Sheriff’s K-9 died Saturday

Cirka, the K-9 of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, died at Winchester Animal Hospital on Saturday, October 13, after being rushed there due to internal bleeding.

Cirka joined the Sheriffs’ Department in 2004. She came to the U.S. from the Czech Republic and was a full pedigree German Shepherd. Her handler was Sgt. Seth Place.

Cirka was trained and certified in drug detection, tracking and patrol. She earned a national award from the U.S. Police Canine Association for a long arduous track in 2008 in which two fugitives where caught in neighboring Washington County. 

Cirka was also responsible for locating over $40,000 worth of packaged marijuana in eastern Morgan County in 2009. 

In other instances, she tracked down numerous suspects and located drugs in vehicle and home searches. 
She had an excellent disposition and often conducted demonstrations in front of school children and the public. 

Cirka retired this year due to hip problems. K-9 Rex is her replacement.

She was certainly one of a kind in the world of K-9 working dogs, said Sheriff Vince Shambaugh.

Cirka is being cremated by Williamsport Pet Crematory at no cost. She will be interred privately by members of the Sheriffs’ Office.