TOCCOA, Ga. — The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office will hold a public memorial service honoring K-9 Champ and his handler, Sgt. Kiser, on Wednesday, October 29, at 4:30 p.m. in the Tugaloo Center for Performing Arts at Stephens County High School.
A procession of law enforcement and public safety vehicles will depart from the First Baptist Church Toccoa parking lot at 4 p.m., traveling along Big A Road to the high school. Motorists should expect temporary traffic delays during the procession.
Following the service, there will be a time of visitation for family, friends, and community members to share condolences and memories. The event is open to the public, and K-9s and their handlers are welcome to attend.
Sudden loss
The memorial comes ten days after the community learned of the beloved bloodhound’s passing. Champ, who served as the county’s first school-based and tracking K-9, died on October 19 following complications from a tumor discovered during emergency surgery.
Sheriff’s officials described Champ as “more than just a dog – he was a partner, a best friend, a brother in blue, and a warm hug whenever someone was in need.”
The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office invites all who knew and loved K-9 Champ to take part in this final tribute.
