Wake County K-9 unit sees shake-up after deputy Ned Byrd's death

The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is changing its K-9 unit in the aftermath of the shooting death of deputy Ned Byrd, who was killed last month in the line of duty.

WRAL Investigates obtained the reassignment list from the Wake Sheriff’s Office showing promotions, transfers and demotions. It involves some of the people closest to Byrd.

Among the changes, three K-9 officers are being moved to different positions. A K-9 unit requires extensive training to match officers with the dogs, so any changes mean a whole new set of training. Byrd was part of that unit.

The sheriff’s office document shows one deputy is being reassigned as a school resource officer and another to the Tactical Response Team.

The third change, which is more notable, is that K-9 Officer Devin Richardson is being reassigned to work in detention at the county jail. The move among law enforcement is clearly seen as a demotion.

Richardson was close with Byrd and became close with his family, including helping them settle in Raleigh in the day’s following the deputy’s death. In fact, Byrd’s family requested Richardson present the sister with the flag that draped the coffin at the funeral. In most cases, the sheriff would do that.

WRAL Investigates spoke with other Wake County deputies who tell us Richardson didn’t request the transfer and is devastated by the move. So far, there is no public comment from Richardson or Byrd’s family. Some other deputies reassigned were involved in Byrd’s murder investigation.

Drivers honor Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd with memorial ride on I-440

WRAL Investigates reached out to Sheriff Gerald Baker and his team asking specifically about the changes to the K-9 unit. This afternoon, Baker provided a written response:

"With respect to your inquiry as to personnel moves within the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, reassignments have taken place and result from the needs of this office in serving this county,” Baker wrote. “Additionally, reassignments broaden the experiences of deputies as they advance in their law enforcement careers.

“As to the decision regarding specific officers, as you are well aware, this would violate North Carolina General Statute provisions protecting personnel privacy. No further comment regarding this matter. Thank you for your inquiry."

The changes are the latest in a series of controversial firings, transfers and demotions that WRAL Investigates has reported on during Baker’s tenure in office. Several former employees have sued for wrongful termination. To date, one was settled for monetary compensation, one was dismissed and another lawsuit filed by two deputies is still pending.

Two brothers, Arturo and Alder Marin-Sotelo have both been charged with first-degree murder in Byrd’s death.