Sheriff’s department mourns retired Columbia County K-9

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the loss of a retired K-9 partner. They say Kira died from natural causes on Oct. 5.

She was born in 2009, joined the department in 2010, and worked on explosives detection, patrol, and tracking.

When Kira retired, Deputy Van Alstyne took her in as part of his family.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Van Alstyne and his family," said Sheriff David Bartlett in a statement.