For bloodhound Red, a retirement well deserved: Her story

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following story was compiled by the Randolph  County Sheriff’s Office.

ASHEBORO — After nearly eight years of partnership and dozens of successful searches, K9 Red — a tenacious Bloodhound known for her steady nose and gentle presence — is officially entering retirement from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) K9 Unit. Red joined the RCSO K9 Unit in March 2018. This September, she will turn 10 years old, closing out a career marked by public service, community connection and 35 successful tracks/career finds. 

Donated to serve

K9 Red came to Randolph County as a purpose-driven working dog. She was donated through the Alie Foundation by her owner, Doran Lawrence, to serve as a specialized tracking dog for law enforcement. From the start, Red was valued for the traits Bloodhounds are famous for: Persistence, focus and the ability to follow a scent trail across distance and difficult terrain. Those qualities quickly became an asset in searches that demanded patience and precision. Red and Sgt. Cody Jordan served together for nearly eight years, building the kind of handler-and-K9 bond that can’t be rushed: Consistent training, countless hours on call, and trust earned one track at a time. 

Memorable tracks

Across her career, Red’s work supported a wide range of investigations and responses, including missing people, fleeing suspects, evidence recovery and stolen property recovery. Jordan reflected on a few of her memorable finds:

■ 2018 burglary track — In her first case, deputies had responded to a burglary in progress call, where it had been reported that a male was climbing through a window. When deputies arrived on scene, the subject fled on foot, leaving behind key evidence — a shoe. K9 Red and Jordan worked a track that included navigating creeks and ultimately located the suspect. 

■ 2019 wanted-person search — Red assisted in a search for a wanted person that led to multiple arrests, demonstrating how one strong track can expand into a larger enforcement outcome. 

Deputies responded to Old US 64 in Randolph County regarding a wanted person. The offender, presumed to be armed, fled in a vehicle, and Deputies pursued into Davidson County. A short time later, the offender fled the vehicle, and the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office assisted deputies in securing the perimeter and conducting the search. K9 Red tracked from the vehicle to a residence, where the offender was located along with eight other wanted individuals, who were also arrested. 

■ Stolen motorcycle recovery — In 2000, Red’s nose contributed to the recovery of a stolen motorcycle, under-scoring her role in both public safety and property recovery cases that matter to residents.

■ May 2022 track (1.2 miles) — NC Probation and Parole called for an agency assist on Miller Mill Road, where the suspect had fled on foot, dropping his eyeglasses. K9 Red tracked for 1.2 miles, ultimately locating the suspect. The arrest made social media after being captured in a local photographer’s yard. That track was a reminder of the endurance and consistency she brought to her work even years into service. 

Ambassador

While Red’s career is defined by operational success, she also became a trusted ambassador for the Sheriff’s Office through community outreach. Residents often met her not on a track, but during a visit, a demonstration or a friendly introduction.

Red participated in outreach at schools, day cares and civic groups, and she was a regular part of the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, helping community members understand how K9 teams train and operate.

One stop became especially memorable: the West Asheboro Church of God Spring Fling. It’s where Red learned to love popcorn — a small detail that those who have worked around K9s know can become a surprisingly big part of their “off-duty” personality.

What retirement looks like

Red will spend her retirement with Sgt. Jordan, trading callouts and long tracks for the simple routines she’s earned: Leisurely mornings, rest, movie time, boat rides, plenty of popcorn and play dates with family friends, Nitro and Charger. For the community that has followed her service, a public celebration is planned to honor her career and the partnership behind it on Thursday, Aug. 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Lawn, 727 McDowell Rd., Asheboro.