Retired Deputy Wayne Gulsby Inducted Into U.S. Police Canine Hall of Fame

March 22, 2024

Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Wayne Gulsby of Molino was inducted into The United States Police Canine Association Region 1 Hall of Fame during a ceremony Thursday.

Gulsby’s law enforcement career began when he started working at the Escambia County Road Prison at age 20. Two years later, he transferred to the Escambia County Jail as a corrections officer. In 1001, he took over the only canine position in the jail, working with a single purpose K-9 named Magic. In 1992, he was promoted out of K-9 to the position of corporal at the jail.

While working at the jail, he attended the police academy at George Stone.

After completing the police academy at working at the jail for another nine years, he took a voluntary demotion with a pay cut to become a deputy sheriff. In 2000, he was partnered with a K-9 named Duke and assigned to the ECSO Street Crime Unit. He was assigned to do school searches and K-9 demonstrations.

He received numerous awards and certifications over the years.

Pictured: Retired Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Master Deputy Wayne Gulsby and his wife Abbie. Photos by Mary Land for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge

Comments

21 Responses to “Retired Deputy Wayne Gulsby Inducted Into U.S. Police Canine Hall of Fame”

  1. Alabama k-9 on March 24th, 2024 12:09 am

    Wayne,

    This is well deserved.

    Thank you brother for all the time you dedicated to training so many canines and their chauffeurs in Alabama.

    Matt

  2. Gary Mondello on March 23rd, 2024 11:02 am

    CONGRATULATIONS! And Thank you for your service to our community!

  3. Jeb on March 22nd, 2024 10:17 pm

    Very well deserved award for a great guy! Congratulations Wayne!

  4. Mrs. Lee Sharp on March 22nd, 2024 10:06 pm

    Congratulations!!

  5. Janine Singleton Walker on March 22nd, 2024 7:35 pm

    Congratulations

  6. Troy B on March 22nd, 2024 6:40 pm

    Congratulations to him couldn’t think of a better person to earn this I went to school with Wayne for 13 years and I am glad and proud to be able to say I know him and he has always been a good person and come from a good family he was the kind of guy that always had his act together enjoy your retirement my friend

  7. Nancy Perry on March 22nd, 2024 6:38 pm

    Congratulations Wayne!! Job well done!! Your dedication and compassion for the k-9 Officers, ECSO, your community, and your family are to be commended!! Your mom and dad would be so proud and are smiling from heaven!! Happy Birthday

  8. Frank on March 22nd, 2024 4:40 pm

    Congratulations on an awesome career cousin Wayne. I can’t think of anyone more deserving. I know you valued your K-9’s companionship on and off the job, but you can be assured they felt the same way about you as their leader.

    I hope you and Abbie have been enjoying a well-earned retirement together!

  9. Robert P on March 22nd, 2024 4:33 pm

    Congratulations Wayne, thanks for your many years of service and dedication. Hard to believe so much time has gone by. I remember when you first started with Magic. USPCA is still the best organization for K9 officers.

  10. Lavada McIntyre on March 22nd, 2024 1:53 pm

    Wayne,
    Your passion matched with your dedication has paved the way for so many others.
    You deserve this and more!
    Congratulations

  11. Cindy on March 22nd, 2024 1:25 pm

    Congratulations Wayne

  12. Pam on March 22nd, 2024 1:17 pm

    An Award well deserved

  13. Don Dixon Jr on March 22nd, 2024 12:40 pm

    Congratulations Wayne. Your service and commitment is well deserved. Enjoy your retirement.

  14. David on March 22nd, 2024 12:10 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE.

  15. Ron McNesby on March 22nd, 2024 12:09 pm

    I am Proud of you.
    You could be counted on
    anytime.
    Thank you for doing a great job

  16. Dale on March 22nd, 2024 11:44 am

    Wayne is a GREAT GUY and excellent K-9 handler. I worked with him during training our K-9’s on weekly basis and it was a pleasure to work with Wayne and see him and his K-9’s at work. CONGRATS Wayne you deserve it!!!!!

  17. J on March 22nd, 2024 10:42 am

    Awesome

  18. Molino resident on March 22nd, 2024 9:43 am

    Congratulations on your award and a fine career.

  19. Tracy Smith on March 22nd, 2024 9:17 am

    Congratulations Wayne! You deserve this for all of your hard work and dedication to the community, job, and dogs.

  20. JTV on March 22nd, 2024 8:03 am

    Congratulations Wayne, well deserved.

  21. Nancy on March 22nd, 2024 6:38 am

    Congratulations and thank you for your service!