K-9 officer left in patrol car dies in heat

CELINA, Ohio (WANE) - The Sheriff’s Department in Mercer County, Ohio has completed its investigation into the death of a K-9 officer left in a hot patrol car.

The details of the investigation were not immediately released.  Sheriff Jeff Grey said the results would be released during a press conference, Monday at 9:00 a.m. at the office in Celina.

On Thursday, Grey announced that one of the department’s four-legged officers was found dead in a patrol car the day before.

The K-9 handler responsible for the German shepherd, Zak, found the canine in the handler’s car which was not running at the time.

Deputy Chad Fortkamp had been at the Sheriff’s office working outside of his normal shift, according to Grey.  It’s not known how long the dog had been left in the car. Grey said it appeared Zak was overcome by the heat. 

According to Grey it is normal procedure to either bring K-9 officers inside when at the station or leave them in the car with the air conditioning running.

“I have assigned Chief Deputy Thobe to do a thorough investigation into why the dog was in the car and why the car did not have the air conditioning running,” Grey said.  “Once that investigation is complete the results will be released.  At that point, a decision will be made on whether disciplinary action against the handler is warranted. ”

The Sheriff has called the death a terrible tragedy.  He said Deputy Fortkamp has never been a problem employee and did not think the handler’s actions were intentional.

“Deputy Fortkamp loved that dog almost like it was his child,” Grey said.

Zak was introduced to duty at the Mercer County Sheriff's Department in 2010.

The department has suspended its K-9 program after a second dog has died in the past three years.