of watch came on Tuesday, September 4 when he passed away from cancer.

Joker was trained in narcotics detection, tracking and all phases of criminal apprehension. During his career, he logged hundreds of narcotics finds, apprehended numerous suspects, recovered a gun and much more.

Joker worked alongside Deputy Ron Kimble and most recently Deputy Sterling Eslinger.

Deputy Eslinger says Joker had an amazing ability to automatically know the right action to take at the right time. On a personal level, Deputy Enslinger remembers how Joker loved to get close to him. His family called Joker Enslinger's "70 pound lap dog."

Sheriff Larry Ashley, a former K9 officer himself, said, “It’s a very special bond that is shared. We appreciate Joker’s dedication and we’ll never forget his outstanding contributions as a reliable and devoted canine who earned his badge.”

The Sheriff's Office put together a tribute video for K9 Joker. Click here to watch it.