The Pickett County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the passing of former Deputy K9 Yuri. Yuri began his service with the Pickett County Sheriff’s Office in 2008 with K9 officer Steve Wilber and continued his whole career along Wilber’s side. During K9 Yuri’s career he made numerous narcotic cases and was often an asset to neighboring agencies who requested his assistance for tracking purposes. Yuri was diagnosed with cancer and was therefore retired to spend his final years with his handler. Unfortunately, K9 Yuri’s condition progressed quickly and he passed away peacefully in his handler’s arms on July 5. The Pickett County Sheriff’s Department greatly appreciate K9 Yuri’s many years of service dedicated to the county and he will be greatly missed.