TOCCOA, Ga. — The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its beloved K-9 deputies. Champ, a 4-year-old bloodhound, died Sunday morning after an unexpected illness.
In a heartfelt social media post, the sheriff’s office called Champ a “skilled tracking K-9 who was well known and beloved throughout Stephens County.”
A sudden goodbye
According to the post, Champ’s handler, Sgt. Kiser, took him to the vet Saturday night after the dog began showing unusual behavior. While there, veterinarians found a tumor near his spleen.
“At the time, K-9 Champ was healing from what was suspected to be a simple knee injury,” the sheriff’s office explained, “and had shown no apparent signs of illness.”
During surgery to remove the tumor, hospital staff discovered that the cancer had spread to Champ’s liver, spine, kidney, and intestines. Because of the severity of the mass and the unlikelihood that he would survive, the decision was made to put Champ down, officials said.
Early Sunday morning, around 7:20, Sgt. Kiser stood beside his trusted partner as K-9 Champ was laid to rest.
A legacy of service
Though his life was short, Champ left a lasting mark on the county he served. At just 14 weeks old, he joined the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) in August 2021 as the agency’s first bloodhound and first K-9 deputy to work within the public school system.
K-9 Champ and then-Corporal Kiser, a school resource officer, were assigned to Stephens County Middle School. Together, they tracked runaway juveniles, patrolled school grounds, and helped students through difficult moments.
A favorite among children, Champ often attended ceremonies and parades, becoming the first K-9 deputy to earn an Employee of the Month award for his work in the schools.
Briefly retired, then called back to duty
In May 2024, Champ briefly retired when Kiser moved to the Uniform Patrol Division — but his retirement didn’t last long. He returned to service in January as a tracking deputy, working alongside the SCSO’s “A-Team” to locate fugitives and missing persons.
“He could bring a smile to anyone’s face, often serving as a source of joy for children, families, school staff, and our deputies on shift,” the tribute states.
The sheriff’s office described Champ as “incredibly smart, wildly strong, and outrageously loving,” adding that he “fought courageously to the end of his life like a true champion.”
“He was more than just a dog – he was a partner, a best friend, a brother in blue, and a warm hug whenever someone was in need.”
Honoring Champ’s memory
K-9 Champ is the first SCSO K-9 deputy to die while on duty.
The sheriff’s office asks the community to pray for Sgt. Kiser, his family, and all SCSO and county school employees as they grieve. A public memorial service for K-9 Champ is being planned, with details to be announced soon.
Those wishing to honor him may send flowers or gifts to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, 70 N. Alexander St., Suite 205, Toccoa, GA 30577 (C/O Champ).
