Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes New K-9 Waldo

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has introduced its newest four-legged member, K-9 Waldo.

Waldo is a 2-year-old Goldendoodle who will primarily serve at the Iredell County Detention Center. Specially trained in narcotics detection, Waldo can detect the odor of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, PCP, heroin, and MDMA. His presence is expected to serve as a strong deterrent against illegal substances entering the facility and will play a key role in maintaining safety and security.

Waldo will work various shifts at the detention center, where he will assist with searching incoming mail, inspecting inmate cells, and conducting proactive sweeps throughout the facility. Officials say his skills add another layer of protection and reinforce the agency’s ongoing commitment to keeping narcotics out of the jail.

In addition to narcotics detection, Waldo is also trained in tracking. He can be deployed outside the detention center to assist deputies in the field with locating missing persons or recovering discarded or concealed evidence.

Waldo’s handler is Deputy Andrew Hess, who has been with the Sheriff’s Office since February 2020. During his tenure, Hess has served as both a Detention Center Deputy and an Inmate Transport Deputy. The pair recently completed K-9 training together and are ready to begin their new assignment.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to join them in welcoming K-9 Waldo to the agency.