VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – K9 Gaston, the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office’s explosive-detection deputy, will retire on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, with a final walkout at 2 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center. K9 Gaston is retiring due to his age and the job’s physical demands. His also coincides with the expiration of his Virginia Police Work Dog Association (VPWDA) certification.
“We are sad to see K9 Gaston go. He has been a tremendous asset to the VBSO and the Virginia Beach community,” said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. “We are proud of our K9 partners and wish Gaston a long, healthy retirement.”
K9 Gaston, an 8-year-old German shepherd, joined the VBSO in 2019 thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous donor. He has been an invaluable asset, completing approximately 1,635 operational searches. His work has included searches at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Norfolk International Airport, Old Dominion University and many other locations.
K9 Gaston has also collaborated with the Virginia Beach Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Old Dominion University Police Department and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, demonstrating his dedication and skill.
Wasserhund Brewing Company in May named a beer after him – the Deputy Gaston Munich Helles Lager – as the first in the local brewery’s tribute to working dogs.
In his retirement, K9 Gaston will be adopted by his handler, Sgt. Aaron Whitehead, and will enjoy a comfortable and well-deserved retirement as a beloved house dog.
“Together K9 Gaston and Sgt. Whitehead have ensured the safety of our community over the past five years, whether at school, work, court, concerts or other events,” said Holcomb. “Good boy, Gaston! Enjoy retirement.”
Media interested in covering this event should contact Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net or 757-385-8446.