Senior Deputy Scott Sedgwick lost his long time K9 partner “Ben” on 4-9-10. Ben had retired from the K9 unit in March of 2006. In the early part of 2008 in was discovered Ben had cancer and was beginning to have problems with his spine. After 2 years of battling the cancer Ben passed away.

Ben was born in Germany in October 1998. He was purchased by the Ventura Sheriff’s K9 Foundation in November 2002. Ben was first placed with Deputy Mike Izquierdo and they were partners for 2 years. After 2 years Deputy Izquierdo left the K9 unit with an injury. Ben was then placed with Senior Deputy Scott Sedgwick. Senior Deputy Sedgwick worked with Ben until March 2006, when Ben retired from the K9 unit at the age of 7. Ben stayed with Senior Deputy Sedgwick at his home.

During Ben’s time with the K9 unit he was a patrol / narcotic detection dog. As a K9 team Senior Deputy Sedgwick and Ben had 1,320 K9 incidents, conducted 256 building searches, 237 area searches, located 79 wanted subjects and apprehended 11 wanted subjects. They also found 125 ounces of marijuana, 166 ounces of methamphetamine, 22 ounces of cocaine, 5 ounces of heroin and 2 grams of ecstasy. They also confiscated $365,000 in drug money.

As a K9 team they also conducted 75 public demonstrations at different schools within Ventura County, community groups and various public events.

Ben you were a great partner and an awesome working dog you will be missed !!!!!!

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Senior Deputy Dean Worthy and Balu retire from the K9 unit.

After 3 years with the K9 unit, Senior Deputy Dean Worthy and K9 Balu are leaving. Senior Deputy Worthy was assigned to Detention Services as a supervisor and Balu is relaxing at Dean’s house.

During their time as a K9 team, Senior Deputy Worthy and Balu had 551 K9 incidents. They conducted 74 building searches, 88 area searches, located 27 wanted subjects and apprehended 5 wanted subjects. They also conducted 174 narcotic searches and located 66 ounces of marijuana, 40 ounces of methamphetamine, 74 ounces of heroin, 40 ounces of cocaine and 20 tablets of ecstasy.

As a K9 team they conducted 101 public demonstrations at different schools within Ventura County, community groups and various public events.

Dean and Balu — you guys will be greatly missed in the K9 unit. As a K9 team you did many great things and served the Sheriff’s Department well. Dean — good luck in your new assignment and Balu have fun swimming in the pool and playing with the family at home.