ROCKINGHAM — Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons on Tuesday announced the loss of one of his four-legged deputies.
K-9 Elizabeth “Liz” Walton passed away July 30, after four years with the sheriff’s office.
Liz, a bloodhound, was born Jan. 30, 2011 to the Kody Snodgrass Foundation, also known as 832 Deputy Dogs, based in Homosassa, Florida.
“While she was still at the foundation in Florida, Liz helped train many litters with different obstacles that they would face in their law enforcement careers,” Clemmons said. “Liz also helped in the training of new handlers on how to run a bloodhound and be successful at it.”
The sheriff’s office acquired Liz in May of 2015, with Deputy Paul McDole being assigned as her handler.
The previous month, Liz had a litter of puppies which are working in Richmond County and across the country, according to Clemmons.
“Liz was invited to train with the FBI in 2017, which she did a wonderful job and brought back a world of knowledge to the town,” Clemmons said. “During Liz’s time at the sheriff’s office, she had assisted with multiple missing person cases along with criminal cases.”
The sheriff added that Liz also helped law enforcement agencies in surrounding counties with casework.
Clemmons said two of Liz’s most celebrated achievements were locating a missing autistic boy in Richmond County and an Anson County woman with dementia who had gone missing twice.
“The boy had been located after he had fallen into some water and the female was located the second time in the water as well,” the sheriff said.
“Liz served her community very well and will be missed by all,” Clemmons said. “We know that Liz will continue to guide other handlers and bloodhounds through her spirit.”
