April 1, 2023 - Madera County Sheriff’s Office officials report that after 7 years of service, K-9’s Arco and Gaston will be retiring from service.
Arco’s last day of patrol will be April 1st. He has been Sergeant Drew Kirchert’s partner since 2016 and was trained in both patrol functions and narcotics detection. Though not “official” team members, they have been the primary K-9 unit to assist the Madera County SWAT Team for the past three years. Arco is beginning to have issues with his hip and is now going to enjoy retirement at home with the Kirchert’s where he will be a family pet. He will enjoy laying out in the sun, playing with his doggie sister Bella, and getting extra treats. He will also enjoy walks with the family around their property.
Gaston’s last day of patrol will be April 26th. Deputy Eric Jackson and Gaston have been partners since 2016 and have trained in both patrol functions and narcotic detection. Deputy Jackson and Gaston were assigned to the POP team for over a year where Gaston assisted in the apprehension of wanted persons and locating hidden narcotics. He was also a staple at many community events throughout the county, and loved all of the extra pets. Gaston was always a welcome sight around the office in the Oakhurst Substation. He would run around the building going from office to office to say hi and look for any treats someone might have for him. He always enjoyed getting love from the office staff and other Deputies. Gaston will be enjoying retirement with Deputy Jackson and his family going on lots of walks, camping, and staying busy playing with his new puppy sibling.
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Madera County Sheriff’s Foundation for their continued support of the K-9 program. The Madera County Sheriff’s Foundation was instrumental in reestablishing the K-9 unit in 2016. Their support has allowed for the acquisition of specialized equipment for the K-9’s and the handlers. Recently, the Foundation made yet another generous donation that has facilitated the purchase of two new K-9’s to ensure our team is fully staffed with four full-time K-9’s.
Sheriff Tyson Pogue reflects, “We are proud of the many years of loyal service Arco and Gaston have given to our agency and the citizens of Madera County. Our gratitude for the ongoing generosity of the Sheriff’s Foundation to continue the legacy of excellence and specialized services of our K-9 unit is paramount as we start this next chapter.”
Join us in wishing these good boys all the pets & endless treats in this next chapter.
View video here.
Source: Madera County Sheriff’s Office
