GA Deputy Fired After K9 Dies In 102-Degree Patrol Car

TRENTON, GA — A Georgia deputy has been terminated after a police K9 died in a 102-degree patrol car Sunday, authorities said.

The Dade County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday said the heat index was around 100 to 102 degrees when new K9 Georgia, a bloodhound, was waiting on her handler in a car kennel. At the time, the unnamed handler was inside the sheriff's office, authorities said.

Multiple factors contributed to Georgia's death, including an air conditioner compressor in the patrol car that malfunctioned while the deputy was in the sheriff's office, authorities said. The compressor had to be completely replaced, they added.

Additionally, a heat alarm was not working at the time, authorities said.

"Those previous two factors, coupled with K-9 Georgia being left unattended for what we considered to be an unacceptable amount of time, contributed to her passing," authorities said in a news release.

The handler was fired from the sheriff's office, and the Dade County District Attorney’s Office will determine if prosecution is warranted, authorities said.

"We will be 100 percent transparent about this incident. After we get a decision from the Dade County District Attorney’s Office about prosecution, we will know what additional details we can (or cannot) release," authorities said.

A local family donated Georgia to the sheriff's office, authorities said. They remembered her as a sweet and goofy K9 with potential to be "the best of the best."

"Our hearts are with the Dade County Sheriff's Office. Dade County Government is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of K-9 Georgia. ... K-9 Georgia was more than a working dog — she was a beloved member of our public safety family. Her loss is heartbreaking, and we join the sheriff’s office in mourning her passing," Dade County government officials said in a statement.

In the future, the sheriff's office said agency vehicles will be taken out of service if "essential K9 equipment" is not fully working. The K9 handler policy will also be reviewed, and K9s will not be left in vehicles for long periods in the summer, authorities said.

ALSO SEE: Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap