It is with profound sadness that the Commissioners of the Town of Ridgely announce the passing of former Ridgely Police Department member K-9 Keita.
Born on September 18, 2013, Keita was bred by noted service dog breeder Highland K9 in Harmony, North Carolina. She was purchased by the Town of Ridgely with the help of community donations and was placed into service with the Ridgely Police Department as a certified Narcotics Detection and Tracking dog. Her first handler was OFC Keith Collison.
When OFC Collison left the department in June of 2015, OFC Gordon Geesey became Keita’s new handler. OFC Geesey and Keita bonded immediately and began a 7-year journey of service together.
Throughout her career, Keita proudly and enthusiastically served the residents of Ridgely and the surrounding communities. Keita assisted in numerous successful narcotics investigations, drug scans, and tracks for the Ridgely Police Department, The Greensboro Police Department, the Federalsburg Police Department, the Denton Police Department, the Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office, the Queen Anne County Sheriff’s Office, the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police.
Perhaps Keita’s happiest times were participating in community-relation events. She loved visiting local businesses and could often be found at the Ridgely Elementary School interacting with both students and staff. Keita loved the staff at Town Hall and would often visit the office looking for hugs and dog treats. Keita enjoyed showing off her talents for curious onlookers, performing “K9 Demos” at the annual Strawberry Festival and National Night Out events.
Keita retired in the Fall of 2022 and enjoyed her transition from working dog to spoiled house pet with the family of Officer Geesey. The last years of her life were spent frolicking on her horse farm, going for long walks at Tuckahoe State Park, and attending family vacations with the other dogs in her family.
The heart-breaking decision to euthanize Keita was made after she suffered a serious medical emergency at her home. Keita peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the loving arms of her partner and best friend, Gordon, at 9am on August 12, 2025.
Keita led a healthy & prosperous life dedicated to service and sacrifice. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, Staff of the Town of Ridgely, and the many lives she touched along the way.
Rest easy, Keita. You’ll live forever in our hearts. EOW August 12, 2025.
***Anyone wishing to honor the service of K9 Keita is encouraged to make a memorial donation to the Caroline Veterinary Clinic, which is located at 9 Central Ave. Ridgely, MD 21660
