Indiana’s Fountain County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the loss of an officer who died while tracking three robbery suspects near Danville, Illinois.
Sheriff’s officials posted about “the passing of K9 Tyson” on the department’s Facebook page Monday.
The five-year-old German Shepard had worked for the department for four years with Deputy Andrew Krout and was called out earlier this week to track three men who allegedly robbed a Danville, Illinois Walgreens at gunpoint, Fox 59 reports.
“During this search, K9 Tyson developed minor heat exhaustion which developed into a critical case of heat exhaustion due to high outside temperature and humidity,” according to the sheriff’s department Facebook post.
“He was transported via ambulance (emergent) to the local vet office, where he was being monitored regularly by great hands. Unfortunately, K9 Tyson developed complications and ultimately succumbed.”
The sheriff’s department will hold a public visitation for Tyson on July 8 at Sterling Christian Church in Veedersburg from noon to 6 p.m. Officials will also hold a memorial service for officers and emergency personnel who worked with the dog, and are encouraging the public to line the streets for a processional following the evening service, the Journal Review reports.
“I ask for the communities (sic) help in lifting up your Fountain County Sheriff’s Department and K9 Tyson’s handler in your prayers and thoughts as we continue to push forward through this very hard time,” the department wrote on Facebook.
“K9 Tyson served us as a department and you all in this and surrounding county with pride and we will forever be grateful for his service and ultimate sacrifice to protect his citizens of this great county.”
The Facebook announcement was shared nearly 900 times and generated hundreds of comments in the last few days.
“As I watched Tyson being loaded into the ambulance, he never took his eyes off his partner Andrew,” Jeff Findlay wrote. “Total dedication and trust. Sorry for your loss Andrew.”
“RIP Officer K9 Tyson. Prayers to his human partner and family,” Connie Fenters posted. “Thank you for your incredible service. Those three scum should be held accountable for the loss of an officer. So sad!”
“I agree, they should be charged with the death of an officer!” Suchawna Simmons wrote. “Prayers to K9 Officer Tyson’s handler. He will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.”
“I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of K0 Officer Tyson,” Michael Teeguarden added. “Is there any way those criminals can be charged with the death of an officer?”
“How very sad, my heart is breaking for his handlers and all officers in Fountain County. Thank you for your service Tyson,” Viki Heffern commented. “Hope they get charged with murder.”
It’s unclear whether the criminals were apprehended, or whether they could face additional charges because of Tyson’s death.
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