This week Deputy Jon Gadberry and K9 Donja will take their last ride together as partners, patrolling the streets, highways and neighborhoods of Marion County. Donja began her career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2010 and was our only female, patrol, K9.
Donja is a 10 year old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd Mix from Holland who served for 6 months with the US Army’s Special Forces prior to coming to the Sheriff’s Office. During her tenure she was deployed over 700 times with over 100 captures.
In November of 2014, Donja fell gravely ill with an infection that nearly killed her. But in her true warrior spirit she battled back to full health and went on to have many more successful deployments and captures. Donja was a local superstar at fairs and shows, her demeanor made her loveable to kids and a general crowd favorite for her vocal and acrobatic nature. Donja will continue to live with her handler Deputy Jon Gadberry, enjoying a life of luxury, running around the house and playing.
The Sheriff’s Office is grateful to Donja for her service and we wish her a happy and healthy retirement.
News Release from Marion Co. Sheriff’s Office
Posted on FlashAlert: January 12th, 2017 11:22 AM