PENDLETON, OR. – The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of K9 Skoty, a Belgian Malinois who served the county since 2020 and was known both for his police work and for his engaging presence at community events.
Skoty, born June 10, 2018, in the Czech Republic, was brought to the United States in 2019 by Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania, where he began his training as a police service canine. That same year, the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office approved a proposal by Deputy Cody Marcum to reinstate the agency’s K9 program. Deputy Marcum traveled to Pennsylvania to select his partner, eventually choosing Skoty after observing his enthusiasm and compatibility during training sessions.
Following their academy training, Deputy Marcum and Skoty returned to Oregon in February 2020, where Skoty became certified for patrol and tracking through the Washington State Police Canine Association. Throughout his career, Skoty worked alongside multiple agencies and was instrumental in the apprehension of more than 50 subjects. The Sheriff’s Office noted that thanks to Skoty’s skill in tracking, none of these apprehensions required physical force, as subjects surrendered before any escalation.
K9 Skoty passed away unexpectedly while off-duty at home on May 11, 2025. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Skoty appeared to be in good health and showed no signs of medical distress before collapsing suddenly outside. Emergency veterinary services were contacted immediately, but attempts to revive Skoty were unsuccessful. His cause of death remains undetermined.
In addition to his work in law enforcement, Skoty was a familiar face at community events and was beloved by the public for his gentle, happy demeanor. The Sheriff’s Office described him as more than a working dog, calling him a deputy, a friend, and a source of comfort during challenging times.
“K9 Skoty brought smiles to the faces of many during their worst times,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “He will be truly missed.”
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office invites members of the community who wish to share condolences or memories of Skoty to contact the department.
