Animal Control was a small one full time and one part-time employee part of the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department when Sgt. David Horton joined the Botetourt Animal Control force 19 years ago in 1993.  On Sunday Sept. 15, he was honored by his colleagues with a retirement picnic at Troutville Elementary School pavilion.

Many of the  members of not only the four man team of Animal Control, but from every area of the Sheriff’s Department came out to wish the affable Horton well.  A potluck picnic of just about every culinary delight one could imagine filled several tables as Horton wandered among the attendees talking and as usual, laughing.

Sheriff Ronnie Sprinkle said of Horton, “I hate to see him go. He provided a valuable service to the citizens and animal welfare  of this county. He was genuinely concerned about people, animals and safety. His efforts made the Botetourt County Animal Control part of the Sheriff’s Department an exceptional unit. It is one of the best around the Roanoke. He will be missed.”

Horton said, “I am humbled by the support shown here today. I never expected so many people to come out to wish me well. Things changed tremendously over my career. In the  beginning it was just Lisa Wine and me. We never saw Pit Bulls or much dangerous activity. But times changed and  it has kept four of us very busy answering all of the calls.”

What did Horton think his accomplishments were? “Well, I got the records on the computer, we hired three more officers, but I had great people to work with. Sheriff Sprinkle has always been a great help to our efforts.” So what now? “I don’t plan to sit around, but I will enjoy my retirement. He said with a twinkle, “You will see me around.”

Horton’s final comment, “We have the best Sheriff’s Department in the whole State of Virginia and I know it to be true.”