Thursday, October 1, 2026
A team of highly trained K-9 officers is making an outsized impact on the front lines of the county's fight against crime.
The canine officers, praised in regular updates from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) K-9 Unit, have been instrumental in law enforcement operations this year.
Led by experienced K-9 Mac and supported by fresh recruits like K-9 Asher, the unit has gained attention in recent high-stakes cases, helping deputies track down suspects involved in violent crimes, drug-related offenses and dangerous pursuits.
K9 Mac and his handler, Deputy Pearsall, are ready to assist in Thurston County’s law enforcement operations.
Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff's Office
K-9 Mac, one of the unit’s most seasoned dogs, has handled numerous high-profile cases.
On Dec. 23, Mac and his handler spotted a motorcyclist driving recklessly on Martin Way East.
When they attempted to stop the motorcyclist, "it accelerated at a high rate of speed on wet pavement, and a pursuit was initiated," according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspect crashed less than a mile away and attempted to flee on foot.
"(K-9) Mac was sent on a ‘direct take’ and captured the suspect himself," the department reported.
The individual, previously apprehended 47 days earlier under similar circumstances, was found with brass knuckles, a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, scales and cash.
On Dec. 11, Mac was called in after a driver fled the scene of the collision. Mac tracked the suspect along busy roads and toward a gas station, eventually leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Mac’s dedication was also on display on Nov. 20, when he tracked an assault suspect who had fled on foot. An alert resident helped guide deputies to the area, where Mac found the individual nearly submerged in a swamp.
"After a few barks, (K-9) Mac convinced the suspect to give up peacefully," the department said.
K9 Asher successfully aids deputies in apprehending a suspect wanted on a felony warrant after a standoff on Thursday, Dec. 19.
Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff's Office
K-9 Asher, one of the unit’s newest recruits, achieved his first apprehension on Dec. 19.
Deputies attempted to arrest a suspect, with a felony warrant, who was barricaded inside an apartment. When the suspect refused to surrender, despite repeated announcements, K-9 Asher was deployed.
"After announcements from the handler and some barking from (K-9) Asher, the suspect exited and surrendered without incident," the sheriff's office reported.
Asher and fellow newcomer K-9 Manny recently completed certification and began scenario-based training to prepare for fieldwork.
"If you encounter them, please join us in congratulating them," the sheriff’s office said.
Deputy Dillon and K9 Isa embody girl power in Thurston County’s public safety operations.
Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff's Office
K-9 Isa’s contributions have also drawn praise for her calm efficiency.
On Dec. 15, Isa assisted in a domestic violence case where the suspect had fled on foot. She tracked the individual through a neighborhood and into a wooded area, where the person attempted to hide.
"After a few barks, the suspect gave up and was peacefully taken into custody," the sheriff's office reported, which added, "Good girl Isa!"
Isa’s skill was also evident on Nov. 7, when she tracked a burglary suspect through thick brush following a high-speed pursuit. She located the individual nearly a mile away, securing another peaceful resolution.
K9 Igo poses after successfully tracking and apprehending a reckless driver who fled on foot following a pursuit on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff's Office
K-9 Igo’s tracking capabilities have been showcased in multiple cases this year.
On Nov. 6, Igo successfully located a suspect hiding in a retention pond after fleeing a traffic stop. His efforts resulted in the suspect’s apprehension.
A reckless driving pursuit on Oct. 2 ended with Igo tracking a suspect, who fled on foot after the vehicle spun out. The suspect ran to a retention pond and refused to surrender, but Igo located and brought the suspect into custody.
On Aug. 15, Igo helped deputies locate a domestic violence suspect, who fled on foot. Later that evening, he worked on a separate case involving a hit-and-run. He tracked the suspect into a wooded area and apprehended the suspect without incident.
Igo’s versatility was evident on June 27 when he responded to two separate calls. First, he located a hit-and-run suspect hiding in the woods. Later, he assisted deputies investigating a burglary at an elementary school, finding the suspect hiding in a trash can.
Fun fact, Igo is K-9 Isa's sibling.
The TCSO K-9 Unit, as detailed on its page, requires each dog to complete hundreds of hours of training in tracking, apprehension and obedience for real-world law enforcement work.
Beyond their operational duties, the unit connects with the public by sharing updates on certifications, milestones and successes through social media.
The expertise of these four-legged crime fighters is an asset to the department. They aid in locating missing persons, recovering evidence and managing high-risk situations.
For more updates and stories of bravery, follow the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit on Facebook, where their posts highlight the bond between handlers and their canine partners.
"Don’t run from TCSO when all five (K-9s) are on duty training. The odds are not in your favor," the office noted.
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