Deputy’s best friend

from his work and home life.

On Feb. 13, he lost his K-9 partner Gra t, who was killed in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a suspect.

new partner in K-9 Ragnar.

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

roughout the spring, Deputy Zachary Oliver felt like something — or rather, someone — was missing

Oliver missed his partner and friend in the long weeks that followed, describing how going to work at the Je erson County Sheri ’s Ofce wasn’t the same without Gra t.

But, thanks to tremendous community support, Oliver now has a e Je co Sheri ’s O ce purchased two new K-9s, Ragnar and Rico, earlier this summer and introduced them during a special July 11 media event on the Federal Center campus. e K-9s, who have been training with their deputy partners for six weeks, will be in training for 10 more weeks. Once done, they’ll be certied for narcotics detection, track- dimeres moved to what at that time was a remote area west of Denver against the hogback. Fast forward to 2023, and the venue is looking for a new home to allow drag-race enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the sport.

“As we close this chapter, our family is taking the time to re ect on the hundreds, maybe thousands, of memories on under Mountain, and they are great memories,” Bandimere Jr. said in April.

“Our relationships with employees, racers, sponsors, sanctioning bodies, guests and service providers will remind us daily of what a privilege it’s been for my family to continue the legacy started by my parents.” ing individuals and apprehending suspects.

K-9 Rico is working with Deputy Ryan Wagner, a new handler for Jeffco. Wagner has been with JCSO for four years, including six months as a decoy for the K-9 unit.

Deputy Jim Valbert, the K-9 unit’s trainer, said his unit is now fully sta ed again with seven dog-han-

SEE K-9, P24