A Habersham County Sheriff’s Office K9 team has been recognized by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for assistance leading to the capture of the man charged with shooting a north Georgia police officer.
“Habersham County Sheriff’s Deputy Holden Helcher and K9 partner Bane merit commendation for their contributions in the tracking and apprehension of the suspect (Timothy Ramsey) in the shooting of McCaysville Police Department Captain Brantley Worley,” the commendation letter reads.
“Their expertise and dedication were instrumental in the tracking of the suspect and their efforts contributed to the suspect’s quick apprehension,” GBI Special Agent in Charge Ken Howard wrote. “During this rapidly evolving situation, their professionalism and commitment did not go unnoticed. Deputy Helcher and Bane cleared multiple houses, barns, outbuildings, and wooded lots thus providing a safety net for law enforcement officers participating in the manhunt. Their commitment to applying relentless pressure within the assigned search grid forced the suspect to break cover which ultimately resulted in his arrest.”
K9 Bane was donated to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office in 2024 by United Logistics. United Logistics consists of three brothers, Tyler, Brett, and Cody Mixon, who grew up in Habersham County.
“The actions of your team, equipped with limited information, were precise, timely, and professional,” Howard wrote. “It is only through the selfless commitment of law enforcement officers like Deputy Helcher and K9 Bane that this outcome was possible. On behalf of the GBI, I commend Deputy Helcher and K9 Bane for their invaluable efforts in support of this manhunt.”
Training for K9 Bane was provided by ADZ K9 in Oakwood, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office K9 Sgt. Blake Forrester, and Hall County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units.
The community has strongly supported K9 Bane.
Just before Christmas 2024, resident Regina Patterson of Demorest donated the money to equip K9 Bane with a ballistic vest.
Helcher and Bane are one of the county’s three K9 teams. The others are K9 Roxy and Lt. Eugene Kemp and K9 Zane and Sgt. Blake Forrester.
The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office also recently received an anonymous donation for the K9 program from a retired fireman from Florida.