In Liberty County’s Pct. 6, there is a special member of law enforcement who has been quietly making a big impact. K9 Golyo, a Dutch Shepherd and Belgian Malinois mix, works alongside Sgt. Randall Walter. Together, the duo forms a strong team focused not only on narcotics detection but also on building safer schools and stronger community partnerships across Liberty County.
Walter shared that his journey with Golyo began before February 2024.
“As a matter of fact, it was in September 2023 when [Pct. 2] Constable John Tucker, before he officially became constable, approached me,” Walter explained. “He was wanting to get out of K9, and he wanted a handler to take Golyo over. At that time, Golyo came to live with me, and we started our bonding process.”
Golyo lived at Walter’s home for months as they trained and got to know each other before officially transferring to Pct. 6 on Feb. 13, 2024.
“Once he was transferred to Pct. 6, he actually became our dog,” said Walter. “We were just housing him for Pct. 2 until that point.”
Their next milestone came quickly.
“In March 2024, we went to Worldwide K9, where Golyo was originally purchased from in 2019. We went through certification in narcotics detection and handler protection with the same instructor who trained him before,” Walter said.
After completing their training, the team was certified by the National Narcotic Detection Dog Association (NNDDA), an independent third-party organization that verifies a K9’s detection abilities. Golyo’s first NNDDA certification came on May 31, 2024, and like all working dogs, he must be recertified annually to maintain competency.
Beyond certification, the team also commits to 16 hours of monthly training.
“We do it anywhere we can,” Walter said. “Sometimes we use tow yards, impound lots, schools, even warehouses, anywhere that gives us a challenging environment for Golyo to learn.”
There are currently five K9s serving Liberty County — three with the Sheriff’s Office, one with Precinct 5, and Golyo with Precinct 6. Walter emphasized the spirit of teamwork among the agencies.
“Even though Golyo is assigned to Pct. 6, he is not just a Pct. 6 dog. If another department needs help, we respond.”
From school safety to narcotics enforcement, Golyo’s record speaks for itself. Since his certification in 2024, he and Walter have completed 93 deployments, searched 144 rooms, and made multiple narcotics seizures. The team’s stats include more than 177 grams of methamphetamine, 124 grams of marijuana, 859 grams of THC edibles, 46 grams of assorted pills, and one firearm recovery.
Their very first arrest together came on their first day on the job.
“We responded to a call at Pine Burr Elementary after someone reported a teacher smelling like marijuana,” Walter recalled. “Golyo alerted on her car, and we found a firearm and marijuana inside.”
While narcotics detection is a major part of their role, Walter said school safety has always been their top priority.
“Our main goal with the K9 unit was not just to get narcotics off the street. It was to make our schools safer,” he explained. “A lot of what we do involves working with Cleveland ISD and local charter schools.”
Because many of their cases involve minors or school staff, their work often stays out of the public eye.
“You do not see a lot of our busts online because we protect the confidentiality of students and teachers,” Walter said.
Golyo’s calm demeanor has also made him a comforting presence in local schools.
“He is not a therapy dog, but schools have asked for him to visit after tragedies to help students,” Walter said. “He enjoys being around them, and it is incredible to see how much comfort he brings.”
Born on July 20, 2017, in the Czech Republic, Golyo even has his own passport. His strong lineage and temperament make him ideal for both law enforcement and school environments.
“He has a great mix of energy and discipline,” Walter said. “He is protective when he needs to be, but he is also gentle enough to be around kids.”
For Walter, who describes himself as a lifelong animal lover, the bond with Golyo goes beyond the job.
“I have two other dogs at home, and Golyo is part of the family,” he said with a smile. “He has taught me to trust him. He has proven me wrong more than once. When it comes down to it, you learn to always trust your dog.”
K9 Golyo continues to serve the community faithfully, whether assisting in investigations, keeping schools safe, or comforting students in difficult times.
“Every handler will tell you,” Walter said, “your dog is not just your partner, they are your teammate. And Golyo has made a real difference in our community.”
Awesome!!! Keep up the great work in our community.
You go Golyo! Make sure you keep Randy in line as well as watch his back. Don’t you just love K9’s.