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Died 9/17/24
Handler – Sgt. Shawn Peterson
Retired Iron Co. Sheriff K-9 dies
For five years, K-9 Bolos led his handler through the darkest corners of Iron County, his sharp nose tracking criminals and his loyal heart protecting the community he served. Last week, Bolos’ mission came to an end — not in a chase or a rescue, but at home, surrounded by the family who loved him. His passing at the age of 12 has left a deep void in the Iron County Sheriff’s Office, where he served from 2015 until his retirement in 2020 due to arthritis.“Arthritis is pretty common with police K-9s because they work so hard and the way they move their bodies in their job wears down their joints,” said Bolos’ handler, Iron County Sheriff Sgt. Shawn Peterson. For those who worked alongside him, Bolos wasn’t just a dog with a badge. He was a trusted partner, a protector, and a hero, whose legacy is as much about the lives he saved as the bonds he formed along the way. “He was my partner,” Peterson said. “We were on call 24/7 and together nonstop. It’s not like other partners where you go to separate homes at the end of the day, Bolos and I went home together.”Bolos’ impact extends far beyond his regular patrol duties. There were times when sheriff’s deputies turned to Bolos in tense situations to help ease fears and defuse a situation. In those moments, Bolos wasn’t just a K-9—his steady reassurance made all the difference.Sheriff Ken Carpenter spoke about Bolos’ value to the department, calling him “a huge asset to the county” and “one of the best dogs” he’s ever seen.From his experience as a Marine in Afghanistan, where dogs were vital to military missions, to his years in local law enforcement, Carpenter has spent 40 years working with K-9s. Yet, he ranks Bolos among the top three. Carpenter credits Bolos’ success in part to Peterson, comparing their partnership to a rodeo, where success of a competition depends equally on both the rider and the animal.“It wasn’t just Bolos — it was how he and Shawn worked together. That partnership is what set them apart as one of the best teams I’ve ever seen,” he said.After stepping away from his police duties, Bolos settled into home life, becoming a beloved member of Peterson’s family.But watching Bolos slow down was tough for Peterson, and leaving him at home each day after he retired was even more difficult, as Bolos didn’t understand why his partner was heading to work without him.“I would go out and start my truck, and he knew the sound of my engine. So, when I would leave, I could hear him inside letting out a big howl,” Peterson said. “These dogs live for the job and when they can’t do it anymore, it’s hard on them.” Bolos’ passing has been felt across Southern Utah, with law enforcement agencies from St. George to Cedar City paying tribute to the K-9 who was as relentless in his work as he was gentle with those he protected. His death on September 17, 2024, marked the end of a life of service, but his legacy of bravery and loyalty will endure in the stories, the lives, and the hearts of those he touched.
