Legendary GCSO K-9 Midnight dies at 14

The Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office lost a trailblazing K-9 last week. Midnight, one of the original members of the K-9 unit, died last week at the age of 14.

 “It is with a heavy heart, that we announce the passing of retired GCSO K-9 “Midnight”,” said the GCSO on its Facebook page. “K-9 “Midnight” passed quietly in his sleep at the residence of his long time partner Lt. Alex Gaston and his son Toby Gaston.

Midnight started his career at the Gilchrist County Sheriffs Office in 2012 and partnered with Gaston till the time of his retirement in 2019. He was a registered German Shepherd and had direct breeding lines to Czechoslovakia where it is said the shepherds have the best genetic makeup and temperament for police dogs.

K-9 “Midnight” was one of, if not the first K-9 trained to be a full patrol dog for the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office. He was trained and proficient in tracking, narcotics detection and fugitive apprehension. He also provided multiple demonstrations at the local schools and other civic events throughout his career. One of K-9 “Midnights” signature command and audience favorites was to play dead when his partner pointed his finger at him and said “Bang”. 

 “K-9 “Midnight” was instrumental in our ongoing mission to rid our county of dangerous narcotics,” said Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz. “K-9 “Midnight” assisted in numerous arrests and asset forfeitures in our county and struck fear in all those individuals who tried to pedal their poison in our communities. The men and women of the Gilchrist County Sheriffs Office and the citizens of our great county owe a great deal of gratitude to K-9 “Midnight” for his service and our condolences go out to Lt. Gaston and his family as they mourn the loss of this great K-9 hero.”