Deputy suspended for death of K-9

CELINA, Ind. (WANE) - The sheriff’s deputy responsible for the death of his K-9 partner has been suspended by the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department for 45 working days.

The German shepherd named Zak was found dead Wednesday in an unattended patrol car left without running air-conditioning parked at the Mercer County Sheriff’s office.

The Sheriff’s Department announced the result of its investigation into the death and the dog's handler, Deputy Chad Fortkamp’s actions in a press conference Monday.

According to Sheriff Jeff Grey, Fortkamp went into the office on Wednesday, August 1 to complete paperwork outside of his regular shift.  Fortkamp considered bringing Zak into the station but left the dog in the patrol car parked on the west side of the building.  The deputy admitted to forgetting that he had shut off the cruiser.

The dog was in the unattended car for approximately two hours before Fortkamp found him unresponsive.

An alarm system had been installed in the K-9 cruiser that would monitor temperature and react if conditions became dangerous.  When activated, the system rolled down windows, started fans in the vehicle, sounded an alarm and alerted the handler through a pager.

Grey revealed that the alarm system was disabled by Fortkamp prior to Zak’s death.  Fortkamp explained during the investigation that the alarm would sound on summer days when the deputy entered the car for his shift and provided a distraction.

In determining disciplinary action against Fortkamp, Grey said he considered all circumstances surrounding Zak’s death but could not ignore Fortkamp’s positive history with the department, the respect he had gained in the community and mostly the deputy’s honesty throughout the situation.

Fortkamp chose to read a statement to the media ahead of Monday’s press conference which proved his integrity, according to Grey.

“I would give anything to be able to bring Zak back; to be back with me.  I am sorry for what my actions have done to not only the sheriff's office, to this community but most importantly, Zak,” Deputy Fortkamp said.  “I'll always love and miss him.”

Fortkamp’s penalty equates to $6,500 in pay.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Zak to take place at the Celina Dog Park Monday at 7:00 p.m.  Members of the Sheriff’s Department would not attend as to avoid distraction according to Grey.