Sheriff’s Office Strengthens Services With New Staff and Second K-9 Team

Aug 26

Written By Columbia Community Connection

Goldendale, Wash., Aug. 26, 2025 — The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of new staff members and the upcoming swearing-in of its newest K-9, marking a period of growth and expanded services for the department.

Sheriff Bob Songer introduced Rachel Johnson as the new criminal records technician and Charlotte Flynn as the civil clerk. Johnson will oversee records, public information requests, and sex offender verifications, while Flynn will manage civil paper service, concealed pistol license applications and renewals, and fingerprinting services.

“These positions are essential to keeping both of our offices fully staffed and responsive to the public,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a release. The Goldendale office remains open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a lunch closure from noon to 1 p.m. Beginning Sept. 15, the White Salmon office, located inside the Pioneer Center, will be open 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., also closed from noon to 1 p.m.

In addition to front office support, the Sheriff’s Office is expanding its K-9 unit. On Friday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m., Sheriff Songer will swear in K-9 Zeus and handler Deputy Zack McBride during a public ceremony at the Goldendale Grange, 288 E. Darland Dr.

McBride, who recently completed K-9 Academy, will speak at the event about his training and how he was selected to partner with Zeus. The pair will join K-9 Sergeant Profi and handler Sergeant Adam Dyment, giving the department two active service dogs.

The Sheriff’s Office noted the importance of its K-9 program for both law enforcement and community safety. As a certified Washington State K-9, Zeus will be able to search for missing persons, track suspects, and locate evidence. In the near future, he will also undergo narcotics detection training. Both Zeus and Profi are Belgian Malinois-mix breeds.

The public is encouraged to attend the swearing-in ceremony to welcome Zeus and show support for the expanding Sheriff’s Office team.