The Orange County Sheriff Department’s K9 Unit is saddened to announce the passing of retired Police Service Dog, “Sando”.
Sando was an 11-year-old Belgian Dutch Shepherd. He passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020 after a long and successful career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
PSD Sando was born on March 15, 2009 and was raised in Europe to become a police dog. In January 2013, Sando became the newest member of OCSD’s K9 team.
Sando’s partner, Deputy Bill Burk, successfully completed canine handler school and the pair was certified as a team on March 1, 2013. Throughout Sando’s career, he helped Deputy Burk by encouraging 154 felony suspects to surrender to his intimidating bark. Sando also apprehended nine suspects who refused to surrender. Along with his ability to locate dangerous suspects, he also assisted in narcotic sniffs and located more than 15 pounds of methamphetamine, 10 pounds of heroin, 16 pounds of cocaine, 7 pounds of marijuana and a seizure of $95,000 associated with the sales of narcotics.
Sando was a beloved member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the citizens of Orange County. He performed K9 demonstrations on a regular basis and amazed thousands of children and adults with his obedience and fearless apprehensions.
Sando retired in February 2018, when Deputy Burk promoted to the rank of sergeant. Sando learned to love the life of being a family pet, but deep down he would always be a police dog.
Sando will be deeply missed by his partner, Sergeant Burk, his family, the citizens of Orange County and the men and woman of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who had the honor of working with him.
