K9 Joi, Pioneering Narcotics Dog, Dies at 12

Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office mourns the loss of K9 Joi, who helped build the agency's K9 program.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 4:06pm

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The Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of K9 Joi, a pioneering narcotics detection canine who helped build and define the agency's K9 program. Over her 9-year career, Joi was responsible for locating nearly $2 million in cash and almost 1,000 pounds of illegal narcotics, significantly disrupting the flow of drugs through eastern Oklahoma.

Why it matters

K9 Joi's contributions laid the groundwork for the continued success of the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office K9 unit and inspired the deputies and canines who followed in her footsteps. Her early success established the standard for the agency's interdiction operations and helped solidify the reputation of the K9 program.

The details

As the original narcotics detection dog for the department, Joi played a critical role in intercepting illegal drugs and criminal proceeds moving through the county along Interstate-40. Joi and her handler, Steven Jenkins, became one of the most recognized K9 teams in the region, being named Regional K9 Team of the Year three consecutive years.

  • K9 Joi passed away on March 4, 2026 at the age of 12.
  • Joi had a 9-year career with the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office.

The players

K9 Joi

The pioneering narcotics detection canine who helped build and define the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office K9 program.

Steven Jenkins

K9 Joi's handler, with whom she formed a close bond and became one of the most recognized K9 teams in the region.

Sheriff Larry Lane

The sheriff of Sequoyah County who said Joi's legacy lives on in the program she helped build.

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What they’re saying

“K9 Joi's legacy lives on in the program she helped build. We are grateful for her service, her impact and the example she set.”

— Sheriff Larry Lane

The takeaway

K9 Joi's pioneering work in drug interdiction established a high standard for the Sequoyah County Sheriff's Office K9 program, inspiring the deputies and canines who followed in her footsteps and leaving a lasting impact on the community's efforts to combat the flow of illegal drugs.