“There’s a big hole in our family’s heart today,” Webster Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Aaron Barnes wrote on his Facebook page a few weeks ago. “Preacher crossed over the rainbow bridge.”
On duty, Preacher was Sgt. Barnes’ K9 partner. The two had patrolled together, caught bad guys together and helped take a huge amount of illegal narcotics out of circulation together.
They first partnered in 2019 and worked until Preacher’s retirement in November, 2023. Preacher’s 10-7 “out of service” call came in late July.
Preacher had always been considered a part of the family for the past six years, but in his retirement he became even more connected. Barnes said the former officer had become completely spoiled by his two children and his wife.
“My wife told me that he now belonged to the family, and she and the kids took over,” Barnes said. “I have no idea how many hot dogs she fed Preacher since he retired, but it’s too many to count.”
During his career, Preacher was “…always ready to work and always by my side,” Barnes said. “I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed anything more during my time in law enforcement than working with him.”
Barnes said he and his family have many memories of their time with Preacher.
“Preacher was loved so much and will be missed tremendously. Always a ‘Good Boy,’” Barnes wrote in his final tribute.