Dawson County Sheriff K-9 Officer Hector smiles for the camera before meeting students at a local elementary school. Photo by DCSO Lt. Brad Hardman

Hector remembered as ‘an officer and family member’

By Denise Ray This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Law enforcement officers from all over the State of Georgia attended the January 9 memorial service for Dawson County Sheriff Officer K-9 Hector. Photo by Denise Ray

A Dawson County Sheriff’s officer was memorialized in a January 9 service at Bearden Funeral Home in Dawsonville.

Hector, a K9 officer, was remembered as an officer and family member during the service.

Former co-workers, trainers, and law enforcement officers from across the state attended the service for the Belgian Malinois who died of natural causes. Often in tears, attendees listened to stories of Hector’s intimidating presence while at work apprehending suspects and his gentleness when locating missing citizens and children.

During his years of service, Hector also assisted in the many arrests of individuals for illegal narcotics, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Hector last served with Cpl. Zackary Smith.

“Hector was a huge asset not only to the sheriff’s office but to me as a person,” Smith said of his partner. “He was amazing. He was the best partner you could have.”

Not only was Hector a dedicated partner to Cpl. Smith, he was a cherished member of the Smith household.

“Hector was a playmate, he was a protector, and probably, the truth be known, a pillow, a cushion, and maybe even a horse,” Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson said.

He faithfully served the Sheriff’s Office from April 2012 until his unexpected death.