November 20, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT
LIEUTENANT DAVID MOYER
(540) 928-2260
DMOYER@BOTETOURTVA.GOV
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
HONORING RETIRED DEPUTY K9 JAAP
FINCASTLE, VA – Today, we bid farewell to a true hero. The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office with sorrowful hearts shares the passing of retired Deputy K9 Jaap.
Deputy Jaap served our community fearlessly, standing as a loyal companion and an invaluable member of our team. He began his career with the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 as a cross trained patrol K9 trained in apprehension, tracking, and drug scent work. Jaap served the citizens of Botetourt for nearly 5 years on patrol as well as a member of the Emergency Response Team.
Following his retirement in March of 2022, Jaap remained in the care of his longtime handler, Deputy Kevin Smusz, and his family.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to express our immense gratitude to the Friends of Botetourt K9 for providing financial support for Jaap’s post-retirement medical and nutritional needs, to Emergency Veterinary and Specialty Services of Roanoke for their exceptional care of Jaap during his final hours, and to the Smusz family for providing Jaap a life after retirement that was filled with immeasurable love. Jaap left an indelible paw print on the hearts of the members of the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office.
“We are extremely saddened by Jaap’s passing, he was a cherished member of this office, a brave companion in the K9 Unit and we are grateful for his loyalty and service to our community”, said Sheriff Matt Ward.
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